You’ve got your ATV, and you love it. You’ve been riding around on it for a while now, and you’re starting to get the hang of it—but then, one day, something goes wrong. Your steering wheel starts making this weird grinding noise when you turn it. The engine starts sputtering and dying at random intervals. Your side-view mirror falls off in the middle of an intersection.
Whatever the problem is, though, don’t worry. We’ll walk you through six mechanical ATV problems and their easy fixes that can help get your ATV back into tip-top shape in no time at all.
Weird Noises
If you’re hearing strange noises coming from your ATV, it’s probably due to one of two things: something is loose and needs to be tightened, or something is caught in the engine.
If it’s a loose part, the best course of action is to take your ATV to a mechanic and have them take a look at it. If they can’t find anything, it’s probably just something caught in the engine. In that case, the best thing you can do is turn off the ATV and let it cool down for a bit before removing the object—and be careful not to get burned!
If you think your old ATV needs to be replaced with a new one, consider the Kayo lineup.
Sputtering Engine
If your engine starts sputtering or dying at random intervals, it’s most likely due to a dirty air filter. The air filter is responsible for keeping dirt and debris out of the engine, so if it’s become clogged, it can cause all sorts of problems. You can clean your air filter by removing it from the ATV and using a brush or compressed air to eliminate dirt.
Dead Battery
If your ATV doesn’t start up, it could be due to a dead battery. This is usually caused by leaving the lights on overnight or not riding the ATV for an extended period. To test if the battery is truly dead, use a multimeter to test the voltage. The battery is still good if it reads 12 volts or higher. However, the battery must be replaced if it reads below 12 volts.
Flat Tires
If you find yourself with a flat tire, don’t panic! This is an easy fix that anyone can do. First, use a jack to lift up the ATV so you can remove the flat tire. Once the tire is off, take it to a nearby gas station or tire shop to have it patched up or replaced. Then, put the new (or patched) tire back on and lower the ATV down—and you’re good to go!
Broken Chains
If the chain on your ATV breaks, fixing it can be a real pain. However, it’s not impossible. First, you’ll need to remove the broken chain from the ATV. Once the chain is off, take it to a nearby motorcycle shop or hardware store to have it repaired or replaced. Then, once you have the new (or repaired) chain, put it back on the ATV, and you should be all set!
Leaking Fluids
If you notice any fluid leaking from your ATV, it’s important to take care of it immediately. The most common type of fluid leak is oil, which can cause serious damage to your engine if left unchecked. To fix an oil leak, simply remove the oil filler cap and add more oil until it reaches the full line on the dipstick. If you’re unsure what oil to use, consult your ATV’s owner’s manual.
Final Word
If you have any mechanical problems with your ATV, don’t hesitate to take it to a mechanic. However, if you’re feeling confident and want to try fixing the problem yourself, we hope this article was helpful!
