Honda Seasonal Tips
Honda Powersports General
Storage Tips:
Pre-Storage Maintenance
Before storage, do an oil change, wash your vehicle, make sure coolant is topped up for your first post-winter ride, and make sure your vehicle’s metal, resin, and rubber parts are in good condition.
Find a Safe Storage Area
Keep your vehicle in an area free of excessive humidity, snow, dirt and dust. It is preferable the storage area is indoors and should be secure.
Run Your Vehicle Regularly
It is recommended to run your vehicle regularly to prevent parts from sticking due to rust or other problems, as well as to eliminate moisture.
Fuel System
If fuel is left for an extended period of time, it may become stale and turn into a residue that can plug fuel lines. A fuel stabilizer such as Honda Pro Fuel Stabilizer can help prevent moisture buildup in your full fuel tank.
Additional Winter Storage Tips
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Use a Cover to Protect Your Honda
Rain and snow can cause rust, while ultraviolet (UV) rays also accelerate the deterioration of vehicle parts.
A cover will help to block both of these from harming your vehicle. Covers can also protect against dust and theft, so even if you park your Honda indoors or in a covered parking area, it's a good idea to use a cover (just make sure to wait until your engine and muffler have cooled off before putting it on).
Prevent Moisture Buildup
After it rains, sleets, or snows, moisture tends to accumulate inside body covers. If your Honda is outside or exposed to moisture, remove the cover and allow the vehicle body to dry.
Be especially careful with waterproof covers, as they tend to be poorly ventilated.
Battery Care
Even while not in use, the vehicle’s battery can discharge on its own or otherwise run down. If you will be leaving your Honda unused for an extended period of time, remove the battery from the vehicle, fully charge it, and store it in a well-ventilated, dark place.
If the battery is to be left in the vehicle, the negative terminal should be disconnected. Be mindful of battery acid.
Watch the Tires
Tires can suffer from deformation if they are on the ground and holding up the weight of your Honda in the same position for a long period of time.
To prevent this, use a maintenance stand for motorcycles to store the bike in a position where the tires are lifted off the ground. Move your ATV or SxS periodically to help prevent tire deformation.
Getting Ready to Ride Again
Check Tires
Check tires for cracks or splits on the sidewalls (if you find large cracks or splits, tire replacement is recommended). Also check the air pressure recommended in the Owner’s manual.
Check for Rust
Check the vehicle for any rust that may have accumulated during storage, and lube the drive chain before riding.
Change the Oil
Even though you changed the engine oil before storage, change it again if the vehicle has been stored for more than four months (small amounts of oil left in the engine from previous oil changes can create corrosive byproducts during storage).
Pre-Ride Battery Care
Clean the battery terminals with a wire brush and coat them with dielectric greaseIf removed, reinstall the battery.