5 Tips for the Proper Storage of your ATV

The riding season is over and it is time to store away your ATV till next season. If this is the situation in which you find yourself, then proper storage of your all terrain vehicle is important for preserving the longevity of the vehicle.

Performing the proper steps necessary to prepare your ATV for storage can save a lot of time and money when it comes time to bring it out next season. Damage caused by improper storage can range from a few hundred to even a thousand dollars, but is totally avoidable with a little effort.

Many riders just tuck their all terrain vehicles in the back of the garage or storage shed, without any concern till the following season starts. By simply employing a few precautions when preparing an ATV for seasonal storage, you can save yourself a lot of headaches come next season.

The first storage tip is to be certain you are up to date on your vehicle maintenance schedule. If you are not up-to-date, this is a good time to get caught up before storing away the vehicle. Bringing the vehicle current on regular maintenance items will also save you time at the beginning of next season.

Take some time and check the fuel line to make sure you did not damage it in any way last riding season. If it is damaged, it will need to be replaced with a new fuel line. A leaky fuel line could also create a fire hazard, especially during operation, a situation you want to avoid.

The fuel tank and the fuel lines of your ATV should then be drained and cleaned, before putting the vehicle into storage. Fuel in the lines or tank can have an acidic effect and eat away at the metal. It can also begin to break down, leaving water and sediments throughout the fuel delivery system. Drain all the fuel from the tank and lines - this will save your tank, gaskets and engine parts.

Next on the list of storage tasks should be checking all the nuts and bolts on your vehicle. Make sure they are all accounted for and tightened to the ATV manufacturer's specification. If any nuts and bolts are loose, then tighten them. Check your owner's vehicle for the proper torque amounts. If they are damaged or missing, then replace them.

This is a great time to change the oil also. If the ATV is going to be sitting idle for a period of time, and there is sediment in the oil, it may solidify in the pan or on engine parts. Make certain to change the oil filter as well. After changing the oil and filter, let the vehicle run for 5 minutes or longer - this allows the oil an opportunity to circulate throughout the engine.

Before storing away your ATV, a good and thorough cleaning is appropriate. Dirt on the engine can crystallize if not cleaned in a timely manner. If you leave dirt and mud on the vehicle for extended periods of time, it can become impossible to get off without sand blasting. Search out every nook and cranny to be sure they are all free of debris.

Also important for properly storing your ATV is cleaning and lubricating all the moving parts of the vehicle, such as the drive chain. Metal parts can oxidize during storage and rust out, forcing you to replace them before riding season. By lubricating them now, you can save money later, especially when you bring the vehicle out of storage for the next riding season.

Taking the proper time and effort to prepare your ATV for seasonal storage will not only help to extend its life, but it will save you a lot of money in the end as well.