Costly mistakes that could ruin your ATV

Your ATV is not just a toy; it is an investment for business or pleasure. However, one mistake could ruin your ATV and become a liability. By spending a small amount of time learning about the most costly mistakes you can make with your ATV, you’re protecting your investment in a big way.

Forget the air filter

The air filter is essential to maintain the efficiency of your engine. If your air filter is full of dirt and grime, that’s bad news for your engine. From the name of the component, its job is to filter the air that the engine needs to produce power and when it fails to do its sole duty, your ATV’s engine could be in serious need of repair.

When the air filter is dirty for a long period of time, the engine has no defense against dust and dirt. Over time, your ATV will show the symptoms of driving with a dirty air filter, including reduced performance and loss of power. If you’re not a lucky guy, your quad may need a new engine.

To avoid making this mistake, make a commitment to clean your air filter every time you take a nasty ride. A few minutes and a few dollars will go a long way toward keeping your engine in tip-top condition for years to come.

Submerge the Quad

Some people find riding their ATV through muddy terrain and shallow water to be the ultimate fun. They push their quads to the limit, measuring how many inches of mud it takes to bog down the vehicle. While the activity may be out in the open, you are putting your investment in a risky position.

Once your quad’s engine sucks up water or mud, you’re reducing the value of your investment by allowing moisture to mix with the gas and oil. So don’t be surprised if your ATV sizzles in the heat of the moment; that’s just the quad telling you it’s drowning. However, if the mistake has already been made, the best thing to do is have the vehicle towed to the nearest garage. Repairing the ATV yourself is a bad move. Don’t try to fix a bug with another bug.

spoil the fuel

Does gasoline go bad? According to a report published by CNN, it does. Apparently the gasoline left inside your fuel tank will degrade if it’s not used for a couple of months. This problem is not popular because car owners rarely leave their vehicles in the garage for an extended period of time. It’s a different story when it comes to quad owners.

Many owners are guilty of saying their ATVs have one season and two just to hope they run like new days before summer. Bad fuel can cause your vehicle to run poorly or not run at all. So if you live in an area where ATVs aren’t fun in the winter, you can mix fuel system stabilizers into your quad’s gas. According to the same report, it can extend the freshness of the gas for up to 15 months.

Keep the radiator covered

ATV owners enjoy taking their vehicles on off-road adventures. While quads are designed for that kind of use, they’re not designed to keep dirt and grime away forever. Different elements like sand, mud, and debris can get into your radiator and when that happens, your engine will absorb the heat.

A dirty radiator can cause your engine to overheat, and that’s something you don’t want to happen when you’re showing off your new vehicle to your friends. So whenever you drive through muddy or dusty terrain, make sure the radiator is serviced as well.