ATV Oil Guide: Tips and Tricks for Maintaining Your ATV


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ATVs need more support and maintenance than the normal vehicles you use. Since these types are used in off-road areas, they are prone to physical damage if not driven properly. Your ATVs have engines that need to be taken care of too. Your engine serves as the main power of your vehicle and without it, you will not be able to run your vehicle. Your engine has major and minor parts that you need to know so you can do the maintenance and repair thoroughly. Included in your maintenance is changing the engine’s oil. This is a requirement when you have ATVs.

Changing the oil of your engine is part of routine maintenance. It doesn’t only apply to ATVs. It’s also needed in every type of vehicle. Since there are vehicle components that need to be checked from time to time, it’s vital that you are aware that changing your oil is one of the most frequent activities you need to do with your ATV. The engines of your vehicle have moving parts and they rub against each other each time you use it. The friction makes heat and without the oil, those components will continue to touch each other until there is no lubricant that can keep them moving. The major reason why you need to change your oil is that it serves as a lubricant that can absorb the heat produced by friction. Oil permits the engine parts to work together. It prevents them from overheating too. Before deciding which is the best ATV oil for your needs, let’s discuss the different types of motor oils.

What kind of oil does your ATV need?

Now that you are aware of why your oil needs a change, it’s time to know what are the different kinds of oil for your ATV. There are 3 types that you can use: natural, synthetic, and semi-synthetic. Here’s the information about these three.

ATV natural oil

Natural oil, also known as conventional oil, is a lubricant used for ATVs. This is usually obtained from crude oil. Conventional motor oil is formulated from minerals and it’s the most natural type you can find in the market. Other types of oil like synthetic and semi-synthetic contain natural oil and are blended with other components. This type of oil is best used with combustion-type engines.

The advantages of conventional oil include its reliable performance. Because crude or fossil fuels are buried for a long time, natural oil becomes an effective energy resource when it is combined with heat. For that reason, it’s easier to manage this oil to produce heat and combustion. Also, the fact it is a reliable lubricant makes it a valuable fuel when it is processed and refined. Another benefit of natural oil is that it is easy to find nowadays. Oil fields and mines can now be found in any part of the world and these places open up more opportunities for manufacturers to find natural oils easier.

Although natural oils are the purest form that you can use in your ATV, they can trigger environmental damage because when it is broken down, the parts can easily rot. It can’t be reused like other oils too.

AT Synthetic Oil

Unlike conventional oils, synthetic oils are purely man-made. It is composed of compounds that are chemically changed and it is typically used to survive strong engine conditions. Synthetic oils can be easily made in a laboratory since their foundation is consistent.

One of the greatest advantages of synthetic oil is the consistency of its molecules. They are almost the same lengths, producing less friction with engine components. This is a reason why ATV owners, especially those who need strong oil for their engines, use this type of oil. Another benefit of using this is that it can perform in all types of temperatures. Its temperature resistance makes it a versatile option for many ATV users. It cools down the engine as well. Finally, synthetic oils are robust. They are the strongest of all types of oils. If you are looking for oils that don’t break down easily, this is the best selection for you. The drain interval of synthetic oils is three to four times that of conventional oils so you can drive up to 12,000 miles in one full tank.

However, keep in mind that it is the most expensive type. If you don’t mind getting it for a higher price, buy it. But, this isn’t for you if you are on a tight budget. What you will surely get with the expensive price is better care for your engine and an increase in its life span. Synthetic oils are not for old ATVs and cars too as these can melt some of the deposits use to seal out your vehicles. The oil will only leak out and your engine could be damaged if you use it.

ATV Semi-synthetic Oil

Semi-synthetic oils are a combination of conventional and synthetic oils. These are also known as blends in the market. The base of this oil can be conventional or synthetic depending on what the manufacturer wants to create. If the base will be more conventional, the effect of it on the engine will be different. If the base is more synthetic, the function would not be the same too.

What’s great about this oil type is that it is not too strong nor too natural for your ATV. If you want to use synthetic oil but are afraid that it may be too robust for your engine, you can try semi-synthetic first. Manufacturers nowadays are getting more creative when it comes to producing semi-synthetic oils. They are adding compounds that can strengthen the engine and make it more durable. They also combine it with substances that help prevent the wear and tear of engine parts.

The bad side of this is that there is no definite specification as to the amount of synthetic and conventional oils. There are also uncertainties because it can’t support all types of engines. Thus, you will find semi-synthetic brands that don’t work in all types of ATVs. The level of protection also varies depending on which component weighs more.

Updated on March 7, 2023

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