Properly preparing an ATV or UTV for winter comes down to six essential steps: cleaning, changing the oil, protecting the battery, checking fluids, lubricating the drivetrain and storing the vehicle in a dry place. Following these steps in the right order helps prevent a flat battery, a seized chain and engine trouble when starting up again in spring. Here is the method we use in our workshop, along with the products you will need for each step.
Why winter storage is so important for an ATV
A sport or utility ATV can remain unused for three to four months. During this time, used engine oil retains acidic residues that remain in contact with engine components, the battery gradually loses charge, moisture builds up in bearings and the chain begins to rust. Cold weather accelerates all these processes. Spending one hour preparing your ATV in October can often save you several hundred euros in repairs in March.
1. Clean and inspect your ATV before storage
Dried mud traps moisture around bolts, ball joints and wheel bearings. Wash your vehicle, dry it thoroughly and use compressed air to clean hard-to-reach areas.
Take this opportunity to inspect your ATV: CV boot condition, bearing play, brake pad condition and tyre wear. Make a note of anything that needs replacing. Ordering your parts during winter means avoiding delays when everyone wants to get back out riding. All our parts are organised by brand and model, for example in our Yamaha range (Raptor, YFZ 450, YFZ 450 R, Grizzly) or in our general ATV parts category.
2. Change the oil before storage, not afterwards
This is one of the most common mistakes: waiting until spring to change the oil. Fresh oil protects internal engine components throughout winter, whereas used oil can expose them to corrosion.
For a sport ATV: Motul 15W-50 or 5W-40 engine oil, including Motul ATV Power 5W-40 4T.
For a utility or recreational ATV: Motul ATV-UTV Expert 10W-40 4T engine oil.
Always follow the oil viscosity recommended by the manufacturer. Replace the oil filter at the same time, clean the air filter and re-oil it, for example with Motul 1 L air filter oil. On a Yamaha 450 YFZR, this is also a good opportunity to fit a Twin Air Pro Flow air filter and a new NGK CR8-EIX spark plug.
To carry out maintenance in your workshop without making a mess, the PSR-By Rapport environmental mat, 150 x 200 cm absorbs oil and fluid spills.
3. Protect your battery from the cold
An ATV battery left connected throughout winter will slowly discharge. Disconnect it, store it in a dry place and recharge it regularly.
Whether you have a Skyrich lithium battery for the Yamaha 450 YFZR or an original-fitment YUASA battery, the manufacturer recommends recharging it once a month when not in use. Leaving a battery completely discharged for more than a month can cause irreversible damage. This simple reminder in your calendar can significantly extend its lifespan.
4. Check the coolant and brake fluid
Coolant that is too diluted can freeze and damage the cooling system. Check its level and freeze protection, or replace it with Motul Factory Line coolant or Motul MoCool.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time. If it has become dark or has not been changed for more than one season, bleeding the system with Motul RBF 660 brake fluid will help ensure reliable braking when you get back on the track.
5. Lubricate the drivetrain
A chain stored without lubrication can rust within just a few weeks. Clean it, then lubricate it using the Motul Factory Line chain maintenance kit. If it has tight spots or significant elongation, replace it. The DID 520 ATV chain with 100 links is suitable for most sport ATVs. On a UTV, also check the CV boots.
6. Store your vehicle in the right conditions
Choose a dry, well-ventilated storage area rather than an airtight cover that traps condensation.
Place the vehicle on stands to take the weight off the tyres and suspension, or at the very least make sure the tyres are properly inflated.
Keep the fuel tank full to limit condensation, or drain the carburettor bowl if your model is equipped with one.
The workshop tools available in our range cover all these routine maintenance tasks.
Make the most of winter by having your ATV serviced in our workshop
Winter is the ideal time to take care of longer jobs: engine maintenance, precision measurements and Elka suspension servicing. Our workshop has been preparing competition ATVs for more than twenty years, so you can get your vehicle back well before your first ride of the season.
For all your winter maintenance parts, our team is here to help on +33 3 85 30 94 36. Orders are shipped via Chronopost, payment is available in 2, 3 or 4 instalments, and every purchase earns you loyalty points.
FAQ: Winterising your ATV
Should you start your ATV from time to time during winter?This is not recommended. Running the engine at idle for just a few minutes creates condensation without allowing the engine to reach its proper operating temperature. Either take it out for a ride long enough to warm it up properly, or leave it unused.
Which oil should you use when preparing an ATV for winter?Use fresh four-stroke engine oil with the viscosity recommended by the manufacturer. 5W-40 is suitable for most sport ATVs, while 10W-40 is commonly used for utility ATVs.
How often should you recharge your battery during winter?At least once a month for a lithium battery, and more frequently if it is stored in a cold environment.