If you are one of the lucky ones who has actually purchased your Honda Pioneer and now has it sitting in your garage, ready for the next time you decide to take it out for a ride, you should also make sure that you keep up with maintenance. I put together a bit of a top ten list of maintenance tips for your UTV, and you guys should feel free to add tips to the list as well.
1. Check your Oil
It is a good idea to check your oil every ride, or at least every few rides. Oil can be burnt off through weak piston rings and seep out of unsuspected compromised gaskets.
2. Change your Oil
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Don't forget to change you roil from time to time! Checking your oil doesn't really help much at all if you aren't prepared to change the oil too. Some people don't think this matters, but it does. Keeping fresh oil in your Pioneer will ensure that your engine continues to run strong.
3. Check the Coolant
Coolant has several functions in your engine. It moves heat to a radiator for cooling, lubricates seals and prevents rusting inside the engine. Coolant doesn't have to be changed often unless the system gets compromised with debris from within, or is some cases when the gasket begins to leak and allows engine oil in. Otherwise the coolant should be able to be run for years.
4. Check Radiator Cap
The radiator cap plugs the hole in the top of the radiator and also controls the coolant within. The radiator cap controls coolant as it reaches its high pressure, and the cap also allows negative pressure to pull coolant into the radiator should it need more fluid. Ensure that the radiator cap has a proper seal, and replace it if you see signs of wear.
5. Replace Spark Plugs
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Change your Pioneer's spark plugs to bring back fresh power that can be lost as the plug begins to wear over time. Spark plugs only cost $10 each. Switch them out twice a year to make sure your Pioneer is running at peak performance.
6. Electrical Wiring
If you are comfortable with wiring and electrical work, be sure to look over the wiring of the Pioneer often. Any wires that are wearing or scraped should be replaced before they have the chance to get grounded and ruin expensive components.
7. Monitor your Fuel
After each ride you should drain the carborator and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from gelling and varnish from slowing your next outing. This product also clean internal carb components. You can also use high octane fuel to be nice to your engine.
8. Check Tire Air Pressure
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Make sure that your Pioneer's tires are inflated properly. No one wants to ride around on flat tires.
9. Driveline Service
Check the driveline of the Pioneer often (every ride or two.) This may sound over-zealous, but if you have to push your Pioneer across a muddy field because the driveline breaks down, you will not feel that this is overkill anymore.
10. Battery Maintenance
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Lastly, keep a close eye on your battery. During the winter, if you don't take the Pioneer out very often, invest in a trickle charger for your battery.
1. Check your Oil
It is a good idea to check your oil every ride, or at least every few rides. Oil can be burnt off through weak piston rings and seep out of unsuspected compromised gaskets.
2. Change your Oil
Don't forget to change you roil from time to time! Checking your oil doesn't really help much at all if you aren't prepared to change the oil too. Some people don't think this matters, but it does. Keeping fresh oil in your Pioneer will ensure that your engine continues to run strong.
3. Check the Coolant
Coolant has several functions in your engine. It moves heat to a radiator for cooling, lubricates seals and prevents rusting inside the engine. Coolant doesn't have to be changed often unless the system gets compromised with debris from within, or is some cases when the gasket begins to leak and allows engine oil in. Otherwise the coolant should be able to be run for years.
4. Check Radiator Cap
The radiator cap plugs the hole in the top of the radiator and also controls the coolant within. The radiator cap controls coolant as it reaches its high pressure, and the cap also allows negative pressure to pull coolant into the radiator should it need more fluid. Ensure that the radiator cap has a proper seal, and replace it if you see signs of wear.
5. Replace Spark Plugs
Change your Pioneer's spark plugs to bring back fresh power that can be lost as the plug begins to wear over time. Spark plugs only cost $10 each. Switch them out twice a year to make sure your Pioneer is running at peak performance.
6. Electrical Wiring
If you are comfortable with wiring and electrical work, be sure to look over the wiring of the Pioneer often. Any wires that are wearing or scraped should be replaced before they have the chance to get grounded and ruin expensive components.
7. Monitor your Fuel
After each ride you should drain the carborator and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from gelling and varnish from slowing your next outing. This product also clean internal carb components. You can also use high octane fuel to be nice to your engine.
8. Check Tire Air Pressure
Make sure that your Pioneer's tires are inflated properly. No one wants to ride around on flat tires.
9. Driveline Service
Check the driveline of the Pioneer often (every ride or two.) This may sound over-zealous, but if you have to push your Pioneer across a muddy field because the driveline breaks down, you will not feel that this is overkill anymore.
10. Battery Maintenance
Lastly, keep a close eye on your battery. During the winter, if you don't take the Pioneer out very often, invest in a trickle charger for your battery.
