How To Prepare Your Landmaster UTV for Winter and Never Be Left Out In the Cold
The cold northwest winds will soon have winter knocking on our door. Whether you choose to store your UTV or put it to work during the winter months, our six snow tips and accessories will have your side-by-side always ready this winter.
1. ALL CHARGED UP
Cold temperatures can wreak havoc on your battery, especially with limited use or sitting in cold storage. Not only does your battery lose power when it gets cold, but in extreme temperatures, it can be damaged. While keeping your side-by-side in a warm garage or shop is an ideal solution, you may not have that luxury. If you're storing your Landmaster, we suggest removing the battery and storing it in a warm environment on a trickle charger. If you plan on using your side-by-side, having a trickle charger connected to the battery is a great way to keep the battery ready to go and avoid possible cold-weather damage. Landmaster owners can easily do this thanks to jump terminals located behind an easy-to-access side panel.
2 FUELED AND STEADY
Today's fuel is often blended with ethanol, which cannot be stored for extended periods of time. Not only does ethanol fuel break down, but because it "likes" water, it can cause rust, corrosion, and other green sticky growths and varnishes inside your carburetor, injectors, and fuel system components. The best way to avoid the breakdown of your fuel, especially during extended periods of non-use, is always to use an ethanol-free or non-oxy fuel. In addition, we like to add a quality fuel stabilizer to our non-oxy fuel when storing our UTV for longer than a month.
3. CHANGE IS GOOD
With the changing season, it always feels like an excellent time to change your UTV's engine oil, oil filter, and fuel filter. Even if you plan to continue to put your Landmaster to work during the winter months, plowing snow, or enjoying a day of ice fishing, a seasonal change is a great way to remind yourself to keep your vehicle properly maintained. Changing the fluids and filters is also recommended before storing your side-by-side. It gives you peace of mind, and you know your UTV will be ready to ride come spring.
4. THE AIR IN THERE
As the temperature drops, so does the air pressure in your side-by-side's tire. As a general rule, with every 10 degrees of temperature drop, your tires will also decrease by 1-2 psi. If you live in a climate that can experience 90 degrees in the summer and sub-zero temperatures in the winter, your tire pressure could decrease by at least 10 psi. Generally, monitor your tire pressure every few weeks, especially as the temperatures drop, and adjust accordingly.
5. GIVE ME SHELTER
Keeping your Landmaster UTV protected from the elements is an excellent way to ensure your vehicle looks and operates like new season after season. Even if you don't have a garage, shop, or storage shed to keep your side-by-side protected from the elements, a UTV cover is a great alternative. No matter your choice, not having to sweep snow from your side-by-side and off the seat makes winter just a little more enjoyable.
6. THE RIGHT ACCESSORIES
The best way to prepare your Landmaster UTV for the winter months is to equip it with the right accessories so you can work smarter, safer, and with more comfort. Start by adding these six accessories:
- CV Guards - These are used to protect your velocity shafts and rubber boots from snow, ice, and hidden obstacles beneath the snowpack.
- Two-Passenger Cab Enclosure - The soft enclosure is easy to put on and take off throughout the seasons. Pull up on each side, and it will come off the hinges; no tools are required. The rear and side windows can be rolled down for some air flow or better visibility. And it gives you the same comfort and protection as a hard cab enclosure, just for a fraction of the cost.
- Plows - Adding a plow makes snow removal easy and quick. Remember to include the added toughness of a steel winch cable when equipping your UTV with a plow. Landmaster offers a 50” dual-actuated, 60” dual-actuated, 50" winch required, and 60" winch required plow.
- LED Light Bar - This roof-mounted light bar is great for added visibility.
- Orange Strobe - Added for safety.
- Salt Spreader - To assist with those stubborn icy patches.
Winter is coming. This year be ready with the right service, storage, and accessories for your Landmaster UTV. Let it snow!
