How To Winterize Your Vehicle

TXPOWERSPORTS

WINTERIZING & STORAGE GUIDE

PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE FOR STORAGE

Winterizing Instructions

Proper winter storage can help protect your ATV, dirt bike, pit bike, scooter, or other powersports vehicle from moisture, corrosion, fuel problems, battery drain and unwanted pests.

Before You Store Your Vehicle

Winterizing requirements can vary by vehicle and engine type. Always follow the maintenance and storage recommendations in your owner's manual where they differ from this general guide.

1	Clean Your Vehicle

The first thing you should do before putting your vehicle into storage is give it a thorough cleaning. Remove moist mud, dirt and debris from the vehicle to help prevent corrosion and oxidation while it is stored.

Clean and lubricate the chain, pedals and control cables as appropriate for your vehicle.

Important

Make sure the vehicle is completely dry before storing it. Remaining moisture can contribute to rust and corrosion.

A coat of appropriate polish or protective product can also help keep the vehicle looking clean during storage.

2	Treat the Fuel

Treating the fuel before long-term storage can help reduce fuel-related problems and corrosion. Modern gasoline may contain ethanol, which can contribute to fuel-system issues when fuel is left sitting for extended periods.

FUEL STABILIZER

Use a fuel stabilizer suitable for your vehicle and follow the instructions and safety guidelines printed on the product.

How To Treat Your Fuel

01.	Purchase a suitable fuel stabilizer, such as Sta-Bil or Sea Foam, from an automotive parts store or another reputable retailer.
02.	Follow all dosage, application and safety instructions on the product label.
03.	Run the engine according to the vehicle and stabilizer manufacturer's instructions so the treated fuel circulates through the fuel system.
04.	The fuel stabilizer can help make restarting the vehicle easier after storage.

3	Change the Oil

Changing the engine oil is an important part of maintaining your vehicle. The original guide recommends changing the oil approximately every 20 hours of use.

After adding fresh oil, run the engine according to the manufacturer's instructions so the oil can circulate through the engine.

Storage Note: Follow your owner's manual for recommendations about whether the engine should be started periodically during storage. Do not run an engine indoors or in an enclosed area because of dangerous exhaust gases.

4	Keep Out Rodents & Other Pests

Rats, mice, squirrels and other small animals may try to make a nest inside a stored vehicle. Protect your vehicle by keeping storage areas clean and blocking appropriate openings.

Ways To Protect Your Vehicle

✓	Block appropriate openings such as exhaust openings, CVT air ducts and airbox inlet/outlet openings using suitable temporary covers.
✓	Keep garage, shed and storage-area entrances closed or protected from rodents where possible.
✓	The original guide suggests scented dryer sheets as a humane way to deter mice and other rodents.

Important: Remember to remove any temporary covers or plugs from exhaust and air-intake openings before operating the vehicle again.

5	Preserve the Battery

The battery can lose its charge during extended storage. The original guide recommends disconnecting and removing the battery for winter storage.

BATTERY STORAGE CHECKLIST

✓ Fully charge the battery before storage.
✓ Disconnect and remove it if recommended for your vehicle.
✓ Store the battery in an appropriate dry location.
✓ Use a suitable battery maintainer if required.

A suitable trickle charger or battery maintainer can help prevent the battery from becoming deeply discharged during storage. Use a charger designed for your specific battery type and follow its instructions.

6	Change or Clean the Air Filter

Regularly cleaning or replacing the air filter helps prevent dirt, sand and other debris from entering the engine.

Air Filter Service

01.	Depending on the make and model, remove the seat to access the airbox. Remove the airbox cover to access the filter.
02.	Remove the filter and clean the inside of the airbox using an appropriate cleaner and a clean rag.
03.	Inspect the filter for rips, tears or excessive contamination. Replace the filter if it is damaged or cannot be properly cleaned.
04.	If your filter is washable, clean it according to the filter manufacturer's instructions, allow it to dry completely, and reinstall it correctly.

Make sure the airbox is properly closed and sealed before storing the vehicle.

7	The Final Touches

Before putting your vehicle away for winter, complete these final storage steps:

✓	If your vehicle has a carburetor, follow the manufacturer's instructions for draining the carburetor float bowl before storage.
✓	Inflate the tires according to the storage recommendations for your vehicle. The original guide recommends slightly increasing tire pressure during storage.
✓	If appropriate for your vehicle, raise it off the floor using a suitable jack or stand to reduce prolonged load on the tires.
✓	Cover the vehicle with a suitable breathable cover or other appropriate protective covering.

VIDEO GUIDES

Helpful Winterizing Videos

Use these additional video resources for vehicle-specific winterizing information.

TXP

Watch TXP Video

Dirt Bikes & Pit Bikes

Watch Dirt Bike Video

Scooters

Watch Scooter Video

READY FOR WINTER STORAGE?

Protect It Now. Ride It Later.

A little preparation before storage can help protect your vehicle and make getting back on the road easier when riding season returns.

How To Winterize Your Vehicle

Winterizing Instructions

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How To Winterize Your Vehicle

Winterizing Instructions

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