Most people experience a colder time of year, no matter where you’re from. It’s during those cold months that our ATV’s can be tested the most. Now, there’s two types of riders out there. There’s fair weather riders, and there’s year-round riders. The fair-weather riders tend to only ride when the weather is nice and they don’t have to be bundled up. The all-weather riders are out in the harshest conditions, riding, plowing, etc. Despite this fact, both types of ATV and Side by Side riders have to do something to make sure their ATV is ready and equipped for the colder months.

Battery

One of the largest expenses that people will incur in the winter is batteries. If you’re not continuously starting and letting your ATV run, then your battery is probably being drained. In order to prevent you from needed to purchase a battery after the winter is over, you may want to purchase a Battery Tender, or Battery Maintainer for the winter. You’ll just hook the leads up to your battery, and plug it in when you’re not using it. The good battery maintainers will keep your battery charged at the correct level, as well as, prevent any overcharging. Make sure your purchasing a tender that won’t overcharge your battery. From what I understand, as long as you do this, a battery should last you 3-4 years.

Fuel

One of the biggest issues we see when people can’t start their ATV is a fuel issue. When you leave your ATV sit for an extended period of time, it can cause a moisture build up in the fuel tank. That build-up of moisture can cause problems in your carburetor as well (if not fuel injected). Make sure you either drain your tank, or add fuel stabilizer to your ATV to prevent that moisture build up. Being a Can-Am dealer, we stock XPS fuel stabilizer for the Can-Am ATV’s and Side by Side’s. XPS makes an incredible product that will be sure to assist in keeping your ATV working, or on the trails. Contact us, or your local ATV dealer for any questions.

Oil

More times than not, when I talk to customers about their service habits, they tell me that they always get their ATV or Side by Side serviced in the spring before they do most of their riding. While, this isn’t a bad thing, I would recommend doing it before winter and using synthetic brand oil, recommended by your ATV manufacturer. Doing an oil change before winter, when your ATV is likely driven less, will assure there is fresh oil sitting in the motor and not old oil. Also, if you purchase a lower weight oil you may assure your ATV to start easier. Lower weigh oils mean the oil is thinner, and will allow the ATV to start a little easier in cold conditions. A thinner, synthetic oil should help prevent the oil from thickening in the colder temperatures. For example, Can-Am ATV’s use a semi-synthetic oil blend rated at 5W-40 for the warmer temperatures and riding condition. For winter riding, they use a 0W-40 blend that allows for use, and easy starting in the cold, harsh conditions.

Accessories

Will you be riding in the winter or letting your ATV sit? If you plan on riding, or working, with your ATV then this section is for you. There are some key accessories that you may want to think about for your winter riding conditions.

1)      Snow Tires: Purchasing a more aggressive set of tires for winter use could be the difference in traction you need to move around in the snow, or ice.

2)      Winch: If you plan on riding in the winter, whether it’s in the snow or not, a winch should be a must. The last thing you want to do is get stuck somewhere in the cold with no means of getting yourself unstuck.

3)      Plow: A snowplow will allow you to clear your sidewalk, driveway, or just clear a walking path on your favorite ice fishing spot (as was the use for the last plow I sold). Everyone has different uses, but a plow can be very useful.

4)      Handwarmers: I don’t know about you, but grabbing onto a freezing handlebar isn’t my idea of a good time. Keep your hands from freezing to them with a set of handwarmers. Most ATV dealers will be able to get you a good set of handwarmers for your quad if you ask them.

5)      Windshield and Fairing: Having a windshield on your ATV may allow you to keep that unwanted cold air from blowing on your face. Riding in 30-degree weather with a breeze can make the temperature feel like 0 degrees.

6)      Emergency Kit: As a Can-Am dealer, we now have access to a great kit sold by Can-Am. Included in this kit are Jumper Cables, Air Compressor, Tire Repair Kit, First Aid Kit, Ratchet Tie Down, Duct Tape, Tow Strap, Zip-Ties, and Cloth Rags. It provides a lot of the essentials during a situation in which you might get stuck, or need help out in the woods.

Everybody rides has different uses for their ATV. If there’s something ATV related that you have a question on, and we didn’t address, then please contact us a 717-469-4640 or email us at info@brookspowersports.com.