Maintaining your ATV
Many people take for granted that just because they paid a hefty sum for their ATVs, it will last as long as they want it to but they fail to realize that in order to prolong the life span of their ATVs, it is important that they maintain their ATVs with proper care. Or, in some cases, there are many who do not even know how to properly maintain their ATVs! At Jackel Motorsports, we strive to provide excellent after sales service to our customers and we believe in sharing with ATV riders the importance and proper maintenance of their ATVs at all times.
Keep it clean
It is best that you wash your ATV after each ride and not wait till the dirt becomes too difficult to be washed off. While you dry it off, do remember to check all the fasteners and levers and always ride your machine for about a minute to dry out the brake pads. We also recommend that you apply WD40 to all the pivots, levers and exhaust pipe to prevent rust and premature wear. To remove stubborn gasket remnants or rust from exhaust pipes, try using Scotch-Brite (or something of similar material) pads. Don't throw away your old toothbrushes as they make wonderful small parts cleaners!
Use the right tools
It is important that you use the proper tools for different parts of your ATV. Wrenches ratchets or your hands do not make good hammers. If you intend to do your own engine work, it is best that you invest in a high quality torque wrench because your engine will definitely last longer when it is properly assembled with the correct torque on the fasteners.
Recycling is the key
The next time you are done with using aerosol cans, don't just throw the plastic caps away - keep them as they make great containers for sorting parts for your ATV as well as small quantities of chemical for dipping and cleaning your machine. In this case, recycling is certainly the way to go!
Polish your ATV to keep the mud stain away
It is been said that floor polish used on the plastic parts of your ATV will not only keep your machine shiny - it will also keep the mud away. Even if you do get mud stain on the plastic, you can easily wipe it off with a damp cloth. Another way of cleaning the stains off if your machine has white plastic is to use an SOS pad - but be warned, this don't work on red plastics as the pad will leave on white streaks.
Check the tires!
Yes, this is a very important part of the ritual of maintaining your precious ATV. Before you ride on your machine, check the tire pressures, as ATV tires are inherently leaky. If you intend to ride on rocky conditions on your machine or if you are going for high speed riding, you need to run higher tire pressures for your ATV.
The above are just some suggestions on how you should maintain your ATV to give it a boost of "extra life". If you have any great ideas to share, you are always welcome to do so at the forum at www.jackel.com or www.atvoutdoors.net Your fellow ATV riders will thank you for sharing!