So you finally bit the bullet and bought your dream ATV. While ATVs can be pricey, they are absolutely worth your time and money. With a Polaris ATV, you can explore all kinds of uneven terrains and go on countless off-roading adventures. If you enjoy hunting, you can go and explore further than usual. Moreover, an ATV can also prove to be a useful asset for land management and hauling tools.

Since you have invested a lot of money on a new ATV, spending even more on repairs is the last thing you want. Here are some mistakes you should avoid to prevent your ATV from breaking down prematurely. Take a look.

1. Not Bothering Breaking It In

When you buy a new ATV, immediately riding it on rough terrain is not recommended. Why? Because the ATV engine has no hours on it, and without breaking it in, you can impact its longevity. Therefore, it’s crucial to break in your ATV before you put it through the thick of it.

2. Overlooking Air Filter Cleaning

The ATV engine needs clean and fresh air to function properly. Since too much dust and grime can damage the engine, you should be on top of cleaning air filters. Ideally, you should clean your air filters after every mud ride. You may have to buy a new engine if you overlook this simple maintenance task.

3. Not Changing the Oil

An ATV’s utility may be quite different from that of a regular passenger car, but they both share similar mechanics. Just like changing the oil and other fluids is necessary for your car, you need to do the same for your ATV. It’s an easy task that will save you a lot of trouble down the line.

4. Never Cleaning It

Trying to keep your ATV sparkling clean when riding is not a realistic expectation. However, you should make sure that it’s clean once you’re done riding. Dirt buildup can corrode the paint as well as parts underneath. Make it a habit to scrub, wash and wipe the entire ATV, including the undercarriage.

5. Neglecting Loose Nuts & Bolts

Nuts and bolts may be tiny, but they do a critical job of keeping various components of your ATV together. To prevent an unexpected breakdown because of a loose bolt, you should regularly tighten all the nuts and bolts.

6. Frequently Plunging It

ATVs are suitable for exploring a variety of terrains, but that doesn’t mean it’s okay to frequently plunge them. Water can damage the engine, fuel, and other parts of your quad bike. Also, you don’t want to risk getting stuck in the middle of a creek. So if you see a water body on your ride, find a way to go around it.

7. Not Checking Tire Pressure

From debeading to losing control of the vehicle, low tire pressure is a problem in every way. In addition to checking the tire pressure before riding, keep a portable pump in your riding gear for emergencies.

8. Being Too Rough

Yes, we understand that ATVs are designed to conquer rocky trails and muddy terrains. But that doesn’t mean your quad bike is invincible. At the end of the day, every vehicle has its limitations. Go ahead and put your ATV’s potential to test but don’t keep crashing it like it’s indestructible.

9. Not Removing Bad Fuel

If your ATV was hibernating for the winter, there is a good chance that its fuel has gone bad. And this bad fuel can harm the carburetors and fuel lines. You should take your ATV to a properly ventilated area to get rid of the old fuel.

Wrapping Up

If you want to make the most of your ATV, it’s crucial to take care of all the maintenance requirements and be more mindful when riding to prevent serious damage. Hopefully, the above-mentioned tips help you keep ATV running smoothly.