If you own a quad bike or ATV, and you use it for agricultural purposes, then you may choose to carry out your own servicing and maintenance.
In this post we will outline some key quad bike and ATV maintenance tasks, to help you design and implement your own ongoing servicing and maintenance schedule.
Benefits of Regular Quad Bike & ATV Maintenance
There are a number of reasons why you should commit to regular servicing and maintenance:
- Prevent breakdowns – Ongoing servicing and maintenance will keep your quad bike or ATV running at its best. You will spot potential problems as early as possible, which means you can fix them long before they cause you any real issues.
- Boost safety – Regular maintenance will help prevent tyre blowouts, engine overheating, and other potentially dangerous issues that could jeopardise your safety as a rider.
- Increase longevity – Staying on top of servicing and maintenance will help prolong the lifetime of your vehicle. You can enjoy years of reliable service while saving money on costly repairs and replacements.
How Often Should You Service Your Quad Bike or ATV?
There is no set period of time when you have to have your ATV serviced but there are some checks you should perform every day, or at least, each time you use your quad bike. There are other checks that you should perform monthly, quarterly, or annually.
But your specific servicing and maintenance schedule could vary depending on:
- The specific vehicle you are using – an older model might require more servicing than a new model, for example.
- How often you ride.
- Your riding conditions – for instance, extreme temperatures, muddy fields, and inclement weather could make more frequent services necessary.
Daily Quad Bike & ATV Maintenance Tasks
You do not necessarily have to perform these checks every single day. Rather, these are the sort of checks you should make every time you use your quad bike or ATV, before you set out.
- Check the vehicle from every angle for any signs of wear and tear, paying particular attention to the tyres for punctures, gouges, or swelling.
- Check the tyre pressure before every ride, and adjust it accordingly in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Listen to the engine for any unusual noises, and monitor the exhaust fumes for any unusual emissions or smells.
Monthly Quad Bike & ATV Maintenance Checks
- Check the oil levels, and top them up if necessary.
- Check the air filter, and aim to clean it or replace it every 500 miles or 25 hours of use.
- Inspect all of the vehicle’s bolts and hinges, and tighten them where necessary.
- Check the tension and lubrication of any of the vehicle’s chains and belts, and adjust and lubricate accordingly.
Quarterly Quad Bike & ATV Maintenance Checks
- Lubricate all chains and cables.
- Inspect the brakes for tension, and for any signs of wear.
- Check the spark plugs, and aim to replace them after every 1,000 miles of riding.
- Inspect the shock and suspension components, and look out for any leaks or cracks.
Annual Quad Bike & ATV Maintenance
- Get a full oil change at least once a year. Oil can break down over time, which can increase the wear on your quad or ATV’s engine.
- It is also a good idea to fully replace the vehicle’s transmission fluid at least once a year.
- You should also aim to fully clean or replace the air filter and spark plugs at least once a year, if not sooner, depending on how often you ride.
- Inspect the vehicle’s carburettor, and adjust the air-fuel mixture screw as necessary.
Get Specialist Quad Bike Insurance From James Hallam
James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who care about protecting your assets.
If you use your vehicle in connection with agricultural work or shoots, we can provide specialist ATV insurance that will cover you for all risks at a competitive price. You can also get additional benefits if you are a BASC member.
Learn more about our dedicated ATV and quad bike insurance services.