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Proper maintenance is the key to keeping your ATV running as long as possible. Despite a detailed upkeep schedule, the need for repairs on a hard-working machine can sneak up on you. However, you don’t have to break the bank when buying replacement parts. Here are or best tips for affordable ATV maintenance.
Replacement ATV Tires
Your tires are the connection between you and the trail. The amount of traction you get from a worn set of ATV tires is markedly different from what a fresh set provides.
Shop now for ATV tiresThe smart move is to start putting away some cash—and search for deals as soon as you see noticeable wear on the tread.
Sometimes you can find deals on takeoff ATV tires.
With a tire budget on hand, you can search out closeout deals, year-end sales, and bargains from individuals trading in factory tread for something more exotic. Sometimes online vendors and dealerships have brand-new takeoffs that new buyers don’t want. You can buy these tires at a substantial discount over completely brand-new rubber.
ATV Brakes
If you like to roll the coals down the trail, your brakes need constant attention. Brakes wear much faster on muddy trails due to grit in the mud. If the pads on your hydraulic disc brakes wear down too much, you can overheat the brake fluid—causing the brakes to fade and lose stopping power. That’s a dangerous situation.
Check your brakes often when you ride in mud or wet trails.
You should also pay attention to the brake disc. This is one item I keep in my low-cost ATV maintenance toolbox because it is cheap enough to have an extra set or two. EBC is an excellent brand of brakes and sometimes cheaper than factory replacement pads. However, watch out for labels such as “racing approved,” which are seldom worth the extra cost.
The rear brake rotor is extremely exposed. Aftermarket rotors can be a cheaper mode of replacement.
ATV Controls
Unfortunately, all riders turn the rubber side up during a crash. That can result in an unexpected need to replace control levers or cables. The control levers are made of aluminum, which will bend before breaking. But even a slight bend could lead to a tight feeling on the levers. This could also cause the control cable to bind and prematurely wear or break the cable.
A quick flip on an ATV can bend the steering stem. This used replacement found on eBay was a quick cheap option.
Buying factory cables is always a good way to go, but for more affordable ATV maintenance, companies like Motion Pro have great replacement parts for less. When ordering online, make sure you know your machine’s exact fitment.
Foam ATV filters can be reused but you need the proper cleaning solutions.
Foam ATV filters can be reused after a good cleaning, but you still need the proper cleaning solutions. Some cleaners can destroy your filter.
Service Items
You probably paid a pretty penny for your ride, so don’t wait for a problem before freshening up your engine with small items like oil, oil filters, air filters, and spark plugs.
Engine oil is essential, but high-priced oils don’t necessarily add real benefits. I love the Motul brand, but any good oil will work fine in your machine.
Buy in bulk (a case at a time or a five-quart jug) to get a better deal. I regularly change my oil and change the oil filter and spark plug simultaneously. That’s how I know for sure that everything is in top condition. Spark plugs can be expensive, but go with a factory heat range designated for your machine, and don’t go for hyped-up “insane performance” plugs.
Shop now for ATV parts and accessoriesTake care of the ride that gives you so much enjoyment by having a dedicated ATV maintenance fund at the ready. That’s how to get great deals, save money in the long run, and keep your machine on the trails.
