If you won’t be off-roading for a while, putting your ATV in the shed or covering it with a sheet is not enough to protect it for more than a couple of weeks. If you plan to not use your ATV for longer than a month, a storage unit is the safest place for it.  A storage unit will protect your vehicle from weather and ensure it’s in running condition when you use it again. There are several steps to take before storing it.

4 Things to Do Before Putting Your ATV in Storage

1. Clean It

To protect the finish and keep parts from corroding, give your ATV a deep cleaning to remove dirt, sand, and grit. Soap it down with a quality car wash liquid and rinse it thoroughly. Be sure to get up and under the crevices.

Dry it and apply lubricant to all the parts that need grease to keep it from rusting while in storage. Use protectant on plastic and rubber parts, including the tires. Spray WD-40 into the exhaust pipe and cover the opening so nothing can get inside. 

2. Prepare the Gas Tank

Check with your storage unit to see if they have any rules about vehicle storage and fuel. If your tank is plastic, drain it along with the carburetor and fuel lines. A metal tank can harbor moisture and rust if left empty, so fill it to the top before you put it in a storage unit.  Add a fuel stabilizer and run the engine for a bit to distribute the stabilizer to protect your tank, injectors, and lines. 

3. Take Care of the Battery

To keep the battery from draining, remove and clean it. You can use water and baking soda on the terminals to prohibit corrosion. Dry them thoroughly when you finish cleaning. You can also use a battery tender with a smart controller that sends just enough current to the battery to keep it charged while in storage. 

4. Use a Protective Cover

Cover your ATV to make sure it is clean and ready to go when you take it out of the storage unit. A large sheet or drop cloth can do the trick. Don’t use plastic or a traditional acrylic tarp for long-term storage. Plastic will trap moisture that can enable rust. Air needs to circulate around the vehicle, so find a breathable cloth cover.

The storage units at HHC Mini Warehouses in Dalton, GA, are clean, climate-controlled spaces, perfectly sized for ATVs. Your vehicle will be safe and protected, looked after by a family-owned business that has served the Dalton area since 1986. Visit their website to see the size options available and learn about their excellent service and satisfaction guarantee.

Published: https://nearsay.com/c/875250/587115/how-to-prepare-your-atv-for-storage