There’s nothing better than enjoying summer on the water. Marine vehicles are a fun way to enjoy rivers and lakes and also help you cool off this summer, whether it’s your fishing boat, jet ski, or pontoon. Not only are marine vehicles a summer must, but ATVs also get a lot of use during the summer months.

You should always ensure your ATVs and marine vehicles have been properly maintained before taking them for a spin. At MSA Customs, we specialize in car, truck, and SUV customization and are experts in servicing marine vehicles and ATVs.

Here’s a quick checklist of everything you should take care of before you get out in the great outdoors!

Marine Vehicles

Check Fluids

Your boat is a fuel-powered vehicle, so like a car, you need to make sure you’re keeping the proper fluid levels across your engine. That includes checking basic things like oil and fuel levels, examining coolant levels and, if you’re winterizing, ensuring you have antifreeze in your system. There’s nothing worse than getting out on the water and realizing you have a serious engine problem due to improper maintenance!

Inspect Battery

Your battery is what powers your boat’s engine system, and if there’s no juice in the batteries, you’re not getting too far. Even worse, you might find yourself stranded on the open water due to a bad battery!

Inspect your battery and make sure your motors start easily every time. Check the battery contacts to see if there’s a tight connection. If anything seems off, bring it by MSA Customs, and we’ll inspect it for you.

Look Over the Hull and Interior

Boats are typically a seasonal vehicle, which means they are stored away for much of the year. Sometimes, critters can get inside your boat even when it’s locked away in storage and wreak havoc on your watercraft. They can chew holes in your seating or, worse, your electrical wiring. 

You could also have hull damage, like minor scratches or dents that you don’t remember from last year’s boating fun. Always thoroughly inspect every part of your boat before heading out on the water to prevent more serious issues. If you need some help buffing out dents, repainting scratches, or reupholstering seating, bring it to us, and we’ll get you looking sharp before your next boating trip!

Properly Clean and Shine

This may seem like a nice-to-have rather than a necessity, but properly cleaning and shining your boat is actually very important to overall boating maintenance. When you treat your boat with care, you’ll have fewer frustrations down the road from improper maintenance.

If you need professional help to get your vessel looking shiny and sleek, bring it by MSA Customs! We specialize in paint protection, tinting, and even custom wraps.

ATVs

Tire Inspection

Your tires are your connection to the ground below you. Without proper tire maintenance, you could be heading out to the trails with low tire pressure or, worse, a flat. Flats are no fun, but even low tire pressure can prevent your ATV from performing at its peak.

Inspecting your tire pressure before hitting the trails is important, but if it’s a more serious issue like a flat tire or worn tread, bring it by MSA Customs! We’d be happy to show you our stock of ATV tires and help you find the right fit for your model.

Battery Levels

Your battery powers your ATV, and a faulty battery can seriously dampen your planned adventures. If you notice that your ATV has difficulty cranking up, you could have a bad battery. Always inspect your battery’s connectors to ensure proper power moves through your ATV. But in the worst-case scenario, you can bring it by MSA Customs, and we’ll check your battery for you. We’ll help you find a new battery quickly if you need it!

Spark Plugs

Over continued use, your ATV’s spark plugs can become worn out and dirty. A dirty spark plug prevents your ATV from starting as easily. It can also lead to unforeseen problems like lower fuel efficiency and more fuel fill-ups. Luckily, spark plugs are easy to replace. Let us inspect your ATV and see if your spark plugs are looking good or in serious need of replacement.

Regularly Replace Fluids

Like a car or your boat, your ATV needs its fluids regularly flushed and replaced. Your oil and coolant are two of the most common fluids that need regular maintenance, but here are a few more you might not be thinking about:

  • Brake fluid
  • Transmission oil
  • Gear case oils
  • Antifreeze for the winter

We would love to inspect your ATV for you and ensure your fluids are fresh and working properly! Bring your ATV by MSA Customs, and let us do the hard work for you.

Let MSA Customs Repair Your Boat or ATV

We are experts at not just vehicle customization and maintenance but marine vehicles and ATVs as well. If you need us to inspect your vehicle before hitting the great outdoors, stop by our shop at 1056 Spencer St. in Conway, Arkansas. You can schedule an appointment online or call us today at 501-273-3643.

We would love to fix up your vehicle or trick it out with a custom wrap or lightning! Contact us for more information.