SxS Maintenance to keep your UTV running right

Following a regular maintenance schedule will prolong the life of your machine.

Oil and other fluid changes

Consistent oil changes are one of the most important factors for making your UTV last for a long time. Dumonde Tech and Amsoil products are a sure way to lengthen engine life. Refer to your owner's manual for specific direction considering how often to change your oil. However, our mechanics recommend changing your oil at the start of every season, or anytime you notice dark or sludgy oil. Remember that its much cheaper to replace your oil and other fluids than it is to replace engine components. If you notice oil or other fluids leaking from your machine contact our sxs maintenance experts to get it fixed. When changing your oil, it's also be a good idea to check your other fluids such as coolant.

Brakes

Brakes maintenance is essential for the safety of any vehicle. Check your brakes each spring at the beginning of riding season or any time you notice unusual behavior or performance such as squeaking or scraping sounds, or a loss of stopping power. Check the thickness of your brake pads, if they are 1/8th inch thick or less they should be replaced. We recommend new brake pads from Renthal, galfer, or EBC due to the superior stopping power they offer. Also, check your brake fluid to make sure it is is filled to the proper level. If it is too low, you may have a leak somewhere that needs repaired. If you notice any water or contaminants in your brake fluid it may need to be replaced. A third thing to inspect when checking your brakes is the rotors. Grooved or warped rotors should be replaced as they may compromise the safety of the SxS. Alpine XC has sxs maintenance experts who can help with any brake repair.

Winter Storage

Winterizing your machine is an important part of SxS maintenance. You can properly prepare your machine for storage during the winter to prevent gas from going bad. Old gas turns into a green tarnish that can damage your engine, prevent your machine from starting, and cause misfires. Bad gas is difficult to dispose of properly and if left in your machine the gas tank and carburetor will need to be cleaned to get your machine running properly again. The best method is to prevent these problems by draining the gas tank and carburetor before storage. Another good option is to add fuel stabilizer to your tank before storing for extended periods of time.

Plastics

Faded plastics lower the value of your SxS and make it look old. Damage from the sun is one of the biggest contributors to faded plastics. So, if you have the space, store your machine in a garage or covered location to protect it from the sun. If your side by side has fallen victim to faded plastics, we recommend using SC1 spray to restore a high-quality gloss shine.

Air Filter

Clean and oil your air filter regularly to keep air flowing to your engine, keep dirt and other contaminants out, and make your machine run its best. Many stock SxS filters are paper filters and can't be cleaned but will need to be replaced instead. When you replace your air filter consider what type of filter to use. We recommend using a funnel web, twin air, pre oiled, or Maxima pro filter for quality performance.

Tires

Maintain an appropriate air pressure for the style of riding you're doing. Lower air pressure is good for slow speeds and situations where you need traction such as rock climbing. Riding with low tire pressure for too long may increase your likelihood of the tire coming off the rim, so use good judgement with your tires. High pressures are better for fast speeds and smooth surfaces.
Check tires for cracking, abnormal wear, and other damage before riding. It is also a good idea to make sure the lug nuts are tightened, and nothing looks out of the ordinary. Tires often need replaced. Fortunately, we stock a variety of Dunlop, IRC, Shinko, Michelin, Bridgestone and other brands to allows you to get a great selection.

tire maintenance, repair, and replacement