How to Store Your ATV Outside During Winter

Your ATV is an investment. Understandably, you want to protect it. To keep your ATV going, it’s essential to know how to store it outside in winter. ATVs are durable and made to last, but they need to be stored and maintained correctly.

While an ATV is best stored clean and dry indoors, we understand that it is not always possible. Outdoor storage can work, so long as you follow best practices on keeping your ATV outside in winter. The goal is to emulate the indoor environment as much as possible by reducing exposure to the sun, wind, rain, and other elements. Here, we will talk about long-term outdoor storage for an ATV, as regular use looks somewhat different.

Clean and Prep Your ATV

Before you put your ATV away for the winter, make sure it is clean. Rinse the entire machine, lubricate parts that require it, such as the drive chain, and consider using a muffler plug to keep the exhaust clear.

If your ATV has a plastic tank, drain all of the fluids and lines. If it is a metal tank, fill it up with gas, leaving room for the fuel stabilizer you will add. Then run the ATV for a few minutes to ensure the treated fuel is running through the system. Change the oil and oil filter, and remove the air filter to keep rodents away.

You should consider wiping down any metal surfaces and the exhaust pipe with WD-40 before covering the ATV. This treatment helps further prevent unwanted rusting as the ATV sits over winter. Overall, be sure to carefully clean both the interior and exterior of the ATV before covering it.

Cover Your ATV

If knowing how to store your ATV outside during winter means aiming for as much protection as possible, it’s clear that a cover is essential. Invest in the highest quality, most heavy-duty ATV cover you can find. This will act as an important barrier between the ATV and the weather. A good ATV cover also protects against rodents, insects, and contaminants like dust and pollen, while keeping condensation out of your gas tank.

Make sure your ATV cover is made explicitly for an ATV. The design will avoid rust and moisture. A waterproof cover is ideal for protecting seats, cables, and any metal parts of your ATV.

Consider Your Storage Location – Or Build a Shed

If you cannot keep your ATV inside, place it as close to a building as possible. Storing the ATV beside a building will add protection from the weather. If you can park it under a roof, all the better.

Some people buy or build a small shed, just large enough to store the ATV. While these simple sheds are usually unheated and ATVs stored this way still require covers, sheds help extend ATVs’ lives.

Inflate the Tires

When an ATV has been in storage, it’s common for people to get ready for a spring ride only to find flat tires. Tires deflate readily when a vehicle is stored outside. Inflate them fully before storage and check on them periodically throughout. Allowing the tires to become fully flat will lead to a lot of expense and frustration come spring.

You may even consider jacking the ATV up and leaving it on jack stands, cinder blocks, or another support. Parking an ATV on the ground or concrete for a long time can strain or damage the tires. Lifting the ATV helps take the pressure off the tires and can offer further protection against moisture from rain or snow.

Plan Ahead for the Battery Life

Before covering the ATV, remove the battery and inspect it. This is an excellent time to clean terminals and look for debris that could impact battery life. A trickle charger will keep your battery going without a lot of energy or expense. This is especially true if you are keeping your battery out where it is cold. A trickle charger is a must-have to ensure you’ve got a charge when the time comes.

Lock it Up

Taking the key out of the ATV is often not enough security. Chain your ATV to a stable structure to ensure that it is not an easy grab for a would-be thief. You might consider installing cameras or another security system for more protection against crime. And if the ATV is beyond your usual line of sight, ensure that someone checks on it through the winter.