Winter brings about frigid temperatures and lots of snow. Maybe it’s time that you pull out your snowmobiles and hit the trails and put your ATV away for the winter. In this case, there are some things you need to know about how to properly winterize your ATV so it’s ready for the spring!l

Do I Need To Winterize My ATV?

Winter brings harsh conditions that can put even the most rugged ATVs to the test. The longevity of the battery, fuel, antifreeze, air filter, engine oil, CVT clutch, and more are dependent on effective winterization. By winterizing your ATV, you could save thousands of dollars and countless hours of hassle.

How to Winterize an ATV

Below are helpful hints on how to help your ATV survive the winter.

Storage

When not using your ATV in the winter, it’s important to store it under something that will protect it from the elements. Your garage or a trailer is a great place, but if you don’t have either, it would be smart to invest in a good vehicle cover with ventilation (depending on where you live geographically). However, before your park or cover your ATV for the duration of winter, it’s a good idea to spray, wash, and polish it. This helps to preserve the surfaces and keep it from oxidizing. 

Fuel

Taking care of the fuel in your ATV is another important factor. If you leave the fuel sitting around for awhile it will either varnish or go through “phase separation” where the ethanol actually separates from the gas and moves to the bottom of the tank. However, there is a way to prevent this from occurring, and it’s as simple as adding a fuel stabilizer to treat the gas and starting your ATV and letting it rally for about five minutes to ensure proper application. 

Battery

It’s crucial to keep your battery in fantastic working conditions. When deciding how to store your vehicle for the winter, you may want to consider taking the battery out entirely and place it on a trickle charger. This will work to keep in a good state of charge when you go to start up your ATV come spring!

Air Filter

When leaving your ATV in storage for the winter, you’re in turn exposing it to any critters that may be roaming around your garage. The last thing you’ll want to deal with when you take it back out is a nest that may have formed in the previous months. For both the safety of you and the animals, it may be smart to block off the inlet ports to air box. However, give yourself an indicator as a reminder that you did this so you can effectively unblock it when needed. 

Tires

Because you’re leaving your ATV sitting for a long period of time, it’s putting constant heavy pressure onto the tires. If it’s at all possible, it’s advisable to elevate the vehicle so there is no loaded pressure. Not only is this good for preventing flat spots, but it also helps prolong the longevity of your tires, saving you money in the end. 

Owning an ATV is a lot of fun, but with fun comes responsibility. It’s up to you to properly prepare your vehicle for winter, so come spring you can easily take it out and begin riding it again. You’ll thank yourself later if you properly take care of your vehicle today!