Posted January 22, 2007

Winterizing Your ATV

By Doug Morris

If you take some steps before putting your ATV away for the winter it will be a lot easier to start it up and get riding later.

First, do some major cleaning, top to bottom. That means every little nook and cranny. You're going to need a good cleaner, scrub brushes and a lot of elbow grease, but it will be worth it.

Make sure you wash underneath also. Turn off the gas, set the parking brake and have a friend help you stand the ATV up. It should support itself on the rear grab bar or rack.

Once you're done cleaning your machine, dry it off and spray everything down with WD40 or equivalent. This will displace those little drops of water that are hiding and will prevent rust from forming.

Second, grab a pen and paper and carefully inspect your entire machine, writing down things that you need to fix or replace. Make a list of what you need to do and keep it with the ATV.

Make sure the lights are working, and all the wiring, levers, cables, etc. on the machine are in good shape.

If you have a 4x4, carefully inspect the rubber CV boots for any cracks or tears. If you find anything suspicious, replace the boots. Water trapped inside will cause you big heartache later.

Also, make sure you check the front and rear differentials. Are they full? What color is the oil? If the oil looks like chocolate milk that means it's contaminated with water and you should change it immediately. Change your engine oil and filter as well.

If your ATV has a drive chain, check to see whether the sprocket teeth are showing wear. If so, order a new chain and sprocket set now—don't just change the chain. But if everything looks good you can just give the chain a good lube job.

Pay special attention to where two sections are welded together when you inspect the frame, A-arms and swingarm. If you see any little rusty lines, then you should take it to a welder before the cracks get worse or break while you are riding.

Finally, with your ATV off the ground on jack stands or a hydraulic ATV jack, grab each front wheel at the top and bottom and check to see that wheel and A-arm bearings aren't wobbling around. Do the same with the rear wheels, checking the swingarm and axle bearings.

Third, take care of your fuel or you'll be sorry later with gummed up carbs. One way to handle this is to add a fuel stabilizer, following the instructions. Another option is to turn the gas off and run your ATV until it starts to sputter, and then engage the choke to burn the last bits of remaining fuel. Don't do that in an enclosed garage!

Fourth, you'll also need to pay attention to your electrical stuff before you put your ATV away for the winter.

Find your battery, which is normally under the seat. Clean the battery terminals and connect a trickle charger. If you let the battery go dead from not being used, it could die for good and you'll have to buy another battery. In inexpensive charger will keep your battery working longer, and your ATV will start in the spring.

Doug Morris is director of the All-Terrain Vehicle Association and has a lot of experience prepping his ATVs for long, cold winters in Colorado and Ohio.

© 2007, All Terrain Vehicle Association