Whether you’re thinking about buying a used ATV or you’re investing in a brand new one, you might be wondering how long the machine will last. There are many factors, but “high mileage” can be anywhere from 2,000 to 10,000 miles on the odometer.

Of course, if you want your ATV to last those 10,000 miles (or more), you need to take good care of it. With proper ATV maintenance, you can keep your quad rolling for years and miles to come.

Use these 11 tips to get you started and keep your ATV in great shape.

1. Wash Your ATV regularly

You might be surprised by the impact regular cleaning has on your ATV. What’s more surprising is how few ATV owners realize the importance of keeping their machine clean.

Maybe it’s because ATVs are meant to get dirty, but all that mud and debris can damage your ride. If you want your quad to perform at its peak for years to come, then hose it down regularly.

Why is washing so important? It can help keep mud and dirt out of fussy mechanical parts. It also protects parts like your CV joints. If your CV boots crack, then get dirt in them, which can damage the entire joint and axle shaft.

Radiators, air filters, and more can also get clogged. A clogged radiator can lead to overheating and a whole host of mechanical problems you’d rather not deal with. Please give it a good rinse with a power washer until the water flows through freely.

2. Check and Change the Oil

You probably know the importance of changing the oil in your car. Your ATV functions on the same principle. The oil helps keep everything well lubricated and working the right way.

Checking your ATV oil is easy, and changing it is even easier than a truck or a car. Best of all, an oil change won’t cost too much. That’s because ATV engines are much smaller than a car or a truck, so they take less oil.

Do keep in mind that ATV engines are different than a passenger vehicle. They’re far more sensitive. Always check the owner’s manual to make sure you’re using the right oil.

If you’re not sure, then check in with your local ATV mechanic. They’re likely familiar with your make and model, so they should be able to set you up with the right oil.

3. Tips on ATV Tire Pressure

Another difference between ATVs and your pickup truck is the tire pressure. ATVs are smaller and lighter, so they need smaller tires. They’re also made to grip the terrain differently.

All that translates to ATV tires operating at much lower tire pressure than your day-to-day ride. As a result, you’ll want to invest in a low-pressure tire gauge. That can help you keep an eye on the pressure.

It can be more difficult to spot low pressure and other tire problems in ATVs for that reason, although you’ll definitely notice if you have a soft tire. The problems you experience with your truck when you have a soft tire are magnified on ATVs.

On ATVs, problems with tire pressure can make the bead pop off the rim. That’s a huge hassle to fix, especially if you’re out in the back forty. In the worst-case scenarios, a problem tire could lead to a loss of control or a crash.

That’s why it’s important to monitor pressure and keep your tires at an optimal pressure for best performance.

4. Schedule Regular Checks on the Air Filter

The air filter is one of those parts that people tend to dismiss or even forget until something goes wrong. The good news is that as much as it’s often the culprit behind your engine not turning over, all the problems associated with it are easy to avoid.

Just clean the air filter out regularly. Newer ATVs usually just need a clean, while older ones should have their filters changed. You can often handle this yourself or set up a regular maintenance schedule with your mechanic.

5. The Nuts and Bolts of ATV Maintenance

You’ll also want to keep an eye on the nuts and bolts on your ATV. These are tiny parts that can cause big problems if you don’t look after them.

Bearings, bushings, and pivot points should also be inspected often. Greasing up the parts, tightening bolts, and more can keep your ATV intact. It also improves your safety when you head out for a ride.

6. Inspect Your Brake Pads

Brakes are a key component on your car, and in some ways, they’re even more important on your ATV. You never know when you’re going to need to stop on a dime.

Keep an eye out for squishy brakes, grinding, and other brake issues. Over time, your pads will wear out, so be sure to replace them on a schedule.

7. Keep Your Cool With Coolant

Your ATV has a radiator system, which uses coolant to keep it in good working order. Without coolant, the ATV can overheat and cause some big mechanical headaches.

Checking in on coolant levels and topping them up now and then is a great way to prevent something more catastrophic from happening to your ride. Coolant that’s running too hot starts changing colour, and it may have a burnt odour too.

While you’re at it, take a look at the radiator and the hoses too. A cracked or loose hose could lead to leaks. You might lose the coolant your ATV needs to keep from overheating.

Another common issue is the oil system leaking into the coolant. Coolant that’s mixed with oil has a milky appearance. You’ll want to get this fixed right away.

8. Check the Belt

Most modern ATVs run CV belt transmissions, much like snowmobiles. That does away with the need for a manual transmission and clutch, which means you can just hit the gas and go.

You still need to maintain your transmission. Over time, belts will wear out. They may get stretched or warped, which can lead to them snapping.

How you use your ATV will affect your belts. If you ride hard, the belts are going to wear out faster. If you frequently do river crossings or ride over extreme terrain, the belts will be more prone to wear and tear.

It can be tough to check ATV belts, so you’ll need to pay attention to other signs. Shifting might be the first indication something is going on beneath the hood. If you notice the ATV doesn’t shift between gears smoothly, it’s time to take it to your mechanic to get the belts replaced.

If you’ve waited too long, you might encounter the smell of burning rubber. That’s often the surest sign a belt has gone, much like it is in a car. If you happen to scent this, get your ATV to the shop stat.

9. Watch out for Water Damage

Water damage, as noted, can be tough on the belts in your ATV transmission. That’s not the only problem water can cause, though.

ATVs can go just about anywhere, but that doesn’t always mean they should. If your ATV ends up submerged, even just partially or for a short period, it could get water in the engine.

Get back to dry land as soon as possible, and dry the machine out as thoroughly as you can. After that, please schedule an appointment with your mechanic to check it over.

10. Prepare Your ATV for Storage

If you’re not going to ride for some time or you’re putting your ATV away for the winter, you need to store it the right way.

One of the best steps you can take is draining the fuel or using a fuel additive to keep the gas “fresh.” Otherwise, it could go bad and gum up your fuel pump, fuel supply line, and carburetor.

There are plenty of other tips to follow to ensure your ATV is stored the right way for winter. When you go to get it for the spring, it will be ready for more adventure.

11. Check in With Your Mechanic

Finally, schedule some regular appointments with your trusted ATV mechanic. When it comes to your ATV, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure or more.

You might see regular preventive maintenance as an extra “cost,” but taking care of small tasks like oil changes and tightening bolts can help prevent bigger problems down the line. Your mechanic may also be able to identify “big issues,” like worn belts before they become issues that leave you having to hoof it home.

Extend Your ATV’s Life

The right ATV maintenance will help you keep your ATV in great working order for all the miles to come. Working with the right mechanic can help.

Get in touch with an expert team today. Whether it’s a routine maintenance check or something bigger, an experienced trained Polaris Dealer ATV mechanic will keep your ride performing its best.