Basic Tools Required for ATV Maintenance

Nov. 6 2018 Miscellaneous By ___

If you own an ATV, then you simply need to have an ATV maintenance tool kit. Instead of drumming up huge maintenance bills at the mechanic, it is always a smart idea to acquire a number of necessary tools to maintain, repair, and upgrade your own four-wheeler. With the right tools, and a little bit of advice, you could master the basics which will help you keep your ATV in great shape. Here at Riva Motorsports and Marine of the Keys, we’ve come up with a list of DIY tools required for the upkeep of your ATV. Read on to find out what we recommend! Or, if you want the pros to take care of it, you could also bring your quad to our showroom in Key Largo, Florida. Our location proudly serves the areas of Florida Keys and Homestead. 

Allen and Hex Bit Sockets

Hex heads are the most common fasteners on an ATV. A set of L-shaped hex keys work like a screwdriver and can go a long way in terms of precision. However, you won’t get much leverage with them, leaving you with the other option of going for hex-head sockets along with a few ratchets of different sizes to complement them.

Impact Wrench/Driver

An impact driver comes in handy when you need to dislodge stubborn screws, as steel screws can lock to the threads in crankcases of an ATV. An impact driver should always be a part of your ATV maintenance kit, and can help loosen the fastener without having to use too much elbow grease. 

Penetrating Oil or WD-40

Penetrating oil seeps deep into crevices, threads, and seams and pries apart components that are stuck together. Using penetrating oil is a lot easier than drilling out a fastener with brute strength. This is easily a mechanic’s favorite tool, as it makes maintenance tasks so much easier. WD-40 also forms a protective layer that prevents corrosion and rusting. 

Test Light

The test light is an electronic tool used to detect electricity in a piece of equipment. It is a great piece tool to have around when working on an electrical system. Essentially, the light measures electrical current before and after a connection to see if the connection is complete. Easy to use and reasonably priced, this tool is very useful when repairing or servicing your four wheeler, and since most models cost less than $20, it is a great, affordable upgrade for many tool kits.

Multimeter

The multimeter is an electronic measuring instrument that combines several measurement functions in one unit. An indispensable tool to test batteries and diagnose circuits, the multimeter has a number of functions including measuring electrical conductivity throughout your vehicle and providing resistance, amperage, and voltage readings, which can help you figure out where your electrical system needs to be amped up.

Tire Pressure Gauge & Repair Kit

Tires can easily blow out if the pressure is not right, and if you own an ATV, then there’s no excuse for not owning a tire pressure gauge. Good tires are crucial to the performance of your ATV and an inexpensive tire pressure gauge will allow you to keep your tires at the right pressure at all times. When heading into the mountains, checking the pressure in your tires should be a non-negotiable part of the maintenance process, as tire pressure can be affected by elevation changes. When going on a long trip or embarking on a trail adventure, your ATV tool kit could be an absolute life-saver. A tire plug kit with CO2 cartridges, glue, patches, and plugs means that you can tend to your tires without even removing them from your four wheeler. 

Before hitting the road, you can always swing by Riva Motorsports and Marine of the Keys in Key Largo, Florida to get your four wheeler serviced, repaired, and fitted up for the journey ahead. Our team of professionals are always happy to help! We proudly serve locations near Florida Keys and Homestead.