Maintenance
How to Winterize Your ATV in Quebec
By the Groupe Contant Team · Published July 8, 2026
Quick Answer
How do you winterize your ATV in Quebec?
Winterizing your ATV means a full oil change, treating the fuel with a stabilizer, keeping the battery on a maintainer, giving it a thorough cleaning, and storing it somewhere dry. Proper prep before winter prevents corrosion, fuel-system deposits, and costly breakdowns in spring.
An ATV left sitting all winter without proper prep can develop costly problems: degraded fuel, a dead battery, corrosion on metal components. A few simple steps before storage avoid all of that.
This guide walks through the full winterization checklist, step by step, so your ATV is ready to ride the moment the snow melts.
Complete Winterization Checklist
- Oil change and filter replacement — used oil contains contaminants that can damage the engine over extended storage.
- Fuel treated with a stabilizer — prevents fuel degradation and deposits in the injection system or carburetor.
- Battery on a maintainer — simply disconnecting it isn't enough; a trickle charger prevents a full discharge over winter.
- Grease joints and cables — protects against corrosion caused by ambient humidity.
- Full chassis cleaning — removes salt, mud, and residue that speed up corrosion if left in place all winter.
- Tires inflated to the recommended pressure — or the vehicle raised off the ground for long-term storage, to avoid tire flat-spotting.
Where to Store Your ATV for the Winter
A garage or dry shelter remains the best option, away from direct ground moisture. Use a breathable cover rather than an airtight plastic tarp, which traps humidity and encourages mold or rust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Winterizing your ATV means a full oil change, treating the fuel with a stabilizer, keeping the battery on a maintainer, giving it a thorough cleaning, and storing it somewhere dry. Proper prep before winter prevents corrosion, fuel-system deposits, and costly breakdowns in spring.
Groupe Contant — Your Quebec Dealer
Trust your ATV's winterization to Groupe Contant's certified technicians. Our shops are equipped for every model: Can-Am, Honda, KTM, and more.