Hot Weather Powersports Maintenance
Hot weather conditions can put a lot of strain on a powersports vehicle. The intense heat can force the tires to expand, while the cooling system has to work extra hard to keep the engine working properly. This guide from Miller’s Motorsports has some useful tips on how to maintain your powersports vehicle in hot weather.
The Coolant
Coolant bleeds excess heat out of a powersports vehicle’s engine, which helps prevent overheating. Coolant needs to be replaced, every 20,000 miles, every 500 hours of operation, or every three months, depending on which comes first. Of course, different models have different requirements, so you should check your owner’s manual to see what it has to say on the subject of replacing the coolant. You should also occasionally inspect the coolant itself. The coolant may need to be replaced early if it’s discolored, cloudy, or full of debris.
The Air Conditioning
Some powersports vehicles have a built in air-conditioning system. This can be a useful feature during the summer months where the temperature inside the cabin can quickly rise. You may need to occasionally flush the air-conditioning system to remove debris. Make sure that any fittings and hoses are tight, fully connected, and free of cracks. Filters will also occasionally need to be swapped out.
The Tires
Rubber expands when exposed to high temperatures. Riding around in the summer heat strains your powersports vehicle’s tires. Pay extra attention to your tires during the summer months and make sure that they stay within the manufacturer recommended pressure range.
Keep the Vehicle Cool
Minimize the amount of contact your powersports vehicle has with extreme heat by parking in shady areas when possible. Other methods of protecting your powersports vehicle from the effects of extreme heat include using a sunshield and keeping the windows open. Many powersports vehicles have a built in temperature gauge that can be used to track how hot the vehicle has become, so keep an eye on it if you’re worried about heat damage.
For more information or to view our selection of powersports vehicles, visit Miller’s Motorsports in Lemont Furnace or Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. We also offer servicing, parts, financing, trade-ins, and test rides. We proudly serve communities like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Youngstown, Ohio. We hope to see you soon!