ATV Maintenance in New Hampshire

A green Yamaha® ATV parked on the dirty forest trail

ATV Maintenance: Routine Oil Changes

If you want to prolong your ATV’s engine life (and you do!), follow the manufacturer’s recommendation and change the oil and filter at the recommended intervals. An oil and filter change is one of the services we offer here at DaSilva Motorsports. The cleanest, easiest, and fastest way to take care of this routine maintenance is to simply make an appointment to bring your machine into the DaSilva Motorsports service department at our two locations in Moultonborough and Hampstead, New Hampshire.

However, if you like to get down, dirty, and do-it-yourself, here’s some quick info. Performing routine maintenance is an excellent way to become better acquainted with your quad, which is a good thing.

If it’s your first time changing the oil on this specific machine, we suggest that you read your manual carefully. Find a video or written tutorial online that depicts your specific ATV, so you don’t confront any surprises.

Wooden table with tools and oils for ATV maintenance

Preparing for an Oil and Filter Change

Prepare for the job by reading your owner’s manual and getting the recommended oil, a new filter, and a pan to catch the old oil. Gather your tools, including a socket that fits your oil drain plug, a compatible breaker bar, and any special tools required to remove and install the oil filter. Rely on your manual for the correct interval of oil changes. Typical recommendations are about every 100 hours of use, or at least once per year.

Close up of an ATV engine

Warm the Engine

This job should be performed on an engine that is warm but not hot. Suspended particles settle when the oil is stone-cold, and you want them circulating so you can get rid of them. Plus warm oil is more fluid and drains faster and more completely. Run your cold vehicle for about ten minutes, turn it off, and it’s ready for the oil change.

A person with gloves repairing the engine

Access the Engine

Access the engine according to your manual. With most ATVs, you’ll remove the seat of the ATV; pull a latch to unfasten nearby tabs; snap off the panel on the right side of the machine; and remove a cover. This will reveal the oil filter and dipstick. Before removing the dipstick, clean around the area to reduce the chance that grit and dirt will fall into the engine. Remove the dipstick and clean again, carefully.

A white ATV on a platform lift to be repaired in a workshop

Drain Old Oil and Remove Filter

Place your pan below the oil drain plug, remove it, and let the oil drain completely into the pan. Transfer the used oil into a sealed container for proper disposal. Now remove the old filter.

The rear side of an ATV that it is on a platform lift to be repair

Replace Filter and Oil

Put the drain plug back, and tighten it to the prescribed torque. Take the new oil filter, put some oil on the O-ring of the new filter, and screw it on by hand. Tighten it with a wrench, but not too tight. Add the prescribed quantity of the recommended oil.

Check Your Work and Pat Yourself on the Back

Once you’ve completed your oil change and filter change, turn on the engine and let it idle. Make sure the oil pressure light goes out, which may take 30-60 seconds. If the light stays on, there’s a problem. Turn off your engine and investigate the situation. When the light goes off, check the oil level with the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary, and then replace all the parts and you are ready to roll!

If you’re the DIY type, we support you! Check out our parts department, and talk to us if you need advice. If you’d rather spend your precious free time on your vehicle instead of under it, let us take care of maintenance for you at DaSilva Motorsports, with two locations in Moultonborough and Hampstead, New Hampshire.