Most ATV owners make these three costly storage mistakes! Learn how to store an ATV properly with Sinwal Enterprises Inc. in Mississauga, ON. Read on, your machine depends on it!
Winter is approaching fast in Mississauga, and serious ATV riders know that properly storing an ATV can make the difference between a machine that fires up instantly next spring and one that needs expensive repairs. With Ontario's freeze-thaw cycles and high humidity, your quad faces unique storage challenges that demand more than parking in the garage.
The foundation of proper ATV storage starts with what's protecting your engine internally. Conventional oils break down during extended storage periods, leaving harmful deposits and acids that corrode internal components. AMSOIL ATV/UTV synthetic motor oils maintain their protective properties throughout winter storage, ensuring your engine stays lubricated and protected from moisture infiltration.
Drain the old oil completely before putting your machine away, and install fresh AMSOIL synthetic oil. This isn't just maintenance, it's insurance against costly spring surprises. Synthetic oil's superior flow characteristics also mean easier cold starts when you're ready to ride again.
Nothing ruins a spring ride faster than fuel system problems. Today's ethanol-blended gasoline absorbs moisture and degrades rapidly, creating gum deposits that clog carburetors and fuel injectors. Learning how to store an ATV requires the proper additives and techniques.
Once that’s done, add AMSOIL Quickshot fuel treatment to your tank before storage. This powerful additive prevents fuel degradation, cleans injectors, and eliminates the moisture problems that plague stored ATVs. Fill your tank to minimize air space and condensation, then run the engine for several minutes to circulate the treated fuel throughout the system.
For carbureted machines, consider draining the fuel entirely after treatment circulation. Fuel injection systems can typically handle treated fuel storage better than carburetors.
Your ATV's transmission and differentials contain critical fluids that need attention before winter storage. AMSOIL synthetic transmission fluids and gear lubes resist breakdown during temperature fluctuations, maintaining proper viscosity and protection throughout storage.
Check fluid levels and condition in all drive components. Dark, burnt-smelling fluid should be changed before storage. Clean synthetic fluids protect seals from drying out and prevent corrosion on gear teeth and internal components during months of inactivity.
Battery Management: Remove the battery and store it in a warm, dry location on a battery tender. Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity, and a dead battery can freeze and crack.
Air Filter Service: Clean or replace your air filter. A dirty filter retains moisture, which can damage engine components during storage.
Cooling System Flush: If your ATV is liquid-cooled, flush the cooling system with fresh coolant rated for Ontario's temperature extremes. Old coolant loses its anti-corrosion properties and can damage expensive engine components.
Understanding how to store an ATV's equipment includes protecting the exterior and choosing the correct storage location. Wash your machine thoroughly, removing all mud, salt, and debris that can cause corrosion during storage. Apply a quality protectant to plastic components and use AMSOIL Metal Protector on exposed metal surfaces.
Avoid plastic tarps that trap moisture; use breathable covers for vehicle storage. If outdoor storage is necessary, invest in a quality ATV shed or cover system that provides proper ventilation while protecting from precipitation.
Proper tire care prevents flat spots and sidewall damage during storage. Inflate tires to the manufacturer's specifications and consider moving the ATV monthly to prevent flat spotting. For long-term storage, some riders prefer placing their machine on jack stands to remove weight from the tires entirely.
Check suspension components for leaks or damage before storage. Address any issues now rather than discovering problems when riding season begins.