Whether you rely on your UTV for daily work tasks or use it for weekend offroading, proper UTV maintenance is key to your machine’s longevity.
Though many of these maintenance tasks can be taken care of at home (with the help of a reliable UTV maintenance guide), more complex maintenance issues require some professional intervention–especially if you want to avoid injury and vehicle malfunction.
In this guide, we’ll identify what maintenance tasks you can accomplish on your own (and which might require specialized assistance).
UTV Maintenance Basics: An Introduction
Preventative maintenance is vital to being a responsible UTV owner. Here’s a comprehensive UTV maintenance guide you can follow to keep your off-road vehicle up and running year-round.
Phase 1: Engine Oil and Filter Care
With cars, you should change the oil every 3,000 miles (in an ideal world). But with UTVs, you should change the oil every 100 hours of operation or 1,500 miles, whichever comes first.
To monitor your oil levels, check the dipstick every so often to ensure that they are within range. Remember, if your oil is discolored or gritty, it’s time for an oil change.
When you change the oil, you should also replace the oil filter to maintain engine cleanliness and performance.
Pro Tip: When replacing the oil filter, lubricate the seal with a bit of fresh oil for a better fit.
Phase 2: Air Filter Maintenance
The air filter is your UTV’s first line of defense against harmful dust, dirt, and other particles. Air filters, especially dirty air filters, should be replaced after about 50 hours of UTV usage to maintain efficient engine operation.
Note: If you use your UTV in an arid environment or frequently take it off-roading, you might want to check the air filter more frequently.
The type of air filter on your UTV may vary, so check your owner’s manual for the exact model number. Rest assured, replacing the filter should only take a few minutes and requires no more than a socket or screwdriver.
Pro Tip: Always use a clean rag to wipe down the air filter box to ensure that no loose particles reach the engine.
Phase 3: Cooling System Checks
If you use your UTV for rigorous off-roading or racing, you’ll need a robust engine coolant to keep all your vital components at the right temperature. Before each ride, it’s important to check that your coolant is at the appropriate level in the coolant reservoir and that it’s not cloudy, discolored, or containing debris.
Also, be sure to check the radiator cap and hoses for signs of cracks, leaks, or brittleness. If these malfunction on the trail, your fun weekend could take a turn for the worse.
If the UTV’s coolant is consistently low, it might be a sign of leaks or loose fittings. In such cases, consider taking your UTV to a repair shop to address the identified issues.
Pro Tip: Completely replace your coolant once a season if you’re riding casually, and twice if your UTV has high mileage or is used often.
Phase 4: Tire Care and Maintenance
If you want to extend your UTV’s lifespan and keep it operating at peak performance, you won’t want to neglect regular tire care and maintenance. Routinely monitor your tire pressure and inspect for damage after every ride.
Check #1: Tire Pressure
Depending on how you use your UTV, the air pressure will vary.
15 PSI is optimal for rock crawling or working around the farm. If you’re riding at high speeds, you can inflate up to 20 PSI for more stability. As a best practice, always keep a tire pressure gauge in your glove box for use on the road.
To find your UTV’s specific tire pressure requirements, check the owner’s manual, the placard inside the frame, or the plate in the fuel tank door.
Check #2: Inspection and Replacement
Normally, you should replace your UTV tires once every six years. However, you’ll want to inspect your tires for sidewall bulges or cracks after a rough ride or at the end of each season. These might indicate you need to replace the tires sooner.
Check #3: Rotating and Balancing Tires
To achieve uniform wear on your tires, you should rotate them every 5,000 miles. By ensuring that your tires wear out evenly, you not only extend their life but also maintain the vehicle’s balance and handling.
Phase 5: Battery and Electrical System Checks
Regularly checking your battery’s charge, especially if you live in a climate with big temperature changes or if you haven’t used your UTV in a while, can help you avoid a dead battery.
When tested with a voltmeter, conventional batteries should display at least 12.6 volts and around 12.8 volts for AGM types.
If you need to replace your UTV battery, make sure that you purchase an OEM battery for the best match in performance.
Additionally, check your wiring harness from time to time for loose connections, damaged lines, or a build-up of dirt or mud. Loose electrical wiring connections can be secured using electrical tape or zip ties to prevent further damage or disconnections.
Pro Tip: During periods of inactivity, use a trickle charger to prevent battery discharge.
Phase 6: Brake System Care
You should start your brake system maintenance by checking the brake pad thickness. At least an eighth of an inch on the pad is required for optimal performance; anything less requires a replacement.
Then, check that the rotors aren’t bent, chipped, or worn. Sometimes, rocks and other debris can get caught between the rotors, brake calipers, or pads, damaging the rotor surface.
Finally, check your brake fluid levels. You won’t lose fluid unless you have a leak, so it’s worth inspecting all the brake lines and the master cylinder for any signs of leakage.
Pro Tip: It’s recommended that you flush the brake system and replace the fluid once every two years.
Phase 7: Fuel System Maintenance
To maintain your fuel system, you should check the filter, protect the fuel tank, and inspect the spark plugs.
A clogged fuel filter (due to bad gas) can cause starting difficulties, rough idling, and reduced engine power. As a precaution, the fuel filter should be checked occasionally on older UTV models and changed according to the UTV’s specific maintenance manual.
Regularly using fuel system cleaners can enhance engine performance. To prevent rust and moisture issues in metal fuel tanks during long-term storage, it’s advisable to fill them fully and add a fuel stabilizer.
Pro Tip: Always check the fuel rating for your UTV. For example, the Polaris lineup of off-road vehicles requires unleaded fuel with a 91-octane rating.
Phase 8: Drivetrain and Suspension Maintenance
For off-road UTVs, it’s important to regularly check your suspension to ensure your vehicle can handle the bumps and jolts of tough terrain. Here are some maintenance tips for inspecting the suspension system:
- Check shock absorbers for leaks, correct pressure, and accurate height.
- Lubricate high-pressure grease on pivot points and wheel bearings to prevent seizing.
- Adjust the chain tension as needed for smoother shifting.
Many of these tasks can be accomplished at home, but consult a professional if you suspect a larger transmission issue (trouble shifting, grinding gears, etc.).
Pro Tip: Grease all fittings regularly, especially immediately after the UTV has been immersed in water or has undergone a thorough cleaning.
Phase 9: Cleaning and Storage
Regular cleaning helps remove dirt and debris that can cause damage and provides an opportunity to inspect the vehicle for wear and tear.
A pressure washer is effective for cleaning packed mud, dirt, and other debris from a UTV.
If you only use your UTV for part of the year, there are some UTV maintenance tasks you can do to preserve your vehicle during long-term storage. These include:
- Add fuel stabilizer to prevent degradation and maintain the fuel system’s performance during UTV inactivity.
- Connect a battery maintainer or trickle charge to the UTV’s battery throughout the storage period to ensure it remains charged.
- Proper storage in a dry and well-ventilated area or using a breathable fabric cover can protect against sun damage, rust, and moisture accumulation
Storage & Maintenance Go Hand-in-Hand
Routine maintenance is critical for keeping your UTV in peak condition. You should make sure to frequently check all your fluid levels, keep an eye on your brake pads, and check tires for wear, at the barest minimum.
But, one of the most important steps in proper maintenance is proper storage. Prolonged exposure to UV rays, rain, or snow can damage your UTV, so storing it in a garage is your best option.
However, if you lack the space to store your UTV–whether for the short or long term–find an alternative solution.
Neighbor.com is a peer-to-peer storage marketplace with safe, local storage units for all your UTV or ATV needs. You can easily find storage spaces near your favorite trails or close to home, and they are often much cheaper than traditional storage options!
