For some people, their ATV is their baby. They want to know what they can do to protect their baby and make it live (run) as long as possible. If you are one of these people, read on. There are some basic things you can do to maintain your ATV.
Taking care of your ATV's radiator and water pump is a great start. These are the cooling features of your ATV that allow it to run when temperatures sore. You should always check the radiator to make sure it is filled with fluid. If too low, there wouldn't be enough cooling fluid to cool down your ATV on a hot day.
The water pump is another area for ATV maintenance. Always make sure it is in working/spinning condition. Be sure to check all hoses to make sure there are no cracks or leaks. This could cause your ATV engine to overheat.
Levers are another important area for ATV maintenance. The most important levers are the clutch, brake, choke, and gas. Be sure to lubricate these often. Also, make sure to clean any grime build-up as you see it. This could cause a lever to stick or not decompress far enough. There is nothing worse then a brake lever not decompressing enough.
There are many switches on an ATV. These switches are connected with electrical wiring and are housed in an enclosed casing. Unfortunately manufacturers don't seal these casings very well. Debris and moisture often gets in and can cause your ATV wiring to short-out. About every six months you should open up the casing and clean out any debris. This should prevent electrical problems.
ATVs are complicated machines just as much as they are toys. In order to keep these "toys" running for as long as possible, there are certain things you should do. Basic maintenance is important for the future of your ATV.