Putting Your Quad Away Until Spring? Experts Say You Should Winterize it First

Nov. 17, 2023

If you live in an area that sees harsh winters, your quad may need a little rest. Take some steps to winterize it first before pulling out your snowmobile.

You will be thankful come spring, and ready to rip through the mud again.

Experts at ATV Rider say there are three major things to tackle to sufficiently winterize your high-performance quad:

  1. Stabilize the fuel
  2. Apply general maintenance
  3. Remove the battery

Winter brings harsh conditions to many climates and that can put even the most rugged ATV to the test.

A little winterizing will keep your quad’s battery, fuel, and parts at top performance and could save thousands of dollars and countless hours of hassle, so it’s well worth the effort.

ATV Storage and Fluid Considerations for the Long Winter

When not using your ATV in the winter, it’s important to store it in a garage or a trailer that will protect it from the elements or invest in a quality vehicle cover with ventilation.

But before you park or cover your quad, these steps should be taken to prevent performance equipment surfaces from oxidizing:

  1. Spray off any bugs or brake dust
  2. Wash, rinse, and dry thoroughly
  3. Wax painted and chromed parts
  4. Lubricate every item that could corrode during a long period of storage: chains, sprockets, cables, and lug nuts, and even exhaust pipes can get a spray of light oil
  5. Block animals from nesting by taping over any potential entry points, such as exhaust pipes and intakes
  6. Remove the battery, charge it, and store it where it won’t freeze

Also consider winterizing fluids, including any fuel, coolant, and oil before storing. Fuel left untreated can result in phase separation or varnish over long periods of time.

To prevent the fuel’s ethanol from separating and settling to the bottom of the tank:

  1. Add a fuel stabilizer
  2. Start your ATV
  3. Run for about 5 minutes to ensure proper application
  4. While the engine is still warm, change the oil and oil filter

For liquid-cooled machines, top off coolant and brake fluid, or change altogether with a mix that has adequate anti-freeze protection.

General Maintenance

Now that the storage and fluids are taken care of, what kind of pre-winter maintenance is needed?

Let’s consider four elements that would benefit from some maintenance before wrapping up your ATV for a long winter nap:

  1. Carburetor - Run and drain fuel, especially if your fuel stabilizer isn’t alcohol-free, close the fuel petcock valve and let the engine run out of fuel and cool, then locate the drain screw for the float bowl and release the remaining fuel
  2. Tires - Fill to recommended pressure; For bias-ply tires, deflate to expel any moisture, then re-inflate to the recommended pressure
  3. Cylinders - Remove the air filter and spray fogging oil directly into the intake while the engine is running, until the exhaust gets smoky
  4. Oil filter - Clean or, better yet, replace

To further apply winter maintenance, some mechanics will fog the engine to prevent corrosion, others drain the carburetor, remove the spark plugs, and pour about a tablespoon of clean motor oil into each cylinder, then cover the holes and turn the engine over a few times to distribute the oil before replacing the plugs.

For example, here is a list of maintenance items that will help to keep Banshee riding hard in the spring:

  • Clean and seal, or replace, the air filter
  • Use wax (not oil) to lubricate the chain
  • Use a premix of oil and premium gas to lubricate cylinders and cranks
  • Assess the tire pressure

Manufacturer recommendations vary, so make sure to check the manual specific to the ATV’s model.

Winterizing is Worth the Effort

For many, winter brings harsh conditions that may test even the most rugged quad.

Experts say that winterizing ATVs is the best way to keep them at high performance for the spring, as well as:

  • Increase the longevity of the battery
  • Protect fluids (fuel and engine oil)
  • Maintain the CVT clutch, air filter, and other parts

Winterizing by first considering storage, then prepping fluids, and finally taking the steps to fix and maintain parts, your quad will be ready when the snow melts.

For help with this process, suppliers like Vito’s Performance offer countless ways to maintain machines for winter storage and keep the fun lasting for many winters to come.

Since 1998, Vito’s Performance has been supplying the world with top-quality and hard-to-find ATV parts for builders and enthusiasts alike. While we specialize in the Yamaha Banshee and the Yamaha Blaster, we also carry parts for all Yamaha Raptors, as well as the Yamaha Warrior, Honda 300ex and 400ex, and the Honda TRX450r. For assistance with all performance products, contact Vito’s Performance or call (248) 969-9168.
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