When you get a new UTV, it is important to break it in before taking it for a ride. Breaking a UTV means running the engine at low speeds with careful treatment during the first few rides. Breaking in a new UTV gives the components time to settle perfectly into place.
The good news about breaking a new UTV is that you can do it independently with the right guide.
However, it is worth noting that getting it wrong when breaking in your new UTV can damage some essential components in the suspension. Hence, you want to follow the right guide.
This piece explains how to break in a new 4-wheeler.
Breaking a UTV is important if the vehicle is new, or it has been left in storage for a long time. The machine is only assembled, and the components have not worked together. Breaking the engine helps ensure everything is normal, and that the engine can run efficiently for maximum performance.
Failure to break in your new quad can damage the vehicle, especially the engine parts.
The recommended break-in period for new UTVs differs from brand to brand and also depends on the type of fuel used. However, as a guide, the break-in period for most gas-engine UTVs is the first 25 hours of operation or the time it takes to exhaust 2 full gasoline tanks.
Diesel-engine UTVs double these figures. Careful operation and treatment are required during the first 50 hours of operation.
Regardless of your UTV engine and brand, ensure you don’t expose your engine to excess heat build-up during the first 3 hours. Also, don’t go at high speed or full throttle during this period.
Your first task in breaking in a new UTV is to fill the tank with the required fuel. Your vehicle needs fuel to start and run, and you should provide it with enough fuel. It is worth mentioning that you need the right fuel, and you shouldn’t be tempted to fill your tank with fuel with a higher-octane level. Filling your tank with a different fuel against the engine specification can damage your UTV. You don’t want to start on a bad note.
Since you will be starting the engine soon, it is important to ensure that the engine is not short of oil. If the oil level is low, fill it up until it reaches the required level. It is also important to use manufacturer-specified oil.
Starting the engine is where people often go wrong with breaking a new quad. You might be tempted to start the engine and leave it to run for an extended time, but this is wrong. The best way to go about breaking in a new vehicle is to start the engine and let it run for about 5 minutes before switching it off again. Continue this as often as it takes the engine to start without hesitation, then leave for about 30 minutes.
Once you have started your engine and it starts with ease continuously, you are good to drive your UTV around. However, this is not the end of breaking your new UTV. Breaking in a side-by-side is more of how you operate the vehicle during the first few rides.
When riding your UTV during the break-in period, take it easy on the engine, and don’t go too fast. Increase the speed gently, and don’t rush to complete the break-in period.
If you notice any strange sound from the engine, stop the engine and contact a UTV mechanic immediately. This is important as continuous use of the vehicle after a minor issue can result in more severe issues.
Of course, you have just filled the oil, but you need to change the oil. Changing the oil helps ensure no debris in your new engine, a potential cause of engine issues. When breaking your vehicle, change the filter along with the oil.
This time, change the oil with the type you plan to use for your UTV permanently.
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