If you’re considering buying an ATV, whether you take out a loan or not, it isn’t just the upfront cost you need to think about. Maintenance and repairs can also be costly, from routine oil changes to unexpected repairs, Keeping your ATV in top shape will require time and money.
That said, understanding these potential expenses ahead of time can help you plan ahead and avoid difficulty down the road.
ATV Maintenance Costs
Owning an ATV comes with more than just the upfront price – regular maintenance and occasional repairs are expected costs to keep it running smoothly.
From routine oil changes to seasonal storage prep, understanding these costs can help you budget properly and avoid financial distress.
Routine Maintenance (Oil Changes, Tire Replacement)
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your ATV in peak condition and should help you avoid more costly repairs in future.
- Oil Change – One of the most basic tasks is an oil change, which should be done every 50 to 100 hours of ride time or at least once per year.
- Tire Replacement – This is another routine expense since ATV tires tend to wear down much faster than they would on a regular car due to the rough terrain. Depending on the size, brand and model of your quad, A full set of ATV tires can cost you a few hundred to a couple thousand,
Other routine maintenance costs include air filter replacement and regular chain lubrication. Keeping up with these basics will help keep your ATV performing reliably and efficiently.
Common Repairs And Spare Parts Costs
That said, even with good regular maintenance, your ATV is likely to require repairs at some point simply due to wear and tear.
One of the most common issues for these ATVs is battery failure, which can often be costly to replace, especially for more advanced or outdated models. Keep in mind that your ATV battery will typically last between 2 to 4 years, depending on use and storage conditions.
Your ATV’s brakes might also need occasional replacement, with new brake pads and rotors needing installation potentially every few years.
Suspension problems are another common maintenance issue, especially for riders who frequently ride rough trails and terrain.
New shock absorbers for your ATV can run anywhere from $200 to $650 per set, while a full suspension rebuild can often exceed $1,000, with prices varying for both parts and labour.
Other potential repair costs include:
- Drive belt replacement
- Carburetor cleaning/replacement
- Axle replacement
Seasonal Storage and Cleaning Costs
Other than regular maintenance and common replacement parts, the biggest expense you’ll need to consider before you buy an ATV is storage. Suitable storage of your vehicle during the off-season is crucial for preventing long-term damage.
If you have a garage, shed, or suitable covered area outside, storing your ATV at home can be the most cost-effective option. Just ensure that it is protected from the elements, i.e. using a weatherproof ATV cover, keeping it raised off the ground, etc.
You may also incur some expenses in order to prepare your ATV for winter storage, such as:
- Changing the oil and topping off fluids to prevent internal corrosion
- Adding a fuel stabilizer to protect the system
- Disconnecting or using a trickle charger on the battery
- Covering and storing the ATV in a dry, secure location
A thorough deep clean of your ATV is also a good idea before you put it into storage.
This can be done professionally or at home with a few relatively inexpensive items, such as a degreaser and a power washer. Keeping your ATV clean will help prevent rust, clogging, and premature failure of important parts.
Learn more: Powersports Financing In Canada
Can You Finance Your ATV Repairs Or Maintenance Expenses?
While maintenance and repair expenses should be factored into your budget before you buy an ATV, there are ways to manage these costs without straining your wallet. Whether you’re talking about routine upkeep or an unexpected repair, it’s vital to be aware of your financing options.
Bundling Maintenance with ATV Financing
If you’re considering financing the purchase of an ATV, look out for any details about maintenance costs.
Some dealerships and lenders will offer you the chance to bundle certain maintenance expenses into your ATV financing plan at the time of purchase. This can include extended warranties, prepaid service packages or maintenance plans that can range from basic to more detailed servicing.
While this would add to the overall cost of your loan, it may actually be one of the best ways to lock in some maintenance and repairs, at least for the first year or two of your ATV’s lifespan. This can provide some peace of mind and help avoid costly out-of-pocket expenses later on.
Financing Repairs With Loans
In addition to maintenance bundling, you could also consider a small loan to cover the cost of maintenance or unexpected repairs.
ATV repairs can be costly, especially if they involve major components like the engine or transmission. If you don’t have the cash on hand, you could use a personal loan or credit card to help cover the cost.
- Personal Loan – Generally speaking, personal loans typically offer fixed interest rates and predictable monthly payments, making them a good option for covering larger repairs.
- Credit Card – A credit card can be convenient for smaller fixes, especially if you’ve got access to a card with low interest or rewards benefits. And keep an eye out for ATV repair shops or garages that offer in-house financing or even buy now, pay later options to spread out costs over time.
Learn more: ATV Leasing vs. Buying: Which Option Is Right For You?
How To Reduce Maintenance Costs & Repairs
Keeping your ATV in top shape doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, you can proactively maintain your vehicle and extend its life by practicing a few key habits:
Ride Smart to Minimize Wear and Tear
How you ride an ATV can play a big part in long-term maintenance costs. Consistent, sudden acceleration, hard braking, and riding through rough terrain will put extra strain on the engine, suspension, and tires.
Instead, gradual speed changes and braking smoothly will help reduce the stress on those critical components, thereby helping them to function optimally for longer.
Avoiding deep water and excessive mud will also help prevent potentially costly engine and transmission damage.
Wherever possible, try to stick to well-maintained trails as that can also help extend the life of your tires and suspension.
Learn Basic DIY Maintenance
Handling any minor maintenance issues yourself can save you a significant amount each year.
It’s worthwhile learning how to check tire pressure, lubricate basic moving parts and clean or replace air filters. For more experienced riders, taking on oil changes, brake pad replacements and drive belt swaps will further reduce potential costs for labour.
Even if you’re not comfortable doing basic repairs yourself, make sure to understand the basics, as that should help you catch any potential issues early and avoid unnecessary expenses for labour.
Prioritize Preventive Care
Regular maintenance will prevent small issues from turning into expensive repairs further down the road.
Simple things like rinsing off mud and debris after each ride will help prevent corrosion and blockages. Occasionally checking that bolts, fasteners, and seals are secure is also an easy, proactive step to take.
For more advanced care, keeping the battery properly maintained and using fuel stabilizers during storage will prevent common issues like battery drain and clogged fuel systems. Building these habits into your riding, before and after a trip, can take time but is absolutely worth it in the long term.
Invest In Quality Parts
While it may be tempting to keep your costs as low as possible, opting for high-quality parts when you do need replacements can save you money throughout your ATV’s lifespan.
That’s because cheap replacement parts are more likely to wear out faster, and in the worst case could even cause additional damage, thus leading to more frequent repairs.
Sticking with OEM or reputable aftermarket brands helps to keep your ATV performance strong, efficient and reliable.
The same goes for fluids – using the recommended oil, coolant, and lubricants will prevent some engine and transmission issues and keep your ATV in top condition for years to come.
Bottom Line
Owning an ATV should be fun, but getting hit with an expensive repair bill isn’t. With proactive maintenance, however, you can help keep your ATV running smoothly for years to come and keep those post-purchase expenses down.
Budgeting for routine upkeep, learning basic DIY maintenance and exploring financing options are all great steps you can take to reduce maintenance and repair costs for your ATV.
Before you make a purchase, take the time to consider the full picture of ATV ownership, including maintenance costs, so you can maximize the fun and take each ride with confidence.
