Changing the oil in your ATV is a routine part of ATV maintenance, but how often will depend on how often you ride and the grade of oil you put in your engine. Follow your owner’s manual for specifics and use our step-by-step guide to change your ATV’s engine oil. You can check your engine oil level by pulling out the dipstick and looking at the color of oil at the end of a ride.
Materials Needed for ATV Oil Change
- Replacement oil of your selected grade
- Oil filter
- Oil filter wrench
- Funnel
- Drain pan
- Rags you can throw away
- Socket set
- Ratchet
- Screwdriver
How to Change the Oil
- Allow the engine to run for at least 10 minutes. This gets the oil warmed up so it easily flows out of the engine.
- On most models, you’ll have to remove some of the panels to get to the oil filter. Refer to the manual for exact location. Typically, you’ll begin by removing the seat, then pulling on the latch to disengage the tabs around the front of the seat.
- Now remove the right side panel. This piece can usually be snapped on and off. Now find the cover with 7 bolts below the side panels. Once both of these covers have been removed, you’ll have easy access to the dipstick and oil filter.
- To equalize engine pressure and allow for faster draining, remove the dipstick.
- Refer to the manual for exact location of the drain plug. It should be at the bottom of the engine. Make sure the hole in the skid plate – where the oil will drain – is cleared completely. Place your drain pan directly underneath this hole. Use a socket to loosen the drain plug until you can remove it by hand. When you feel the plug’s thread clear, quickly remove your hand.
- Let the old oil drain out into the pan below.
- Once the oil has drained, remove the old filter.
How to Add New Engine Oil
- Replace the drain plug but don’t over-tighten it.
- Lubricate the replacement filter’s O-ring with a little oil. Screw the new filter into place. You can start by hand and finish tightening with your filter wrench.
- Pour 2 quarts of fresh oil into your funnel.
- Turn the engine back on for 5-10 seconds to allow the oil to circulate throughout the engine.
- Check the dipstick. If necessary, add more oil until the dipstick reads full.
- Now replace the cover, side panel, and seat.
You’re ready to ride.
