In the first article of the series we discussed how to change your oil, in the second we talked about tire evaluation and repair. This article is going to focus on (1) battery evaluation; and (2) maintenance and air filter evaluation/cleaning.

1. The best way to prevent battery power loss during extended periods of non use is to hook your battery up to a trickle charger. If you choose this option, make sure that you follow the manufacturers guide lines and instructions very closely. I have heard of instances where the improper use of trickle chargers has caused fires which resulted in significant property damage.

If you didn't get to ride your machine during the winter and you didn't have it hooked up to a trickle charger, chances are your battery is a little low. Check the fluid level, add water to the manufacturers recommendation, then hook it up to a charger and let it sit for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer of the charger. If it the battery took the charge and has enough power to start your ATV, then you have succeeded, if not you will need to replace it.

2. When was the last time you changed/cleaned your air filter on your ATV? Look at your owners manuals and see what they recommend. There is a lot of variation in the types of riding we do. If you constantly ride on dusty trails following other riders then you will need to change/clean it on a more frequent basis. Lack of cleaning/changing can cause significant power loss and/or engine damage as dirt particles get sucked into your engine.

There are two main types of air filters:

a. Foam filters consist of a foam stretched over a plastic basket structure. To clean these filters rinse the foam with gasoline and then ring the gasoline out. Repeat this process until all of the oil and dirt has been washed out of the filter. Next rinse it with oil and then ring out most of the excess oil. The oil is used to keep dirt particles from passing through into the engine. Replace the foam around the basket and apply a coating of grease along the portion of the filter that rests against the machine. This coating of grease acts as a seal to keep dirt from getting between the machine and the filter.

b. Paper cartridge type filters. You can extend the life of these filters by removing dirt from them with an air compressor. Grease is also used to seal these filters in place.

Author: Bryan Coats

About the author:
Bryan Coats is an avid ATV rider and one of the two owners of the website http://www.AtvTrailReviews.com, which provides a listing of ATV Trails and several
ATV Blogs.

Article source: Free Motorcycles Articles.