How to Keep Your Powersports Vehicles From Overheating

Your powersports vehicle is the perfect way to turn something dull, like travel, into a thrilling experience. But these machines require careful handling, and it’s all too easy to cause them to overheat, which can cause damage over time. We here at Langston Motorsports want to help you keep your vehicle in good shape for longer, so we’ve put together some tips on keeping your powersports vehicle from overheating, below. To learn more, or to see the motorcycles we have for sale, contact our store in Perris, California, today!

Optimize the Cooling System

Your vehicle has a cooling system in place to carry as much heat away from the engine as possible. Part of that system involves the radiator and coolant fluid. You’ll need to take care of these components to give your vehicle a shot at avoiding an overheat.

First, clean the radiator regularly, both outside and inside. Any dirt buildup will interfere in its ability to expel heat from the system. Second, make sure you’re using the correct coolant type. Check your owner’s manual for recommended products and tips, and check the coolant’s levels and condition once a month.

Pre-Trip Inspections

It’s important to assess your vehicle’s condition before you head out on your journey. Check the coolant system, but also ensure tires are properly inflated, that brakes are functioning right, and that the motor oil is topped off and in good shape. Any of these components can contribute to overheating if they’re not working right.

Avoid Idling

When possible, avoid idling your engine for long periods of time, especially if your vehicle relies on air-cooling at all. These engines require constant movement and airflow to expel excess heat, so sitting still can cause a heat buildup. If you have to stop for more than a few minutes, it might be best to turn the engine off entirely. Just make sure it’s safe to do so.

Handling an Overheat

Sometimes, even if you take all the right precautions, overheating will still occur. It’s good to be prepared for these, so watch for these overheat indicators:

• Power loss.
• Dripping fluids.
• Ticking noises.
• A sweet smell (burning coolant).
• Steam.

If you see these, find a safe place to pull over and stop the engine. Let it cool down for a few minutes, then inspect the vehicle when it’s safe to do so. If you can’t see what caused the overheat or can’t fix it, take the vehicle in to a trusted service department like ours at Langston Motorsports.

We hope these tips help you keep your powersports vehicles running smoothly. To learn more, or to see the motorcycles we have available, contact us at Langston Motorsports. We proudly serve the people of Temecula and Orange County, California—let us serve you today!