TextHow to Store Your UTV for the Winter Season
Winter will be here before we know it, with temperatures already starting to cool. Many recreational riders continue tackling trails throughout the winter, while others put their UTVs to work plowing snow or hauling firewood.
Other powersports enthusiasts store their vehicles during the harsher winter months and wait to resume their ride in springtime. Here at Redline Powersports Sumter, our trusted team has put together a comprehensive guide to storing your UTV, including the steps required to ensure your vehicle is ready to ride as soon as the forecast warms. Read on to learn more!
Protecting Your UTV from the Elements
Cold weather can take a toll on your UTV, so shielding it from the elements is key. We recommend storing your UTV or SxS in an enclosed, protected space, like a garage, barn, shed, or other shelter. This minimizes exposure to the ice, road salt, snow, and mud that can cause corrosion and rust.
If you don’t have access to an enclosed storage space, cover your UTV or SxS to protect it from debris, falling objects, winter precipitation, and damaging UV rays. While an old tarp is better than nothing, we recommend a cover designed specifically for a UTV or SxS, made from weather-resistant materials like nylon or polyethylene with tie-down or cinching functionality to secure it in place. Covering your vehicle is recommended even if you park it in a protected space.
How to Prepare Your UTV for Winter Storage
Step 1: Clean Your UTV.
Properly clean your UTV inside and out using a pressure washer or a hose. Scrub it thoroughly, and make sure you don’t neglect the nooks and crannies! Mud, dirt, and debris can cause corrosion and damage surfaces over the long winter months, requiring costly repairs and keeping you off the trails next season.
Step 2: Identify Any Issues.
Before closing up the shed and covering your machine, we recommend performing a thorough assessment of your ATV or UTV's current condition. This helps identify any existing issues that may worsen while in storage, so you can fix them beforehand.
Step 3: Add Fuel Stabilizer.
To prevent fuel system issues, add a fuel stabilizer to your gas tank. This helps mitigate moisture and prevents fuel from breaking down. It also keeps fuel from forming deposits that can clog the system.
Step 4: Remove the Battery.
Cold temperatures can drain your UTV’s battery, causing it to lose its charge or even freeze. Removing the battery and storing it in a cool, dry place is best.
Step 5: Change the Oil and Filter.
Leaving old oil in your UTV throughout the winter can cause serious problems due to the acidic combustion products that tend to accumulate. If you haven’t changed your oil in a while, we strongly suggest swapping out the oil and filter. Be sure to start the engine after you’re done. While you’re at it, change your transmission and other fluids too!
Step 6: Replace the Air Filter.
Letting old debris sit in the air filter throughout the winter season is a no-no. Instead, replace the filter, clear any debris from the air intake, and wipe out the filter housing.
Step 7: Inflate Your Tires.
Remaining stationary can cause tires to flatten. That’s why it’s best to properly inflate tires before storing your UTV or SxS.
Visit Your Premier Powersports Dealer in Sumter Today!
Extreme temperatures and wet, winter weather can be rough on your UTV’s components – but taking the proper precautions to prevent damage is simple! We’ve included everything you need to know here, but if you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
If you plan on taking your UTV or SxS out for plowing snow or work-related activities, be sure to properly equipped your vehicle with snow tires and winter UTV accessories. This not only helps maximize traction, but safety too! Winter attachments like V-shaped plows, snow blades, snow blowers, and sweepers can transform your UTV into a highly efficient snowplow, so ask about adding accessories today!
Check out our diverse inventory of top ATV and UTV brands, including:
- Yamaha
- Suzuki
- Polaris
- Can-Am
- And more!
Stop by our local powersports dealership in Sumter to find your next UTV, ATV, or accessories today. We proudly serve Sumter and the surrounding areas of Orangeburg, Camden, Florence, Darlington, Charleston, and Columbia, SC – so come see us today!