Not having proper winter storage can expose your ATV to moisture, rust, and clogged fuel lines, leading to costly repairs.
Keep reading to protect your vehicle and ensure it’s trail-ready by spring:
Initial Preparations
Before tucking your ATV away for the cold winter months, you need to perform these two essential preparations to keep it in top shape for when you’re ready to ride again:
First, clean your ATV thoroughly. That means removing all dirt and grime from the exterior. This is especially important near the air filter, gas tank, and carburetor.
Next, inspect your vehicle for damage or wear. Specifically, check for cracks or worn parts in your metal tanks, fuel lines, and tires.
Fluid Maintenance
Old oil collects debris that can solidify and harm your engine during storage. Replace the oil and filter, then run the engine briefly to circulate clean oil.
Next, if you have a metal tank, you’ll need to completely fill it with fuel, add a stabilizer, and let the engine idle for a few minutes. It’ll go a long way toward preventing rust and protecting your fuel from freezing during harsh weather conditions.
For carbureted models, close the petcock and drain the float bowl to avoid stale fuel from causing clogs.
Battery Care
Begin by disconnecting and removing the battery from your ATV to prevent it from draining in storage. Then, clean the terminals to avoid corrosion. Be sure to store the battery in a safe place, ideally away from extreme temperatures and accidental damage.
A trickle charger is a small, low-voltage device designed to maintain your battery’s charge over long periods without overcharging it. Unlike a standard charger, which fully charges a dead battery, a trickle charger provides a steady flow of electricity to keep the battery topped up.
Simply connect it to the battery while in storage and check occasionally for leaks or corrosion.
Tire And Suspension Care
Before storing your ATV, inflate the tires to the recommended pressure. Elevating the vehicles helps to alleviate pressure on tires from constant pressure.
You can use blocks or a lift to get the vehicle off the ground, reducing strain on the tires and suspension. Then, apply fresh oil or grease to the moving suspension parts.
Protecting Against The Elements
Inflating the tires to the recommended storage pressure helps them maintain their shape during the winter months, especially as temperatures drop and air contracts.
Elevating your vehicle can also help relieve the constant pressure on the tires. To do this, use blocks or a lift to get the ATV off the ground, which reduces strain on the tires and suspension. If lifting isn’t an option, rotate the tires occasionally to prevent flat spots.
You can also apply fresh oil or grease to moving suspension parts. Lubrication prevents corrosion and ensures smooth performance when spring arrives.
Additional Tips
Before wrapping up your ATV’s winter storage, tackle these final storage tips to keep your vehicle in prime condition for the next season:
- Check and seal the air filter and intake to block cold air and moisture.
- Lubricate cables and moving parts to avoid stiffness.
- Secure loose parts and accessories for safe storage under the cover.
Conclusion
Neglecting proper winter storage can leave your ATV in worse shape than you remember, but a little prep now goes a long way. If you need dependable winter storage in Manitoba, Horizon Storage Sheds has the space and protection your ride deserves. Its durable, customizable sheds shield your vehicle from snow, cold, and moisture, preventing rust and damage while keeping it ready for action.
