5 Signs Your ATV Needs Repair
All-terrain vehicles, also called quadbikes, have grown in popularity in recent years due to the rise in outdoor recreational activities. Strong handlebar and low-pressure tires give these ATVs the capability to easily maneuver through a variety of terrains.
Given the hostile environment and rough rides they are subjected to, it becomes crucial to keep these ATVs in top shape. And the easiest way to do this is by maintaining a proper checklist. Here are 5 signs that your ATV needs a repair:
#1 Loss of braking performance
Riding fast is exhilarating, but doing so without adequate braking power almost always results in disaster. To avoid this, check your ATV’s brakes at the beginning of riding season or any time you notice unusual behavior such as squeaking sounds or a loss of stopping power. To keep the brakes working efficiently, always keep hydraulic brake fluid at a proper level. If you're dealing with any of these signs, you need to repair the brakes of your ATV.
#2 Excessive smoke from the exhaust
An ATV can emit three types of smoke:
Black smoke—It is nothing to worry about as it happens when your ATV gets too much fuel and the combustion becomes out of balance.
Blue smoke—It occurs when unwanted oil contaminates the air/fuel mixture. If the engine is burning oil, then there will be a decrease in the oil levels over time.
White smoke — White smoke is nothing but steam. It is not a cause of worry as, typically, water droplets are being burned off as steam.
#3 Bumpy ride
If your ATV is wobbly while you're riding, it most likely has something to do with your tires, alignment, or shock absorbers. If the shock absorbers are defective, it will make the ride difficult and bumpy. A physical examination can easily reveal a dent on the surface, a broken seal, or the presence of dust. Some common examples of bad shocks are: the ATV plunges forward, shows excessive bounce, and handlebars vibrate on a smooth road.
#4 Slipping clutch
The clutch system is the most important component when it comes to controlling your ATV. Your clutch takes a hit if you ride your ATV in conditions like mud, sand, or hill climbing. Here are some signs of clutch problems:
It isn't easy to find the neutral gear
ATV still moves forward with the lever pulled in
In gear, the engine revs high, but the vehicle does not move
The lever is hard to pull
#5 Engine trouble
The most common reason for an ATV engine not starting is a clogged air filter. It happens when no air passes through the engine, and because of this, the ATV gives out black smoke from the exhaust. Cold engine problems also occur if the engine fails to start when it is cold outside. To solve this, add a fuel stabilizer in the gas tank and then run the engine for some period. And if you have everything in place, and still the engine won't start, it might be due to spark plugs.
About Basecamp Motorsports
We are a leading seller and maintenance service provider for motorsports in Calgary, AB. We believe that, with regular upkeep, owning a motor vehicle can be all the more rewarding. Therefore, we encourage our customers to take good care of their motorcycles, and off-road vehicles. Visit our website and find the best Can-Am outlander ATV for sale. Our skilled and certified motorsports mechanics are the best in the industry.
You can call us at 403.441.1299 or fill out the contact form to ask your motorcycle maintenance-related queries.