Top Bobcat UTV Maintenance Tips

Taking care of your UTV will help you avoid unnecessary problems with the machine’s performance. Especially if you’ve had it for a couple years. With regular UTV maintenance, you can keep your machine performing at its best while avoiding future breakdowns. Here’s how to stay on top of Bobcat® UTV maintenance. 

UTV Maintenance Checklist

• Inspect battery terminals for corrosion 

• Check engine and transmission oil levels 

• Monitor tire health—check air pressure and tread 

• Inspect steering and shifting linkages 

• Replace filters (oil, air, and fuel) as per your owner’s manual 

• Check suspension system for wear and tear 

• Inspect wiring harnesses for loose connections 

• Make sure lights work (headlights, brake lights, and turn signals)

• Check coolant levels 

• Inspect the drive belt for wear and correct tension 

Stick to the Maintenance Schedule

Your owner’s manual will tell you when to perform each maintenance task for your specific machine. If you use your UTV for regular off-roading or hard work, consider performing maintenance more often. But, even if you only use the machine for transportation purposes, you should still stick to the recommended schedule. Following these service intervals will help extend the life of your machine. 

Inspect the Battery Regularly

The battery is one of the most important parts of your UTV. Check the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them as needed.  

Keep an Eye on Engine Oil

Before every ride, check the engine oil to make sure the level is correct. If you need to, change the oil. Bobcat’s UV34 models require an oil change every 100 hours for conventional oil, and every 200 hours for synthetic oil. If you notice any oil level inconsistencies (especially if it’s dropping consistently or rising unexpectedly) take a closer look. This is a signal that your machine has an issue that requires attention. 

Stay on Top of Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is another key maintenance point in your UTV. While it’s not changed as often as motor oil, it’s still important to inspect it regularly. If it looks dark or cloudy, that means it’s time to change it. On a Bobcat UV34, we recommend replacing the transmission fluid regularly (according to your model’s service schedule). 

Monitor Tire Health

Check the air pressure before every ride and inspect the tread for any signs of wear. Low pressure or worn-out tires can cause handling issues and safety problems. Always make sure your tires are properly inflated and have enough tread to handle whatever terrain you’re on. If you need new tires for your UTV, reach out to our Parts team. We would be happy to help you out! 

Inspect Steering and Shifting Linkages

To start, give everything a once-over for wear, looseness, or damage. Spin the steering wheel, feeling for any slack, and run through all the ranges to make sure they shift smoothly. If you hear grinding or resistance, there’s something wrong with the shifting linkages. Tighten up loose parts, replace damaged parts, and apply lubricant if necessary. 

Don’t Forget About Coolant

Coolant is just as important as oil for maintaining your UTV’s engine temperature. Check the coolant levels before every ride. If your coolant overflow bottle is dry, check the radiator for leaks. Bobcat recommends changing the coolant every 60 months (or as specified in your manual). 

Take Care of Take Care of Filters

Filters keep your UTV’s engine clean and running efficiently. The oil filter should be replaced every time you change the oil. While you’re doing that, take a second to check the air and fuel filters. Replace at the recommended intervals in your manual. 

Inspect Wiring and Lights

Loose or damaged wires can quickly cause a big problem on rough terrain. Regularly inspect the wiring harnesses and connections to make sure everything is in place. Also, check the headlights, brake lights, and turn signals to ensure they are working properly. 

Suspension Maintenance

Your UTV’s suspension system keeps the ride smooth, especially when you’re hauling or towing heavy loads. Inspect the suspension regularly and lubricate it when necessary. This will make sure that the UTV can handle rough terrain without compromising ride quality. 

Schedule Maintenance on your Bobcat UTV

Bobcat makes a very reliable UTV. By sticking to a basic, regular maintenance schedule—checking fluids, replacing filters, changing the oil, and keeping things clean—you’ll save yourself a lot of time, money, and frustration down the road. If you think your UTV needs to be serviced, schedule an appointment with our shop today!