As fun as it might be to hit the trails in your UTV, it’s important to remember that owning a side-by-side comes with some key responsibilities. If you neglect these, then your utility vehicle will inevitably suffer the consequences. Lucky for you, basic UTV maintenance is relatively simple. When you run into a more complex maintenance issue, Central Arkansas Mahindra has got you covered. We’ve put together some essential information for you to get started on maintaining your side-by-side. If you have any questions, be sure to give us a call or stop by our dealership in Little Rock, AR.

Read Your Manual

First things first: go find your owner’s manual. We can give you general tips on caring for your UTV, but the only place to find the specifics is in your owner’s manual. There, you can get instructions on caring for the side-by-side, as well as maintenance logs to help keep track of what you’ve done and when. If you can’t find your manual, check the manufacturer’s website for downloadable versions. 

Tires

It goes without saying that you aren’t going to get very far if you don’t have functioning tires. There are two critical aspects to monitor in your tires. First, you need to keep an eye on the tire pressure. When your tires have too much inflation, it decreases their contact with the road. Too little inflation compromises the tire’s ability to handle the forces pushing down on them. Make a habit of using a tire pressure gauge to measure the inflation levels and adjust as needed.

The second thing you need to pay attention to with your tires is the tread, which affects your UTV’s ability to maintain traction with the road. As time goes on, your tread will get worn down. Always consult your owner’s manual to know how often you should replace the tires.

Brakes

You want to be able to rely on your brakes at all times, so make sure the brake fluid is consistently topped off. The brake pads will require a routine inspection as well. You’ll want to confirm they are wearing evenly and that there’s still ample material to work with. If everything appears fine yet you’re still noticing any unusual grinding, squeaking, pulsating, then you might want to consider having your UTV’s brake system checked by a professional.

Change the Oil

One of the best things you can do for your UTV is to keep up with regular oil changes. You can check the status of your oil by removing the dipstick, wiping it off, reinserting it, and removing it once more. Check both the color and the location of the oil on the dipstick. If it’s opaque or thick and sludgy, then you’ll want to change the oil.

We want everyone to get the most out of their UTV, so we recommend doing the simple maintenance tasks you’re comfortable with, and then bring it to our service department at Central Arkansas Mahindra for more complex issues. You’ll find us in Little Rock, Arkansas, where we serve all those from Sherwood, Conway, and Hot Springs.