Like many of our renters, we love getting out and exploring Oregon’s backcountry and its seemingly endless miles of trails. Many of our facilities are within a short drive of some of Oregon’s most popular ATV trails and hunting units in communities like Bend, Hood River and Prineville. Of course, we are always bit wistful when it’s time to put away the summer and fall toys for a long winter’s rest. Our storage units make a great place to stash your ATV until next season. However, before you lock it away in hibernation, it’s important to take a few steps to make sure it’s ready to go when spring arrives. Here’s a quick rundown with some tips on winterizing your ATV.
How to Winterize Your ATV for Storage
Winterizing your ATV is an important step to take before storing it for the winter. By taking the time to winterize your ATV, you can help to ensure that it will be in good condition when you’re ready to use it again in the spring.
Why Winterize Your ATV?
There are several reasons why it’s important to winterize your ATV. First, winterizing can help to prevent damage to your ATV. When an ATV is not used for long periods of time, the fluids in the engine can become stagnant and can cause corrosion. Winterizing helps to prevent this by removing the old fluids and replacing them with fresh ones.
Second, winterizing can help to extend the life of your ATV. By taking care of your ATV during the winter, you can help to prevent problems that could lead to costly repairs.
Finally, winterizing can help to make your ATV easier to start in the spring. When an ATV is not used for long periods of time, the battery can become weak. Winterizing helps to prevent this by disconnecting the battery and storing it in a warm place.
Steps to Winterize Your ATV
Here are the steps involved in winterizing your ATV:
- Drain the fuel tank. This will help to prevent the fuel from going bad over the winter.
- Add a fuel stabilizer. This will help to protect the fuel system from corrosion.
- Change the oil and filter. This will help to remove any contaminants from the engine.
- Lubricate the moving parts. This will help to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Check the tires. Ensure that the tires are properly inflated and that there is no tread wear.
- Clean the ATV. This will help to remove any dirt and debris that could damage the ATV.
- Store the ATV in a dry place. This will help to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Disconnect the battery. This will help to prevent the battery from draining.
Tips for Winterizing Your ATV
Here are a few tips for winterizing your ATV:
- Do it early. The sooner you winterize your ATV, the better.
- Get help if you need it. If you’re not sure how to winterize your ATV, you can always ask a mechanic for help.
- Use high-quality products. When it comes to winterizing products, it’s important to use high-quality products that are specifically designed for ATVs.
- Have fun! Winterizing your ATV can be a fun way to spend a few hours.
By following these steps and tips, you can help to ensure that your ATV is in good condition when you’re ready to use it again in the spring.
Additional Tips
In addition to the steps and tips listed above, here are a few other things you can do to winterize your ATV:
- Check the coolant level. Make sure that the coolant level is full and that there are no leaks in the cooling system.
- Check the brakes. Make sure that the brakes are working properly and that there is no brake fluid leakage.
- Check the lights. Make sure that all of the lights are working properly.
- Check the air filter. Replace the air filter if it is dirty or damaged.
- Check the spark plugs. Replace the spark plugs if they are worn or fouled.
By taking the time to winterize your ATV, you can help to ensure that it will be in good condition when you’re ready to use it again in the spring.
Secure Storage offers ATV and boat storage at all our Oregon locations. You can store your four-wheeler or side-by-side in any of our units. You can store your ATV and other belongings or select a unit specifically for your vehicle. Either way, you’ll be assured that your ATV is ready to roll when the snow melts and it’s time to get back out on the trails!