Don't Let Your Rig Sit: Maintenance Essentials for UTV/ATVs

Don’t let your side-by-side sit out in the rain all season. Take care of your ride and keep an eye out for common maintenance issues that UTVs suffer from after a long time on the trails. We’ll share some essential maintenance tips to give you a better chance of catching problems before they get worse. Let’s take a look at how you can maintain your axle.

Axle Maintenance

Axles are something every UTV driver needs to keep a watchful eye on. Without axles, you can’t drive, and UTV axles can get damaged or wear down quickly over time without proper care. But don’t worry, there are plenty of tips and tricks that can help you maintain your rig’s axles for safe driving. Here are some common warning signs that your UTV/ATV axles could use quick, in-depth care.

CV Joint Damage

Constant Velocity Joint, or CV joint, is a part of the axle that transfers power from the transmission to the wheels. These joints can break or flex from off-road driving, and risks increase with rocky, heavy-loaded driving as well. If you hear any clicking or popping, especially as you turn, you more than likely have a CV joint problem. If you feel vibrations as you accelerate, this is also another issue with your CV joint. Replacing the worn joint should be a top priority, because massive damage can be done to your side-by-side’s axle if you continue to ride on it.

Boot Leaks

The CV joint is covered by a boot, a protective, accordion-like cover that protects the joint from exterior damage. When the boot has cracks in it, it can leak grease. This is a warning to replace that boot and see what the cause of the leak is to make sure your axle doesn’t wear down.

General Care

As always, you should give your UTV a look-around after your ride, make sure there’s no damage or any obvious wear on the vehicle’s axle, frame, and tires. Clean mud and grime from your CV joints and your axle for better performance, longevity, and a clearer view of your axle to better diagnose failing parts. If your stock axle is wearing down, aftermarket axles are a superior alternative. Designed with steel that reduces axle heat and damage from heavy-hitting torque, these cool-under-pressure axles offer longevity and peace of mind so you can rip up the trails when you want.

Belt Maintenance Tips

UTV belts take a lot of wear and tear on the trails and when you’re doing heavy off-roading. Every 500 miles you should inspect your belt to avoid glazing, worn down cogs, or cracks. These issues can lead to belt failure, leaving you stranded in the woods.

Plan ahead and clear debris from your belt after each ride, and check your belt for any irregular wear. Use compressed air to remove dust, debris, and grime from your belt so it's clean and ready to perform under pressure. Avoid excessive heat by driving in a lower gear and not hauling a ton of weight in the back of your rig. This will improve your belt’s longevity so you don’t need to replace it every 500 miles.

Having a spare belt in your vehicle can be a gamechanger, especially if you go off-road every weekend. Avoid damage to your vehicle, drive smart, and be vigilant about wear and tear on your rig.

UTV/ATV Tires Maintenance

UTV tires typically last from 1,000 to 3,000 miles, or 1 to 5 years depending on use, terrain, and maintenance. If you’re hitting the trails every weekend, you may be going through tires a lot. The one thing you can control, while still enjoying off-road driving, is maintenance.

Your tires will wear down over time, any longer than 6 years and their rubber will start to deteriorate. You can slow down the aging process by cleaning your tires after each ride. Clearing debris from your tires can help you avoid uneven tire wear and rubber degradation when dirt, mud, or leaves hang on the tires for long periods of time. Proper storage of tires or the vehicle itself will also help you avoid dry rotting from too much sunlight if your rig sits outside all summer.

If you want a more in-depth look at UTV/ATV tire maintenance, check out our blog.

Storage Options to Maintain Your UTV

Storing your UTV/ATV is a key part of maintaining your vehicle. Keep your rig out of inclement weather by storing it in a garage, a storage shed, or even a carport with siding will help you avoid direct sunlight, which can negatively impact your tires and your vehicle’s paint. Other weather-related issues to consider are snow and rain. Keeping your rig dry throughout the year is important to avoid rust on the frame of your vehicle but also the parts. Avoid wearing down your axles and belts early by storing your ride properly after use.

Shop UTV Maintenance Parts at Function Powersports

You put a lot of work into your vehicle, keep it running at its best with these helpful maintenance tips. If you want to take care of your rig, we have the parts you need. Shop our inventory for new wheels, tires, and performance parts to keep the ride alive. Contact our sales team if you have any questions about our products and stay up to date with our blog on new part reviews, recommendations, and upgrades.