Increase the Lifespan of your Off-Road Vehicle with these 6 Habits

2. Rotate Your Tires

While you should check your tires before each trip, you also need a rotation schedule. Rotating them promotes even wear and tear and avoids unnecessary axle damage, which can get costly.

Rotating your tires requires lifting the vehicle, which means you’ll need wheel chocks for those remaining in contact with the ground. Understand the type of tires each offroad vehicle has before you begin. For example, those with staggered-size tires must keep the larger models on the back, although they can still alternate sides.

3. Check and Replace Oil and Fluids

Timely oil changes are crucial for protecting engine life. Over time, your oil’s viscosity — or lubricating thickness — breaks down, making it less effective, and dirt and debris can damage engine parts. Follow your manufacturer’s guide.

Remember your other fluids, too. Transmission fluid can be tricky. You only need to change it every 30,000 miles in most automatics but around 3,000 to 6,000 miles for manual transmissions, so consult your owner’s guide. Additionally, keep an eye on your antifreeze, brake and windshield wiper fluids, topping them off as necessary.

4. Perform Routine Inspections

Routine inspections can increase the lifespan of your off-road vehicles and keep you out of embarrassing pickles. For example, it is no fun if your Polaris gets a flat 10 miles deep into the wilderness when there’s not a can of Fix-a-Flat in sight, unless you really enjoy hiking. Checking your tires for slow leaks before departure could avert such a disaster.

To perform a routine preflight inspection, do the following:

• Check and tighten your battery cables, cleaning away any corrosion.
• Inspect anything rubber — including all belts, hoses and lines — for signs of wear and abrasions.
• Put a penny in your tire tread — you need new tires if you can see Lincoln’s head.
• Test your lights and signals, and check the battery in your key fob.

5. Read Your Owner’s Manual

Surprisingly, many owners fail to read their owner’s manual. However, it contains much of the information you need to extend the life of your off-road vehicle, like information on what to do if specific components break.

Additionally, ensure you understand your warranty terms, especially if you invest in an extended version. Know what’s covered and not, and which actions could void it. For example, many manufacturers require you to go to an authorized dealer for repairs, and failure to do so may cost you.

6. Stow Like a Pro

Your owner’s manual also contains information about the proper way to store your off-road vehicle to increase its lifespan. Some brands of ATVs may do better if you include a fuel additive before storing your ride for the winter to help the engine start faster and run more smoothly in the spring.

You should also clean your toys before storage. Now’s a good time to perform your inspection and take inventory of any parts you may need to buy. Disconnect the battery or use a trickle charger, and oil up moving parts. Elevate the vehicle to prevent flat spots on your tires, or move it every few weeks to protect your suspension. Store your ATV in your garage, shed or storage facility, or invest in a cover to protect plastic and paint from the elements.

Increase the Lifespan of Your Off-Road Vehicle

Maintaining your toys requires building the right habits to increase their lifespan. By performing the tasks above regularly, you can keep everything from trucks to dirt bikes in good running order and enjoy years of fun out on the trail.

Martin Banks

Martin Banks is the managing editor at Modded.com, where he writes about the outdoors, hunting, gear and more. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates of his work.