In South Louisiana, hunting season means it’s time to get your ATV or UTV ready before heading into the woods. If your machine has been sitting for weeks or months, don’t assume it’s ready to go. A little maintenance now can help prevent breakdowns when you’re miles away from the truck.
At Old School Moto, we work on machines people depend on. Whether you use your ATV for hunting, work around your property, or weekend trail rides, we’ll tell you what it needs—and what it doesn’t.
Here’s a simple checklist to help you prepare before hunting season.
1. Start with the Battery
A weak battery is one of the most common reasons an ATV or UTV won’t start after sitting.
Check for:
- Corroded terminals
- Loose battery cables
- Low voltage
- Slow cranking
If the battery won’t hold a charge, replacing it before hunting season is a lot easier than getting stranded in the woods.
2. Replace Old Fuel
Gas doesn’t last forever. Fuel that has been sitting can cause hard starts, rough running, or clogged fuel systems—especially on carbureted machines.
Fresh fuel and a clean fuel system help your machine start easier and run the way it should.
3. Inspect the Tires
Walk around your machine and look for:
- Low tire pressure
- Cracks or dry rot
- Punctures
- Uneven tread wear
Good tires provide better traction on muddy trails, logging roads, and hunting property.
4. Test the Brakes
Before your first trip, make sure the brakes stop smoothly without squealing or pulling.
Inspect:
- Brake pads
- Brake fluid level
- Brake lines
- Brake response
Reliable brakes matter when you’re hauling gear or riding through rough terrain.
5. Change the Oil
If it’s been several months since your last oil change, now is the time.
Fresh oil protects your engine and helps it perform better during long rides and heavy use.
6. Clean or Replace the Air Filter
Dust, mud, and leaves quickly clog an air filter.
A clean filter improves engine performance, fuel economy, and throttle response.
7. Inspect the Drive Belt
For many UTVs and side-by-sides, the drive belt takes a lot of abuse.
Look for:
- Cracks
- Fraying
- Glazing
- Excessive wear
Replacing a worn belt before the season starts is much cheaper than getting towed out of the woods.
8. Check Suspension and Steering
Loose steering or worn suspension makes every ride harder than it needs to be.
Inspect:
- Ball joints
- Bushings
- Tie rods
- Shocks
Everything should move smoothly without excessive play.
9. Make Sure the Lights Work
Most hunting trips start before sunrise or end after sunset.
Check:
- Headlights
- Brake lights
- Winch operation
- Electrical accessories
These are easy fixes when you’re at home.
10. Grease the Chassis
Fresh grease helps protect suspension and steering components from water, mud, and wear.
If your machine has grease fittings, don’t skip this step.
Don’t Wait Until Something Breaks
Small problems have a habit of becoming expensive repairs when they’re ignored. A quick inspection before hunting season can help catch worn parts before they leave you stuck on the trail.
Whether you need ATV service, Quad service, Four-wheeler service, Side-by-side service, or UTV service, regular maintenance helps keep your machine reliable all season long.
Old School Moto proudly serves riders from Broussard, Lafayette, and throughout Acadiana. We also provide Hunting season service, Trail riding service, and Mud ride maintenance for machines that work as hard as you do.
If your ATV or UTV is due for service before hunting season, give us a call at (337) 450-4744 or stop by 3409 Hwy 90 E, Broussard, LA 70518.
We’re not here to sell you repairs you don’t need. We’re here to keep your machine running when it matters most.
Need to schedule service?
Old School Moto
3409 Hwy 90 E
Broussard, LA 70518
Phone: (337) 450-4744
Website: https://oldschoolmoto.co/
