Winterizing ATVs | Synchrony Powersports

ATVs are great for splashing through mud, whipping around a race track or getting you to your favorite hunting spot. But once the snow starts to fall or the temperature dips too low for an enjoyable ride, it's time to think about ATV winterization.

Winterizing ATVs, 4x4s and side-by-sides checks off regular end-of-season maintenance and gets your machine ready to sit for the winter months, when you're more likely to be riding on skis or a snowmobile.

If you don't winterize your machine, you might discover that your ATV won't start in the spring—or worse, break down in the middle of the woods or during a long day of farm work.

Although winterizing might seem costly upfront, it's a smart financial move in the long run. For example, winterizing can protect your tires from getting flat spots, which can save you the cost of replacing them.

It's possible to use your ATV year-round, so don't be surprised if you see neighbors using tire chains or hooking up their ATV to a plow. And if you live in an area where snow is rare, you might enjoy rides or use your ATV for farm projects during all four seasons.

However, anytime your machine will be sitting for a few months, winterizing can help protect the engine, tires, fuel system and other critical parts. If you use your UTV primarily during the summer months, you can winterize after Labor Day; if you're hoping to use your UTV for hunting, you can delay 4x4 winterization until after the fall hunting season.

In short, if you're using your ATV regularly year-round you can consider skipping winterizing, but if you have an off-season, winterizing can save you money and headaches when you're ready to get back on the trails.

Keep in mind that winterizing includes regular maintenance like an oil and air filter change. If you're not winterizing an ATV, make sure you're still performing this maintenance every six months or 100 hours of driving, or 1,000 miles.

Curious about what it takes to get a quad through the winter months? As you work, be sure to inspect each part of your ATV. That way, you can perform any necessary repairs well before the muddy spring season begins.

Here's some helpful tips to help you winterize your ATV:

1. Clean your ATV. Grab your hose, soap and brushes and remove any dirt, grime and gunk. Don't forget to wash the undercarriage and other hard-to-see places, and dry them off well.
2. Apply lube. Apply a healthy layer of waterproof grease to the moving parts of your ATV. Pay particular attention to the chain, drive shaft, U-joints, CV joints, suspension, throttle cable, brake cable and clutch cable. Check your owner's manual to see if any of these require special lubrication.
3. Change the coolant. Put a pan under the radiator, then pull the drain bolt and radiator cap to let the old coolant out. Remove the air bleeder bolt from the water pump and drain that, too. Replace the pump, refill the radiator with water and add coolant according to the directions in your owner's manual.
4. Change the oil and filter. Warm up the engine, then drain your oil according to the directions in your owner's manual. Remove and replace the oil filter. Put the drain plug back in, then add the new oil.
5. Clean and treat the air filter. Rinse the filter and allow it to dry completely. Then, apply air filter oil before putting it back.
6. Fog the engine. Arguably the most important part of winterizing, fogging coats the ATV's engine parts to protect them from corrosion and other deterioration. Check your owner's manual for the specifics on how to fog your engine, and which products the manufacturer recommends.
7. Stabilize the fuel. Fill your fuel tank, add fuel stabilizer, then ride for about 10 minutes to make sure the stabilizer has reached all parts of the fuel system. If you have a carburetor, drain it after the engine has cooled.
8. Remove the battery. Follow your owner's manual instructions. Then, place the battery on a trickle charger to keep it charged during the off-season.
9. Protect the tires. Store your ATV on a stand to avoid flat spots on the tires. If that's not possible, do your best to remove any rocks or debris from the tires before storage.
10. Oil and cover the exhaust pipe. If you didn't already hit your exhaust pipe when you were lubricating the rest of your machine, apply a layer of oil to help keep rust at bay. Next, block your exhaust pipe with steel wool so no creatures climb in it over the winter.
11. Cover and store your ATV. Cover any other openings that might attract animals with steel wool and brightly colored duct tape, which will be easier to see and remove in the spring. Put on an ATV cover and store your machine someplace covered, like a garage, shed or trailer.

Before you get started with ATV winterizing, you'll need to gather supplies. Here are the items that can make storing your ATV easier and help ensure it's ready to go come springtime:

In addition to these big-ticket items, consider other consumable items and supplies, including:

• Air filters
• Air filter oil
• Bucket and sponges
• Coolant
• Fuel stabilizer
• Engine fogger
• Disposable gloves
• Duct tape or steel wool for blocking rodent entry points
• Lubricant
• Oil
• Oil filters
• Oil pans
• Waterproof grease

ATV riding can get expensive, especially during the first year when there are a lot of start-up costs. For bigger ticket items, you might consider a Synchrony installment loan, which offers flexible terms, allowing you to pay back the loan over time and make convenient monthly payments.*

For ongoing maintenance and service, the Synchrony Outdoors credit card can be used at enrolled powersports retailers for the parts, gear, accessories and even fuel you need to maintain your boat (or other powersports vehicle).** Whatever the weather and whatever the gear, the Synchrony Outdoors credit card can help you kickstart your great escape.

Activate your adventure and apply today.

*Offer subject to credit approval by Synchrony Bank.

**Subject to credit approval. See Synchrony Outdoors for details.