You've spent the summer using your UTV or side-by-side in the great outdoors, but now it's time for side-by-side winterizing. Winterizing UTVs combines regular maintenance with a few extra precautions to help keep your machine protected from harsh winter weather.

People in climates that get snow and freezing temperatures should consider winterizing their side-by-side or ATV. It’s also a good option if you’re planning to store your UTV for a long period of time; for example, you're off to a warmer climate for the winter or you're focused on cold-weather hobbies like skiing or snowmobiling.

Of course, it's possible to use your UTV year-round. Some people hook up plows to their UTV, using the machine to plow their driveways. Others use UTVs to explore snow-covered trails the same way they would on a snowmobile. If you'll be using your machine all year, you can skip side-by-side winterizing.

Preparing your machine for storage and colder temperatures is the main focus of winterizing, but the process also gives you the chance to do a deep clean and regular maintenance before putting it in storage. During UTV winterizing, you'll be looking over your machine carefully to spot any issues that need repair before the spring driving season kicks into high gear.

Here's your UTV/side-by-side checklist:

1. Scrub it down. Cleaning your UTV isn’t just about making it look good; you don't want all the dirt and grime from this year's adventures sitting on your machine all winter long. That can trap moisture and lead to corrosion and rust. So, start the winterizing process by giving your machine a good scrub down and a thorough rinse and dry, including the tires. Don't forget about hard-to-see areas like the undercarriage.
2. Grease and lubricate. Now that you have a clean and dry work surface, it's time to apply lubrication. Lubricant can help keep your UTV moving freely and help prevent corrosion or stiff parts during storage. Before you apply lube, look at your owner's manual, which should list any Zerk fittings on your machine. These fittings allow you to inject lube into the friction points that need it most. If you don't have these fittings, your owner's manual should describe how best to apply lube to your machine.
3. Change the oil. Oil changes are part of regular UTV maintenance. When the riding season ends, changing your oil helps prevent dirty fluid from sitting on your engine all winter. Drain the old oil, then remove and replace the oil filter. Put the drain plug back in and refill your machine with clean oil.
4. Check the coolant. Most UTVs need a coolant change every other year. While you're winterizing, check the coolant for discoloration or debris. Even if you don't notice any, it’s a good idea to flush the system every other year.
5. Clean the air filter. The air filter can become clogged or dirty, slowing the flow to your air-box and negatively affecting your engine performance. To help keep your side-by-side running well, replace or clean the air filter while you're winterizing.
6. Add fuel stabilizer. Stabilizer keeps your fuel from going bad over the winter months. To use it, fill your fuel tank, then add stabilizer. Run the engine for at least 10 minutes to make sure the stabilizer spreads through the entire fuel system. After the engine has cooled, drain the carburetor if your machine has one.
7. Fog the engine. Fogging provides a protective coating to the inside of the engine. While this can help prevent corrosion and other problems, fogging isn't appropriate for all UTVs. Check your owner's manual to see whether your machine should be fogged, and which product you should use.
8. Disconnect the battery. Disconnecting the battery helps keep it from draining over the winter. Put it someplace warm and hook it up to a battery tender to maintain charge during the cold months.
9. Prevent critters from getting in. A UTV can provide a warm and cozy home for squirrels, chipmunks and other animals. Get ahead of pest control by blocking off entrances like exhaust pipes with steel wool or duct tape to help keep creatures out. Be sure to use brightly colored materials so you remember to remove them in the spring.
10. Tend to the tires. You've already washed the tires down; now you can take a closer look and remove any debris or rocks. Then, jack up your UTV to take weight off the tires. That will help prevent flat spots from forming while the side-by-side is in storage.
11. Cover and store. Finally, tuck in your side-by-side using a UTV cover, and store it someplace secure. Covered, heated storage is best, but after proper winterizing, side-by-sides can also be stored outside.

Side-by-side winterizing can seem intimidating at first, but it's an important part of maintenance and will help keep your machine running well over the long term. You can choose to do UTV winterizing yourself or hire a pro-just don't skip it altogether.

Did you know that you can incorporate the cost of the items needed for winterization and maintenance into your Synchrony installment loan at the same time you purchase your UTV?* When bundled into your UTV purchase from an enrolled powersports dealer, this loan can help you finance vehicles like side-by-sides, plus all the extras, from accessories to approved maintenance plans.

You can also use the Synchrony Outdoors credit card to get the gear you need to winterize at any time at enrolled dealers.** Whatever the weather and whatever the powersports gear, the Synchrony Outdoors credit card can help you kickstart your great escape. Activate your adventure and apply today.