When the winter season draws to a close, you’re probably going to be eager to be back on your Honda powersports vehicle. Who can blame you? Depending on where you reside, you may need to take a few steps before you can enjoy the ride again. When you think about the fact that your powersports vehicle has been sitting idle during the coldest months of the year, it makes sense that you need to whip it back into shape first.
Honda Parts Direct has created this guide to help you learn more about the de-winterization process. Keep in mind that it may vary from one vehicle to the next, so always consult your owner’s manual for specific information. If you’re performing routine maintenance on your powersports vehicle and you need to replace some parts, we’ve got you covered. Check out our online parts finder for all of your needs.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like assistance. We offer worldwide shipping or you can avoid shipping costs by picking up your order from us at our convenient location near Dallas and Houston, TX.
Perform An Initial Inspection
The very first step of de-winterization is a visual inspection of your Honda powersports vehicle. Walk around the exterior and examine it closely. You should be looking for any noticeable damage that you might’ve missed when you put it in storage or something that may have occurred while it was in storage. If you find any issue during your inspection, it’s important to address them right away. If you find that you need Honda powersports vehicle parts, you’ll be able to find them on our website.
Change The Oil
If you put fresh oil in your powersports vehicle before you stored it, you should still make sure to swap it out during the de-winterization process. During the winter months, it’s not uncommon for oils and engine fluids to separate or become waxy. This can drastically reduce their ability to protect your machine from damage. When you change the oil, take a moment to examine the filter. This is the perfect time to change the filter, after all.
Check The Battery
The way you address your battery during the de-winterization process will depend on how you handled it before the winter season started. For instance, if you put it on a trickle charger, you should still take a moment to test the status with a battery tester. You don’t want it to give up on you when you’re out riding. However, if you did not keep your battery charged during the offseason, you’re probably going to need to invest in a replacement.
With that said, you should be inspecting the battery for any obvious problems, such as leaking fluid and corrosion near the battery terminals. When it comes to wet cell batteries, you’ll need to confirm the electrolyte levels are topped off with distilled water. Don’t forget that battery acid is both toxic and corrosive. Therefore, it’s important to wear safety glasses and gloves when handling the battery.
Examine The Spark Plugs
Next, carefully remove the spark plugs to check them for signs of rust or corrosion. You might be surprised to learn that this can be a sign of more serious problems that need to be addressed inside the engine. If you notice there’s rust on a spark plug, you can use a borescope to look inside the cylinder and inspect the condition inside the engine before you start it. Your engine might be just fine, but that doesn’t mean that your spark plugs are in the clear. Play it safe and replace any spark plugs with rust or corrosion.
Check The Brakes & Tires
Last but not least, take a look at the tires and brakes as these must be in good condition for you to be able to ride your Honda powersports vehicle. You should never attempt to ride on tires that are worn down. You may end up suffering a nasty blowout at high speeds, which could cause a serious accident. All you’ll need to do is use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure. If necessary, air up your tires to the level that’s recommended by the manufacturer. You should also be looking for worn treads, sidewall tears, and embedded objects. Make the necessary repairs or replacements before you hit the road.
The brakes are just as important as the tires in the de-winterization process. You can take it for a spin around the block to test the responsiveness. Roll down the driveway very slowly and allow plenty of room before coming to a stop. Gently engage the brakes and apply steady pressure until you’re at a complete stop. Dust may cause some squeaking sounds, but if you notice slipping or grinding, it’s time to bring it in for service. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
We hope that our de-winterization guide has been helpful. When the time comes, Honda Parts Direct offers a broad range of Honda powersports vehicle parts for sale. Regardless of what you need, we’ve got your back. If Honda makes it, we can get it for you. Give us a call or send us an email if you need help finding the right parts. We’re located in Palestine, TX, and proudly serve Dallas and Houston. We ship internationally or you can pick up your parts from our store to avoid shipping costs.