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Riding your ATV is tremendous fun. But without the proper preparation, you can end up stranded in the middle of nowhere. Preparing for riding season is essential to avoid surprises and ride for more extended periods without interruption. Keeping up with maintenance can also help prevent being stranded during rides and having to call for assistance. Reach out to Valley Cycle Center, your go-to Suzuki ATV dealer in Winchester, VA.

Valley Cycle Center has everything you need, from repair parts to safety gear. Just visit us, your local power sports and motorcycle shop near me, and we can help you find everything you need for an exciting summer offroad!

Tires and Wheels

You're ready to go riding your ATV in Winchester, VA. But you need to give your ATV a full once-over starting with your tires. Check your tires and wheels to ensure that they are correctly inflated. Properly inflated tires will improve handling and increase safety. If a tire is overinflated, it can cause steering problems; underinflated tires will wear out faster, decrease fuel economy and reduce traction. Ensure you have enough air in all four tires before heading out.

Check the tire pressure. Make sure all tires are inflated to the recommended pressure level. The correct tire pressure can be found on the sidewall of each tire. Do not over-inflate or leave under-inflated!

Check for cuts, cracks, or bulges in tires. If you find any damage, replace your tires immediately! Damaged tires could cause problems while riding and result in serious injury.

Make sure your wheels are secure. Inspect each wheel for broken or missing lug nuts, loose bolts, bent rims, etc. Replace any damaged parts immediately!

Controls and Cables

Inspect all of your cables, including throttle, clutch, and brake cables. Look for frayed or cut areas and replace any worn or damaged. It's also a good idea to check that both ends of each cable slide freely through its metal housing. Any binding will cause premature wear on the cable and could even lead to failure while you're riding. If necessary, lubricate the cable with a silicone-based product like WD-40 or Tri-Flow® gear lube. If you need anything, start with Winchester Powersports.

Check Your Spark Plugs. Spark plugs are a vital part of an engine's ignition system, so they must be in good working order for your ATV to run correctly. A rule of thumb is that spark plugs should be replaced every two years or after 50 hours of use, whichever comes first. To test them, remove one from its cylinder head using a spark plug socket wrench (available at auto parts stores). Hold the plug between your thumb and index finger and give it a quick snap back and forth.

Lights and Electrics

When you searched for a Suzuki ATV dealer near me, you found Valley Cycle Center. We can help with all your supplies. Make sure your lights are working before you take off. Check that the brake lights work correctly (you can test this by pushing down on the brake pedal). Check that the headlight works and is adjusted correctly. If you are riding after dark, make sure your taillight is working too! If you have an electric starter, make sure it works as well.

Oil and Fuel

Before taking your ATV out for a ride, the first thing you should do is check its oil and fuel levels. Checking these two things regularly will help ensure that your engine runs smoothly and efficiently. The oil level should be at or near the "Full" line on the dipstick. If it's below this mark, add more oil until it reaches that line. For fuel, check the fuel gauge on your dashboard or look at how much gas is left in your tank. If it's less than half full, fill up before entering nature.

Chain Driveshaft and Chassis

The chain driveshaft is an integral part of your ATV's drivetrain, and you should inspect it regularly for wear or damage. Check both sides of the chain for any signs of wear, broken links, or cracks in the welds that join individual links together. Check for loose bolts on the axle end caps and make sure they are tight with no play in them. If you find any issues with either side of the chain, replace them immediately before they cause further damage to other parts of your ATV. Head to Suzuki Powersports near me to purchase any replacement parts you may need.

Valley Cycle Center

Valley Cycle Center is your favorite Suzuki ATV dealer in Winchester, VA, and has everything you need to ride ATVs all summer long. We offer various performance and safety accessories for people interested in going off-roading and maintenance equipment.

We have knowledgeable staff on hand who can provide useful knowledge to improve your ATV riding experience. For more info, contact us today!