Samantha Higgins https://bossbearing.com 3m 740 #atv
The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
Owning any automobile, considering the price, is a significant investment, and this is also true for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). If you own a family ATV, commonly known as a quad bike, be it for sports or farm operations, you obviously want it to last longer. In order to benefit the most from your ATV, you need to properly care for it to ensure it serves you for as long as it can. The following are care tips that will prolong the lifetime of your family’s ATV.
1. Follow the Recommended Break-in Procedure
For a brand new quad bike, you need to follow the laid-down break-in procedure by the manufacturers. Regardless of the excitement of acquiring a new quad, you should avoid the rush of taking it out for doughnut spins and testing its maximum speed. The break-in procedure is designed to gradually attune your new ATV’s engine to running and operating conditions. The following is the right break-in procedure for your ATV:
For the initial 10 hours of operation, limit the power to half throttle while riding at different speeds. While riding during this period, it is essential not to expose your ATV’s engine to a lot of stress by avoiding climbing hills.
After 10 hours of operation, you can ride for the next 5 hours with no more than ¾ throttle.
After the introductory 15 hours, change the valves, oil, and proceed with your rides.
Failure to follow the right break-in procedure might harm the new engine and lead to a catastrophic breakdown of your ATV.
2. Routinely Wash Your ATV
Given the terrain your ATV is used to, it is completely unavoidable to have mud and dust all over your quad’s body. That said, mud and dust have the effect of increasing the degree of corrosion on metal body parts. To limit this corroding effect, which can ‘eat away’ at your machine and perhaps affect your engine’s performance, it is best to regularly wash your machine. Regular washing of your ATV will not only keep it looking good but will also keep mud and dust from clogging internal components like vents and filters.
3. Examine the Fluid Levels
Other than the gas, your ATV depends on other essential fluids to function properly. For your engine to perform properly, fluids such as oil and coolant need to be at an optimal level. It is best to make it a habit to check these levels every once in a while and change the oil whenever necessary. A few extra quarts of oil on hand can be a useful reserve to top it off or replace when necessary.
4. Inspect Vital Components
Inspecting your ATV, whether by yourself or by a mechanic from an ATV repair shop, is an important step in caring for your vehicle. It is important to take a few moments to inspect functional internal components like the CV belt transmission for any belt issues, observe the boots, bolts, nuts, and RZR wheel bearings for any looseness or alignment issues, and check the air filter to ensure it is clean.
If any of these internal components have emerging issues that may be likely to cause problems with the performance of your quad, then a routine inspection will definitely help you notice such faults and thereby take appropriate measures like repairing or getting new parts. It is wise not to ignore any mechanical or electrical issue you or the mechanic encounters, as it may have a chain effect on other components and ultimately ruin your ATV.
5. Adhere to Guidelines and Regulations
Taking precautions to avoid accidents while driving will not only ensure your safety but also ensure that your valuable quad bike remains in one piece. Your ATV comes with usage guidelines from the manufacturer that, among other directives, prohibits you from submerging your quad in water as this shortens its life. Although policies and guidelines vary from one state to another, it is best to adhere to the federal safety guidelines on use of ATVs. In most states, you are not allowed to drive your ATV on paved roads as their tires are not suitable for such environments. Contravening this guideline, for instance, will put you and your ATV at risk as handling your ride becomes difficult on paved surfaces.
Most of these care tips come along with your ATV’s user manual in case you need to refer to the directions. Besides that, you can contact a credible ATV shop for any further maintenance queries.
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