Plenty of four-wheelers and side-by-sides work harder in winter than in summer: plowing, hauling firewood, checking fence lines. Cold starts, snow and road salt are hard on them. These general steps apply to most machines; your owner’s manual sets the fluids, intervals and procedures for yours.
If you’ll use it this winter
- Check that the oil suits the temperatures. Many manuals list oil grades by temperature range. Make sure what’s in the engine fits the coldest conditions you’ll ride in.
- Test the coolant on liquid-cooled machines for freeze protection, and top up with the type the manual specifies.
- Charge and test the battery. Cold reduces battery output, and plows, winches and heated grips draw a lot of current.
- Inspect the drive belt on CVT machines for cracks, glazing or wear, and keep snow and water out of the belt housing as the manual directs.
- Check the tires and pressure, and look over tire chains if you use them.
- Grease and test. Lubricate the fittings the manual lists, inspect the winch cable or rope, and test the winch and plow mount before the first storm.
- Check lights and controls, and keep the air intake and vents clear of snow.
- Rinse off road salt after use, let the machine dry, and check the frame, wiring and fasteners for corrosion.
If it’s parked until spring
Follow the storage section of your manual. That usually means changing the oil if it’s due, handling the fuel the way the manual says (often a full tank of stabilized fuel), charging the battery and keeping it on a maintainer, setting tire pressure, and covering the machine in a dry place. Plug the exhaust and intake against rodents, and leave yourself a reminder to remove the plugs. Plowing with a walk-behind instead? See snowblower winter prep.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a different oil for winter?
Possibly. Many manuals list acceptable oil grades by temperature. Check yours, and use AMSOIL’s ATV or UTV lookup to see what AMSOIL lists for your machine.
Why does my CVT belt slip in cold weather?
Belts can be stiff when cold, and water or snow in the belt housing can cause slipping. Warm the machine up as your manual recommends, keep the housing dry and inspect the belt for wear.
How do I protect my machine from road salt?
Rinse it after riding or plowing on salted surfaces, let it dry, and check the frame, wiring and fasteners for corrosion.
AMSOIL products for cold-weather ATV and UTV care
- AMSOIL Powersports Antifreeze & Coolant. AMSOIL says it is “pre-mixed 50/50 with high-purity water,” that its “extended-life formula provides all-season protection for up to five years,” and lists “freeze protection down to -34°F (-37°C).” Confirm the coolant your machine requires in the manual.
- AMSOIL Quickshot Gasoline Treatment and Stabilizer. AMSOIL lists ATVs/UTVs among its applications, and says it “addresses ethanol-related performance issues” and “stabilizes fuel during short-term storage.”
Product wording above is quoted or summarized from amsoil.com. Read each product’s label and data sheet for directions.
For engine oil and drivetrain fluids, use AMSOIL’s ATV lookup or UTV lookup, or AMSOIL’s official lookup guide.