Like regular cars, powersport vehicles like ATVs, scooters, motorcycles, personal watercraft, and snowmobiles require regular maintenance to maintain their condition and perform optimally.
Regular maintenance also allows you to carefully inspect every component, making it easier to identify issues early before they become major inconveniences. That helps increase the vehicle's dependability and lifespan, minimize unplanned breakdowns, and save money.
Maintaining your powersport vehicle in fluctuating Michigan weather can be difficult because of extreme temperature fluctuations. However, below are some tips to keep the vehicle in the best conditions in whatever weather conditions.
Regular Inspections
Inspecting your powersport vehicle's interior and exterior allows you to spot any visible issues like leaks, worn-out parts, loose bolts, chips, cracks, etc. It saves you a lot of money to repair the problems while they are still minor because letting them escalate could mean you require replacements.
Fuel Issues
Like any other vehicle, your powersport vehicle requires good oil to keep it running correctly. When operating the vehicle, check the oil levels regularly and replenish them when necessary. You should also check the color and change the oil if it has become dark brown or black to keep your engine healthy and optimize the vehicle's performance.
Before adding fuel, read the manufacturer's guidance to determine the best oil. If you plan to use your vehicle during winter, consider using winter fuel or synthetic oil because it is thinner and flows better even in low temperatures.
It is also essential to check and replace the oil filter as needed. The oil filter captures any debris and particles in the oil before entering the engine. That maximizes the engine’s performance and prevents damage.
When storing your powersport vehicle during winter, add a fuel stabilizer to keep your fuel from breaking down. Run your engine for a few minutes after adding the stabilizer to ensure it gets to all the parts of the engine.
Fluid Checks
Besides fuel, powersport vehicles have other fluids that must be in good condition and levels for your vehicle to perform optimally. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines to check and change the coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid.
Cleaning And Lubricating
These are the simplest yet most important tasks to keep your powersport in the best condition regardless of the weather conditions. Regular cleaning, especially after snowy or muddy rides, is essential to help you prevent corrosion and rust.
You should also clean your air filter, which ensures that particles, dust, insects, and other debris don’t reach the engine, ensuring a clean air and fuel mixture for maximum performance and the engine's health.
Whether you are operating your powersport vehicle in warm temperatures or storing it during winter, it is essential to lubricate moving parts like cables, chains, and suspension components. That prevents damage from rust and ensures smooth operation.
Battery Maintenance
While batteries are among the simple vehicle parts and require minimal maintenance during the warmer months, looking after them over winter is essential to ensure they are in the best working conditions.
First, you should detach your battery and store it in a cool place. Batteries lose charge in cold temperatures, and the cool storage space will slow down that loss.
You should also ensure the battery does not lose all its charge because it might have difficulties holding charge in the future. Therefore, connect it to trickle charge or tender to maintain charge.
You should also check its posts monthly to ensure there is no white crusty corrosion and that the wires are snugly connected.
Tire Maintenance
Since powersport vehicles are made for off-roading, it is easy for them to come across things that could affect the tire pressure. Tire pressure also fluctuates with temperature changes.
Therefore, check the tires every time before you leave and ascertain that the pressure levels are according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. You should also check your tires for physical wear and tear or embedded objects that could affect their performance and replace them before they become a hazard.
When storing, the powersport vehicle will remain on its tires for extended periods, exerting much pressure on them. Therefore, experts recommend elevating your vehicle to minimize loaded pressure, which prevents flat spots and prolongs the tires' longevity.
Storage
It is essential to store your powersport vehicle in a place away from elements like the garage or trailer. The location should be temperature-controlled, dry, and with no moisture-related issues.
If you don't have such a facility, invest in a high-quality cover that protects the vehicle from elements and UV exposure. It also protects the vehicle's surface from debris or particles that could leave scratches. However, do not use a plastic cover because it could trap moisture between it and the vehicle.
Before storing your powersport vehicle for winter, it would help to wash, spray, and polish it to keep it from oxidizing.
Electrical System Maintenance
The electrical system is responsible for many vehicle operations, and you should inspect it regularly to ensure it is in the best condition.
Regularly check your signals, lights, and electrical connections to ensure no corrosion or loose wires. While some people with mechanical knowledge could do this, consider calling a professional mechanic to inspect your electrical system for accurate diagnosis and repairs or replacements.
It would help if you also used dielectric grease on your electrical connections to keep them from moisture when storing them for winter.
Conclusion
Taking care of your powersport vehicle, whether actively using or storing it, is essential for maximum performance and extended lifespan. You should remember that Michigan weather is highly unpredictable. Therefore, you must remain updated about weather forecasts to adjust your vehicle's maintenance routine.