UTV Maintenance Tips

A little UTV maintenance goes a long way. It's helpful for keeping a utility vehicle running well, performing at its best, and staying out of the repair shop. While there are some tasks best left to professionals, there are easy projects that even beginners can handle. We've gathered up simple UTV maintenance tasks that anyone can tackle. 

For more information or to explore utility vehicles for sale in Texas, visit Richmond Equipment. Our dealership is based in Richmond, Texas, and we serve those in Houston and Rosenberg, as well.

Check The Owner's Manual

Start by consulting the owner's manual. Yes, it's not the most interesting read in the world. But this handy booklet contains valuable information specific to your utility vehicle. It'll cover what maintenance tasks are needed, how often to tackle the tasks, any specific products to use or avoid, and other advice tailored to your model.

Check The Battery

The battery needs to be functioning well for other elements of the UTV to run. Without a charged up battery, the engine won't get a spark from the plugs, gauges and lights won't work, and the ignition won't turn over. One way to keep the battery running is to regularly check the battery posts. We recommend examining the posts about once a month. Make sure they are clean! Dirty posts can end up getting corroded or getting a layer of crust around them, which can create the need for a new battery.

Inspect The Tires

Tires need to be inflated to the right air pressure. Otherwise, they face sped up wear, increased chances of a blowout, and can even reduce the UTV's fuel efficiency. Use a tire pressure gauge to measure the tires, then adjust them as needed. Try to check the tires before riding when they are cold. This will result in the most accurate reading.

Monitor The Oil

Oil is crucial in keeping engine parts from damaging each other. Your utility vehicle's oil needs to be changed, similar to how your commuter vehicle's oil needs to be changed. If you notice the oil contains metal shavings, that's a red flag that parts are grinding together. Schedule a maintenance visit as soon as possible. If the oil is black or sludgy, it's due for a change.

Replace The Filters

UTVs rely on filters to keep harmful particles from damaging the engine. These need to be replaced regularly to ensure the engine stays protected. Oil filters should be replaced each time you change the oil. Air filters should be replaced every three or four oil changes. If your utility vehicle is old, it may be due for a fuel filter change.

Check The Wiring

A thrilling UTV ride involves lots of bumps and quick acceleration. But all this jostling around can lead to wires shaking loose. Keep duct tape stored in your UTV. If a wire gets out of place during a ride, you can secure it with tape. Otherwise, it's easy for the wire to get caught on a low-hanging branch and ripped out.

Inspect The Brakes

Well-functioning brakes are a crucial part of safe UTV riding. Look over the brake pad thickness, the routing of the lines, the quality of braking fluid, and whether the braking fluid needs to be topped off. When it comes to brake maintenance, it's best to leave any repairs or alterations to the professionals.

We hope you found this beginner's maintenance guide helpful. If you want more advice or want to shop UTVs for sale, head over to Richmond Equipment. Our friendly staff can answer questions, give advice, and make the shopping process easy. We are based in Richmond, Texas, and proudly serve those in Houston and Rosenberg too.