How To Prepare Your ATV For Long-Term Storage

In some areas of the country, the winter months prove difficult for riding on trails. So ATV owners find it's best to store their 4-wheeler until their next ride!

Storing your ATV long-term does not mean simply leaving it in the garage. You'll need to prepare your ATV for its winter hibernation. This takes a bit of time! But the positive side is it prevents corrosion and damage and keeps the vehicle ready for the next ride.

When preparing your ATV for long-term storage, think a bit in terms of what to do after a day of riding. The following tips will be helpful to keep your ATV in pristine condition and ready for the coming riding season.

Thorough cleaning 

A thorough cleaning is absolutely a must. But many owners overlook or tend to forget. Everything you usually do to prepare it for the following ride day should be done, including washing, rinsing, lubricating (drive chain and anything else that needs some grease), and protecting (protectant) your plastic. The exhaust pipe is treated with WD-40 to prevent rust this time, and the opening is covered to keep bugs and dust out.  

Drain the fuel 

When gas is left sitting for an extended amount of time, it usually goes bad. It is advisable to completely drain the petrol out of a plastic gas tank if your ATV has one. Otherwise, it will go into the carburetor through fuel lines. Machines with metal tanks, depending on where you live, do the opposite. Humid areas can rust an empty metal gas tank. So the better option is to fill up and add a fuel stabilizer. Run the engine to ensure that the stabilized gasoline is distributed throughout the entire system.

Tend to the Battery

An unused battery dies pretty quickly and when left in this state ruins its lifespan. Arrange something to keep the battery charged all winter long. Don't forget to remove it from your machine first. To maintain the battery completely charged, use battery tenders.

Air up the tires

You should fill your tires to the maximum pressure because tires gradually lose air over time unless you can be diligent about monitoring them once a week. You don't want your tires to be laying on frozen concrete for the ensuing six months either. Lift the ATV off the ground using blocks to relieve pressure on the suspension.

Clean filters and oil

The oil and filter should be changed. Used oil contains dust and particles that could eventually cling to the pan and engine parts. After replacing the old filter and adding fresh oil, let the engine idle for a while to let the new oil coat the moving parts. Remove the air filter as well because rodents love to sleep on and/or store food in foam filters. Additionally, if left there all winter, it can dry out.

Cover your ATV

Cover your ATV properly. But it is advisable not to use plastic cover. Use breathable material to prevent moisture from building up and causing your ATV to rust. It may generate mold and mildew.

Endnotes

Overall, it's best to store your ATV in a dry area that doesn't get too cold. Make sure that no sunlight touches the tires or the body part in your garage or shed if it has windows. When the riding season starts, you'll be prepared to go if you use this advice for long-term ATV storage. If you are searching for a new ATV for sale then visit our website today. We will help you find the best ATV based on your budget and riding capability.