How To Winterize Your Vehicle
Winterizing instruction
Step 1.Clean Your Vehicle
The first thing you are going to want to do is to clean your vehicle all over. By removing the moist mud and other dirt, you prevent the components from oxidizing while in storage. It is also a good idea to clean and lubricate the chain, pedals, and control cables. Make sure to dry the vehicle properly before storage to prevent rust! A coat of polish will also help your vehicle stay functional, while also making it look brand new.
Step 2.Treat the Fuel
This is one of the most important steps. Treating your fuel with stabilizer is necessary to prevent corrosion during the long winter months. Nowadays, most fuel contains about 10% ethanol, which can separate from the rest of the fuel and damage the tank. A fuel stabilizer will prevent this from happening.
Here are the steps on how to treat your fuel:
- The first thing you will need for this is a bottle of fuel stabilizer, like this Gold Eagle Sta-Bil Fuel Stabilizer or Sea foam which you can buy at your local auto parts store or online on Amazon.
- Follow the instructions and safety guidelines on the bottle.
- It is a good idea to run the engine of the vehicle for about 10 minutes in order to spread the stabilizer around all the nooks and crannies of your engine. Better yet, take it out for a short ride!
- When you start the vehicle back up after winter, it might be tricky to get the engine going again. The fuel stabilizer will help the engine to start back up with no problems!
Step 3.Change the Oil
This is another vital step when it comes to keeping your vehicle in proper working order. It is recommended that you change the oil about once every 20 hours of use.
When you have added the oil, run the engine for a few minutes to distribute the oil throughout the system. This will lubricate parts that wouldn’t otherwise get oil if you simply added it and walked away. It is a good idea to start up the vehicle every month or so during winter just to get the oil moving around.
Step 4.Keep Out Invaders Like Rats, Mice, and Squirrels
You would be surprised how many critters will make their nest in your vehicle if you don’t block the openings. In particular, rodents like rats, mice, and squirrels will jump at the opportunity to spend the cold winter months in your quad’s warm comfort.
Here are some tips on how to keep these little guys out of your vehicle :
- The first thing you need to do to prevent winter lodgers is to block holes, for example, the exhaust opening, the inlet and outlet ducts on the CVT clutch, or the inlet ports to the airbox. A plastic bag or cloth and some duct tape should do just fine!
- If you are storing your vehicle in a shed or garage, it is good to try and block off any entrances that a mouse might use to get into the spaces. There are many holes on the vehicle that a mouse could get into. But not if there aren’t any mice in your garage.
- You can also use scented dryer sheets to block up holes. This is a great humane way to deter mice and other rodents from making a home in your vehicle.
Step 5.Preserve Your Battery
This is another very important step. It is a good idea to actually disconnect and remove the battery to stop it from draining over winter. Charge the battery fully before putting it in storage. If you let your battery drain fully over the winter, then there is a good chance it will have to be replaced when the vehicle finally comes out of storage. Using a trickle charger will prevent your battery from going bad and can be purchased at most auto parts stores or on line.
Step 6.Change Your Air Filter
This is another vital step. If you regularly clean or change the air filter, your vehicle can last a lot longer than it would otherwise! An old air filter can allow dirt, sand, and other debris to get into the engine, which can seriously reduce the life expectancy of an vehicle .
Here are the steps involved in replacing the filter:
- Depending on the make and model of your vehicle , you may have to remove the seat to get to the airbox. Next, remove the airbox cover to reveal the filter.
- Remove the filter, then clean the inside of the air box using contact cleaner and a rag.
- If there are any rips or tears in the filter, then it will need to be replaced. If not, you may just be able to soak it in warm soapy water, then squeeze it out.
- Replace the new or cleaned filter and cover the airbox back up, making sure not to leave any holes for critters!
Step 7.The Final Touches
There are a few more things you will want to do before putting your quad away for winter:
- If you still have a vehicle with a carburetor, it is recommended to drain the float bowl.
- Inflate the tires to slightly above the pressure, which is normally recommended.
- If you can, raise the vehicle up off the floor using a jack or stand.
- Cover the vehicle in a tarp or other covering.
Here's a helpful video
Click on this link for atvs and go karts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Dirt bikes, Pit Bikes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Scooters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
