3 Practical Tips to Keep Your All-Terrain Vehicle Powerful as It Ages
All-terrain vehicles can be a fantastic addition to life. They simplify everything: from seeking adventure in places humans haven’t trodden before to being a luxurious presence in the garage.
Typically, ATVs can last for 10 to 20 years, i.e., deliver satisfactory performance for that period. However, this is hardly a given. A lot will depend on how you maintain your beloved vehicle; it gives what it receives.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that off-highway vehicles, including ATVs, pose a high risk of overturning and collisions. In fact, these vehicles have been responsible for 92 percent of OHV injuries in recent years. Many of these injuries can be traced to poorly maintained vehicles that outlived their safety and efficacy, perhaps before their time.
The three tips below can help you keep your ATV in enviable shape as it ages.
1. Aligned Wheels Last Longer
ATVs are known for their ruggedness. You probably take them out in all sorts of weather, in varying territories, in a quest for the unknown. During such rides, it is not only the exterior of your vehicle that becomes worse for wear. Your tires do, too.
Plenty of daily agents can cause misaligned tires.
- Sudden impact while driving
- Less-than-optimal driving habits, such as speeding around corners
- Wear and tear due to frequent use of rough roads.
Last year, the BBC reported that the UK government had launched a stringent plan to tackle the pothole problem. Potholes are another key reason for tire alignment issues, leading to uneven wear and affecting the lifespan.
A reliable way to determine if you should take your ATV for tire realignment is to be cautious of steering wheel issues. You may feel that it doesn’t center properly, causing the car to drift to one side. Pay the maintenance team a visit at least annually to address and prevent this problem.
2. Good Old R&R For Your Engine Does Wonders
It is easy to overlook engine fatigue in an all-terrain vehicle since we assume they are too powerful to succumb. Indeed, ATVs can handle rough roads and adverse weather like a pro. That said, some situations can (and do) drain the engine, demanding looking into at once.
For example, consider the roads in California. According to the National Transportation Research Group, half of the roads in Sacramento, the capital, are in poor shape. As many as 55 bridges have structural deficiencies. These circumstances make engine maintenance an essential part of Land Rover repair in Sacramento, CA.
The connection is hardly surprising.
Even though ATVs have more powerful engines than regular cars, they still face a risk of engine stalling and strain when road conditions are abysmal. Flooding can cause direct damage as water can enter the engine, while steep or uneven inclines can increase fuel consumption.
Stewart’s Automotive of Sacramento notes that engine maintenance can help to sustain the vehicle’s power and efficiency. Moreover, the availability of precision diagnostics has made it much simpler to detect any issues before they wear your car down, literally.
3. Make a Few Well-Thought-Out Performance Upgrades
All too often, car owners are tempted to embrace the shiniest new upgrade to rejuvenate their vehicles.
New tires and upholstery are one thing, but we also go for new skid plates and new exhaust systems. Even nitrous kits for that rush of intense power.
Some of these upgrades can have excellent returns on your investment. They can bring a new lease of life to an aging ATV and extend its maximum-performance life by a few years. However, not all modifications turn out to be lucrative.
Instead, you can prioritize:
- Changing the exhaust system (it also improves that classic roar we associate with adventure vehicles)
- Getting a brand-new clutch kit to deliver impressive results
- Reviewing your suspension setup, especially if you live the all-terrain vehicle to its full definition
- Changing the air filters to maximize air intake and experience better throttle response
Your local service center should be able to help you identify the best upgrades for your vehicle based on its current condition and your usage patterns.
Another crucial concern is your insurance policy: will the modifications affect your current coverage? The Mirror reports that even small changes to vehicles can void insurance if you fail to report them to your provider.
Truth be told, the link is justified. For instance, when you replace air filters, your vehicle’s performance is likely to improve. This can impact your driving capabilities. Changes to the details of insurance policies will follow.
Similarly, if you make modifications that the insurer deems as safety enhancements, your premium may actually be reduced. That’s an incentive to contact them pronto!
ATVs are brilliant companions for adventure lovers and everyone who values unexplored avenues. They make thrill-seeking much more accessible while delivering an unparalleled driving experience.
Staying up to date with their maintenance can add years to their life. It can also, as they say, add life to their years.
