Winterizing Your UTV or RTV

As helpful as your UTV or RTV has been, the days are getting shorter and colder, so odds are you’re looking to put it away for the winter. But unlike other outdoor equipment, these machines will need some extra steps to get them ready for months of storage. Much like any other vehicle, extended disuse can create problems, so Nova International has provided some tips for winterizing your UTV or RTV. For additional help, stop by one of our locations in Windsor or Aylesford, Nova Scotia, or Salisbury, New Brunswick. We welcome all those from Atlantic Canada, so call or visit us today!

First Things First

You need to grab your owner’s manual. Everything we tell you should apply to most UTVs and RTVs, but the only way to get specific tips on how to winterize your machine is to consult the manual. Read it over before attempting any of these tips.

Cleaning and Lubrication

The best first step to take is to wash off all the grime and dirt that’s accumulated over the last few months. Give your UTV or RTV a good hosing and washing, completely rinsing and drying it before putting it away.

Dirt and grime can turn into mold or simply damage parts if left unchecked. That’s why we also recommend adding a layer of wax, as well as lubricating all the moving parts. This not only gets your machine ready for winter, but also addresses some of your routine maintenance responsibilities.

Fuel and Oils

If you let fuel sit for too long without burning through it, it starts to break down and creates a corrosive material that can damage your UTV or RTV. That’s why you’ll want to add fuel stabilizer. This will slow down that chemical process so you can come back to a fully functioning powersports vehicle. Once you’ve added the stabilizer, run the engine for at least five minutes to ensure it gets to all the related parts.

We also recommend changing the oil and filter, especially if regular maintenance would have you do it during the time in which it’ll be in storage. Finally, consider fogging your engine. You’ll want to turn on the engine and spray fogging oil right into the intake track (be sure to remove the air filter first). This prevents rust and corrosion over time, so you’ll definitely want to think about putting it on your list of things to do.

Tires

Depending on what your owner’s manual recommends, you might need to adjust the air pressure in each tire. You’ll also need a plan to prevent spots from wearing into your tires. If you leave too much pressure on one spot, it can start to wear down. There are two ways to prevent this: you can move the UTV or RTV a little bit every month so the tires turn at least 1.5 times, or you can elevate the machine entirely.

Battery

Your battery needs to be stored in a place that’s temperature controlled and hooked up to a trickle charge. If you leave it in the engine, it’ll be drained by the time you get back to it. To make this process faster, you can install quick-disconnect leads for next time.

Storage

At this point, your UTV or RTV should be ready for storage, or at least pretty close. When you’re looking for the right spot, try to find something that’s protected from the elements and secure. A covered area is ideal, but even up on your driveway or in the yard can be a good choice, depending on your living situation. You’ll want to cover it completely for an extra layer of protection (make sure this cover is waterproof if you’re storing it outside). As a final tip, cover any openings that critters could get into, like the intakes and the exhaust pipe.

As you’re getting your UTV or RTV ready for winter, you might encounter some maintenance problems that need to be solved sooner rather than later. If you need one of our experienced technicians to take a look at your machine, then contact Nova International and we’ll get you set up with a servicing appointment. We proudly serve Windsor and Aylesford, Nova Scotia, as well as Salisbury, New Brunswick, and all of Atlantic Canada.