7 Tips For Storing Your ATV In the Garage

Riding ATVs is a fun pastime the whole family can enjoy. However, ATVs are expensive toys that require specific care. To benefit from years of outdoor adventures, you want to ensure yours is protected from inclement weather. The best place to store your quad is in your garage. Here are a few tips for storing your ATV from Creative Door Services™!


happy woman off roading in ATV


1.) Clean the exterior

The best way to protect your ride from rust and corrosion is by giving it a thorough cleaning before storing it. Make sure to cover the intake box and exhaust pipe with plastic bags to prevent water from getting inside. Then, hose down the ATV. Use detergent and a soft brush to scrub away caked-on mud. Once the quad is clean, dry it off with towels.

As an extra precaution, apply a protectant to the plastic parts. In addition, you should lube all exposed metallic parts, including the chain, drive shaft, U-joints, CV joints, suspension, throttle cable, brake cable, and clutch cable.

2.) Change the oil and air filter

Used oil has dirt and debris that eventually will congeal and adhere to the pan and engine parts. Dirty oil can also become acidic and corrode the ATV engine. Consequently, before storing your ride, be sure to change the oil. Also, clean or replace the air filter, and let the engine idle for a few minutes so the clean oil can coat all the moving parts.

3.) Drain unused gas or add fuel stabilizer

Gas breaks down and goes bad if left sitting for too long. Therefore, if your ATV has a plastic fuel tank, drain it completely before storing it. Make sure the fuel lines and carburetor are also empty. However, if your ride has a metal fuel tank, you can simply top it up and add a fuel stabilizer with a corrosion inhibitor. Leaving the tank empty over the winter could cause it to rust.

4.) Keep the battery charged

If left unused for several months, the battery in your ATV can die, reducing its overall lifespan. To ensure that doesn’t happen, keep it charged while in storage by hooking it up to a battery tender or trickle charger.

Preparing ATV for storage in garage


5.) Raise the tires off the floor

Keep your ATV off the ground while in storage to prevent premature wear and tear on the tires and suspension system. You can purchase blocks, elevated racks and lifts that don’t take up too much space.

6.) Cover it

Even when storing your ATV in a garage, it’s best to use a cover to protect it from dust, direct sunlight, and scratches. Use a breathable but opaque cover rather than a plastic one. Furthermore, cover the exhaust pipe with a muffler plug, or stuff a rag into the opening, and tape over any entrance points, such as intakes, to prevent mice and insects from nesting inside.

7.) Invest in garage security

If you want to keep your ATV safe, your garage needs an extra layer of protection from burglars and thieves. For example, you can invest in a commercial-grade hollow metal pedestrian door. They’re durable and can resist being tampered with or kicked in. Creative Door Services™ carries several models with varying insulation levels, sound-deadening, and fire protection.

You can also strategically place security cameras around your garage as a visual deterrent. Many models come equipped with motion-activated sirens and alarms to stop trespassers in their tracks. If a crime or theft occurs, the security cameras will record the entire incident so the police can use the footage to help find the culprit. Some security cameras also have a live feed, alerting you in real-time when they detect any unusual activity.

We also carry a comprehensive range of modern openers, operators and access controls that come equipped with monitoring. For further reading, be sure to check out Genie's Wi-Fi-Enabled Garage Door Openers and How To Retrofit Your Garage Door Opener With Genie®: Wi-Fi Access And Monitoring.

home addition insulated and secure garage doors by wayne dalton

Top-Of-The-Line Garage Doors in Western Canada

A sturdy and well-insulated garage door can go a long way in keeping your garage secure and your ATV safe. Creative Door Services™ carries a wide range of high-quality residential garage doors with high R-values from top brands like Wayne Dalton. Additionally, we have many garage door accessories, including door openers and operators. Our team also provides comprehensive garage door installation, repair, and maintenance services.

For a free quote or to learn more, contact us today. We have locations in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.

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