Preparing Your ATV for Storage

When you’re ready to store your ATV at the end of the riding season, consult your owner’s manual again. The steps below also may be useful in extending the machine’s mechanical life.

• Clean the ATV, and let it dry. Moisture can collect on dirt and cause rust.
• Change the oil and oil filter. Dirty oil contains contaminants that may age the engine. Run the engine a few minutes to circulate the new oil.
• Drain the fuel tank, and run the engine to burn any fuel in the lines. If you don’t drain the fuel tank, at least:
  • Turn off the fuel valve.
  • Add gasoline stabilizer. The stabilizer works when added to fresh gas only. Don’t add it to older gas that’s already started to deteriorate.
• Clean all moving parts thoroughly, and lubricate them.
• Clean the air filter.
• Place plastic bags over muffler outlets to keep out moisture and rodents.
• Remove the battery, and store it separately. A battery can be damaged if left undercharged for long periods, so charge it fully once a month.
• Jack up the ATV to get the tires off the ground, or at least turn the wheels once a month so that the same spot is not always on the ground.
• Store the ATV in a cool, dry location.
• Place a porous cover over the ATV to protect it from dust.

Performing Pre-Season Maintenance

After your OHV has been in storage, inspect it and perform pre-season maintenance as described in your owner’s manual. Don’t wait until you’re ready to ride to discover you need to see a mechanic or buy a replacement part. Some areas to inspect include:

• Battery
• Oil and oil filter
• Spark plugs
• Fuel
• Lights
• Tires
• Possible rodent damage
• Other deterioration in rubber or plastic parts