After a long winter, it’s time to get your UTV ready for spring. Long and short off-road trips beckon, especially when the weather warms up. If you properly prepared your vehicle for storage last year, you should be on the road after just a few steps.

Even if you’ve driven the vehicle through the winter, take some time to inspect and maintain it before a new season brings new challenges on the road. You may even decide that before you put the UTV on the road, you want to add a new windshield and other accessories.

Check the fuel tank and fluid to get your UTV ready for spring

Last fall, I should have changed the oil and oil filters, cleaned the air filter, and added fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel from separating, evaporating, and forming a varnish-like gunk in the tank. If you didn’t, you’ll need to clean the engine, tank, and carburetor with a cleaner made for that purpose while you spring your UTV up.

Even a well-maintained engine can attract bugs, water or dirt, or develop fuel leaks or small punctures in the line from cats, mice or raccoons during the winter. Start fresh for the spring by draining the tank and carb before adding new fuel.

While working on the fuel tank, check all fluid levels, including the oil. Be sure to fix any leaks you find and change the oil if you didn’t when you winterized the vehicle. Clean the air filter to make sure it is free of debris or leaked fluids.

What else to check

Starting and stopping your vehicle starts with the battery and the brakes, so it’s important to check both. Although you may have charged your battery over the winter or kept it on a battery charger, charge it and add water if it’s the sealed type. Test the brakes to make sure the pads are good and they stop properly.

Visually inspect your tires, and then test them with a kick, squeeze, and pressure check. Underinflated tires won’t do the job on the road, while overinflated ones can blow out on the highway. Add enough air to meet manufacturer’s instructions.

Check everything else, including the spark plugs, radiator or fan, drive chains, and grips. The extra time you put in will ensure a smooth ride once you hit the road.

Give your UTV a spring upgrade

As you prepare your UTV for spring adventures, consider whether you want to upgrade your windshield or add other accessories. Accessories like windshields, soft tops and rear windows make trips safer and more comfortable. To get durable windshields custom-made for your vehicle, contact a UTV accessory store that is an authorized dealer for your make and model of UTV.

Performing necessary maintenance and adding safety and comfort accessories is a great way to get your UTV ready for spring.