Keeping Your UTV Running

You can’t fly down those muddy trails or crawl those rocky hills if your UTV is out of commission in the garage. This brief guide will help you keep your UTV in great shape throughout the year. A little bit of maintenance now keeps the fun happening all year round.

If in the course of your regular maintenance you find a major problem, take your UTV to Cool Springs Powersports. We serve Franklin, Nashville, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Dickson, and Hendersonville, Tennessee, as well as Huntsville, Alabama.

Oil

Oil is crucial in all internal combustion engines, but not all engines face the hard driving, jarring trips, and debris-filled trails that a UTV does. One small leak can drain your UTV of oil and the next thing you know, your engine is seized.You don’t necessarily have to check it every ride, but follow a schedule and check it consistently. When checking your oil, check the level, but also the color and quality of the oil. If you find unusually dark oil, or oil that has a metallic sheen, take your UTV into our service department to have them take a look at it.

Coolant

With the high demands placed on the engines of UTVs, it’s important to keep your engine cool. It’s worth the time to add on checking the coolant every time you check your oil. Check your radiator cap to make sure it fits tight and doesn’t have any corrosion, cracks, or damage to the gaskets. Top it off if it gets low, but mentally note the level every time, because consistently low coolant is a sign that you may have a pinhole in your radiator or a leak somewhere else. Never ride on low or no coolant, as this can cause your engine to overheat and seize up.

Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are key to optimal engine function. A new spark plug that fires strong will burn gas more efficiently and produce more power. Check your spark plugs to make sure they aren’t wet or blown out. Replace them when necessary, or if you think they might not be supplying a big enough spark.

Electrical

The electrical system in your side-by-side keeps the engine running and the lights powered, so you really can’t go anywhere if it’s damaged. Inspect the harness leading from the battery to make sure there’s no damage. If a system goes out, a multimeter can be used to find where the problem is. Although if you don’t already own one, you might need to head to the shop.

Fuel System

If you smell gas, you have a potential fire or explosion on your hands, so it’s time to check out the fuel system. When your UTV is parked, check underneath to look for any fuel leakages. A leaky fuel tank will need to be replaced, but a loose fuel line may only need to be tightened. If your UTV will turn over but won’t run for long, you might have a clogged fuel filter. Replacing your fuel filter will help keep things running smooth. Also, make sure to use high-octane fuel because the ethanol in lower-quality gas can gel in your tank and cause corrosion.

Tires

It’s easy to just jump in and take off when you own a UTV, but taking the extra second to walk around it and inspect the tire pressure will allow you to catch any problems before they become major headaches. A air pressure gauge will help you fill them to the manufacturer’s specifications, which will give you optimal performance and even help your fuel efficiency.

Battery

If you’re out on a long hunt or checking on a damaged line of fence when it starts to rain, you’ll want to be able to turn the key and head back to a dry room. If your battery is in bad shape, however, this might be a problem. Take a moment to inspect the battery’s posts for any corrosion. If your UTV consistently has problems starting due to the battery, it may be a bigger problem, such as the magneto.

Unlike your average sedan, UTVs are built to take a beating. You may never experience catastrophic problems. But if you want to increase the likelihood that that’s the case, a little bit of maintenance goes a long way. If you do have any major problems, take your UTV into a trusted powersport dealer like Cool Springs Powersports where the skilled technicians can take care of even the most challenging problems. Cool Springs Powersports is located in Franklin, Tennessee and serves Nashville, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Dickson, and Hendersonville, Tennessee, as well as Huntsville, Alabama. We have a reputation for friendly customer service and the best selection of parts, accessories, and UTVs in the area, so stop by and see for yourself!