Free Checklist: The Must-Have Maintenance Steps for Your Denago ATV

If you’ve had an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) for a period of time, you know this is the case: the novelty of riding wears off unless you keep it in good condition. Unfortunately, I had to learn this the hard way with my very first Denago. Missed a few oil checks, neglected to clean out that air filter, thought, *“Oh well, it’ll be fine,”* took it out for a few rides, and boom, my engine was sounding like a coffee grinder.

I’ve had a basic checklist that helps me keep my Denago ATV running fine all season. Think of it as your guide, not sheer technical tips but a cocktail of common sense, personal experiences, and the kind of context you usually only get from swapping scoops at the trailhead.

ATVs like yours from Denago are solidly built, and “solid” doesn’t mean “indestructible.” Dirt, dust, and mud find their way into oil and other parts; oil breaks down; tires begin losing their pressure. If you don’t do the little things, they sure turn into big (and expensive) problems.

For me, maintaining is not only about protecting my ATV but also protecting my weekends. There is nothing worse than planning a ride out to the trail only to be met with a dead battery or a seized engine.

1. Oil Check and Change

How often: After every 20 to 30 hours of riding, or at least once a season.

The tip is to warm the ATV up for a couple of minutes before draining the oil. It flows better that way and takes out more of the contaminants that are in the oil.

2. Air Filter Maintenance

How often: After every ride in dusty terrain, otherwise each month.

From breathing, quite literally, the engine carries out. A clogged filter means lower performance and burning more fuel.

Pro tip: I have an extra air filter in my tool kit in a zip-lock bag so I can change it quickly when needed on the trail.

3. Check Tire Pressure and Condition

How often: Every time before a ride.

What to look for: Uneven wear, cracks, or dirt and rocks embedded in them.

Tire pressure they say is usually 4–7 psi, depending on the terrain. We decided to go for a ride, and he didn’t even realize that one of his back tires was extremely low. Halfway down a muddy trail, it came off the rim. We spent more time pulling his ATV out than riding it.

4. Watch Your Chain and Sprockets

• Clean, lubricate, adjust chain tension.
• Check for worn outs on the sprocket teeth.

5. Check the Battery

Why it’s important: A riding chain can break, or it can come off while riding (this has been observed).

How often: Once a month.

What to do: Check to see if the terminals are clean and tight; if the battery is in storage for some time, hook it to a charger.

Note: Mine was in the garage all winter, without a charger. Dead by spring. Lesson learned!

6. Inspect the Brake System

Services: Inspect the brake pads, brake fluid, and cables. Pre-test them before you ride.

Why it’s important: Really, there’s nothing worse than getting out there and your brakes freeze up on you.

7. Nuts, Bolts & Controls

**Quick Tip:** Give it a “test”—pull on it just to see if it’s tight or not coming off on the handlebars, footpegs, or rack. Tighten loose ends.

Hands-On Tip: Maintaining a Habit

I always used to think of it as a *‘Saturday activity’*. But the truth is it’s much easier (and quicker) to do once it becomes part of your riding habits.

• 2-minute walk before every ride.
• Carry a small off-road tool kit with the basics.
• In your phone’s notes app, write down maintenance date.

Q & A: Maintenance Talk

Q: Do I really need to change the oil that often?

A: Yes. ATV engines do work much harder as compared to car engines, particularly if the vehicle is being driven off the road. Consider oil to be the ATV’s lifeblood and do not cut corners on it.

Q: Can I use a pressure washer to clean my Denago ATV?

A: Yes, but one should really be careful to not get water into the electrical connections, bearings, or air intake. It is recommended that you use a garden hose with very fine brushes.

Must-Have Tools for Denago Owners

Owning tools every Denago owner should have is by no means any different from those of another ATV proprietor: a fine torque wrench. Trying to guess tightening bolts “by feel” is how sections come apart or come loose.