The hotter things get, the more strain it puts on your ATV. As temperatures soar, you need to start taking steps to protect your powersports vehicle. Otherwise, your ATV may suffer a breakdown. Luckily, the experts at Team Winnebagoland Powersports Center have created this guide to ATV summer maintenance.

Coolant

Coolant is the substance that your ATV uses to keep its heat levels down, so you need to pay extra attention to it during the summer months. We recommend checking your ATV’s once every three months, every 20,00 miles you travel, or every 500 hours of operation, whichever one comes first. During your inspection, check both that you have enough coolant and that the coolant is free from debris and discoloration.

Air Conditioning

Dust and debris can clog up your ATV’s air conditioning system and prevent it from doing its job. Regularly checking and cleaning your filters can help your ATV to better manage heat. You should also make sure that all the fittings and connections are tight, as well as inspect the hoses for leaks and cracks.  

Tires

While you should be monitoring the condition of your ATV’s tires no matter the weather, hot weather creates special challenges. Heat can cause your tires to expand, which increases the risk of a blowout. Luckily, tire pressure gauges are cheap and easy to obtain, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble keeping your tires in the manufacturer’s recommended range.

Watch for Overheating

Your ATV can overheat if operated for too long in hot weather. If your engine starts to get too hot, pull over so that the vehicle can cool down. If you notice that your ATV tends to overheat more easily and more frequently than it should, schedule a service appointment. This usually indicates a deeper issue with your model.

For more information or to view our selection of new and pre-owned ATVs, visit Team Winnebagoland Powersports Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. We also offer parts, trade-ins, and servicing. We are proud to serve the eastern Wisconsin area, including communities like Green Bay, Wisconsin. We hope to see you soon!