Ride UTV, six ways to ensure trouble-free operation in cold weather in Australia

Not the same as summer in Northern Hemisphere, Southern Hemisphere is in winter. If you are planning to use your utility vehicle (UTV) frequently this winter, here are some steps to ensure trouble-free operation in cold weather.

1. Add a carb heater

Check your owner's manual for any cold-weather instructions specific to your machine. Some models, for example, will work better in the cold if a carburetor heater is installed.

2. Switch oils

Consider using synthetic oil for cold-weather use. Mineral-based motor oil begins to thicken at 20°F, and will not flow at -30°F. The viscosity of synthetic oil, however, is unaffected by temperature, which means it will provide instant lubrication when you start your engine, even after it's been sitting outside all night.

3. Check the battery

Cold weather diminishes the cranking power of your battery. Make sure it's in good condition and the terminal connections are clean and tight.

4. Top off the tank

Ice-clogged fuel passages can be a big problem in winter. Using your UTV in damp winter weather, or even moving it from a warm garage to the cold and back again, can cause moisture to condense in the fuel tank. Try to keep the tank full and regularly add an isopropyl alcohol additive to the fuel.

5. Stop corrosion

When you trailer your UTV in the winter, protect it from road-salt corrosion by spraying down the suspension and brakes with silicone water dispersant like WD-40. If you can, rinse the UTV after each trip and let it dry in a warm garage.

6. Cover UTV by UTV cover

When you park your UTV outdoor/parking lot, there is no shelter to protect your UTV. Snow, rain and dust are 3 mainly harmful elements which would damage your UTV. UTV covers keep your UTV from these elements, and make your UTV stay s in tip-top shape.

(Resource: www.thepandacover.com. Panda Cover provides UTV covers and ATV covers for sport vehicle protection.)