How to Winterize Your UTV: Service and Storage Tips

Oct. 26 2023 UTV By Redline Powersports Myrtle Beach

While some riders put their UTV to work throughout the colder winter months, others store their vehicle until springtime arrives. Whether you’re preparing your machine for the harsher conditions or protecting it until next season, we’ve included everything you need to know here! Read on to learn more.

Prepare your UTV for Winter: Maintenance Checklist 

Planning to keep your UTV cranking throughout the winter? Be sure to complete this maintenance checklist before the forecast takes a turn. Even if you’re planning to store your ATV or UTV, we recommend the following:

  • Clean Your UTV.
    Use a pressure washer or a hose and scrub thoroughly. Mud, dirt, and debris can corrode your vehicle’s components and cause serious damage surfaces over time. Repairs not only come with a hefty price tag, but will keep you off the trails – so be sure to take this simple step!

  • Change the Oil.
    Leaving old oil in the engine can be harmful. To optimize performance, our certified technicians suggest changing your oil every 50 miles. Swap out the oil and filter, then start the engine to be sure it’s running as it should.

  • Inspect the Air Intake.
    Switch the old air filter with a new one and if you spot any debris in the air intake, clear it before wiping down the inside of the filter housing. 

  • Top Off Fluids.
    Check your fluid levels, especially the brake and transmission fluid, and top them off if needed.

  • Inflate Your Tires. 
    By filling up your tires you’ll prevent them from flattening during the cold winter months. Stationary vehicles in storage are more susceptible so don’t forget to properly inflate tires before stowing them away.

Although snow in Myrtle Beach doesn’t often feature in the forecast, if your winter adventures take you over frozen terrain, it’s best to invest in snow tires for maximum traction. We also suggest adding winter UTV accessories, like V-shaped plows, snow blades, snow blowers, and sweepers.

You can also upgrade your UTV with functional features like full doors with windows, windshields with wipers and defrosters, full cab enclosures, and HVAC systems. In fact, many of the brands found here on our lot, like Can-Am, Polaris, and Kawasaki, offer OEM kits with factory-level precision. Installing these winter UTV accessories will help keep you on track – and warm! – all winter long.

Protect Your UTV with a Safe Storage Location 

The ideal place to house your UTV is in a closed, clean, and dry location like a shed or garage.  

Safe winter storage provides protection from the following: 

  • Sun’s UV rays that can damage seats, cables, grips, and tires
  • Precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, etc.) that can rust exposed metal parts.
  • Wind-blown debris that may cause body damage
  • Excess condensation inside the gas tank

Even if you have a great enclosed space to storage your UTV, don’t forget to cover it up. Make sure the cover is specially designed for your vehicle and fits snugly, with elastic cords or straps to secure it in place. Plus, choosing a breathable material keeping rust-causing moisture from building up.

Note: If you are storing your UTV for the season, keep in mind that the remaining fuel in the tank can cause corrosion over time. Drain in and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent any problems. 

Explore Our UTV inventory and UTV Accessories for Sale in Myrtle Beach Today! 

Here at Redline Powersports Myrtle Beach, you’ll find a wide variety of UTVs for sale – along with the accessories needed to keep you riding all year round! 

As locals’ trusted powersports dealership near Conway, we’re known as your one-stop shop. From top-quality powersports vehicles to genuine accessories and parts, our selection can’t be beat. Plus, we provide flexible payment options to ensure finances never keep you from your next great adventure!

Our dedicated team is here to help, so come see us today!