#2050 - Ride Ready: Powersports Maintenance, Safety & Smart Ownership

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Powersports, Preventive Maintenance, Safety and Smarter Vehicle Care

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The C&C Auto Show hits the road for an episode from Redline Powersports of Augusta, surrounded by motorcycles, side-by-sides, ATVs, Slingshots and personal watercraft. The conversation covers how to choose the right machine for the way you plan to use it, whether that means hunting, farm work, family recreation or hitting the trails. The crew also digs into routine service, winterization, battery maintenance, safety equipment, popular accessories and why keeping good service records can matter when it’s time to trade or deal with an insurance claim.

There’s plenty for car owners, too. A caller brings in a stubborn Silverado starter problem that points toward proper electrical diagnosis, while automotive industry guest Jerry Reeves explains the differences between timing belts, timing chains and serpentine belts—and why replacing a worn belt without checking the rest of the system can lead to another repair. It all comes back to a familiar C&C Auto Show message: catch the small problems early, maintain what you own and make sure your vehicle is ready when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Listen to or watch the full episode for practical automotive and powersports advice, real-world repair questions and a little fun along the way.

Questions and Answers

Get quick answers from this C&C Auto Show episode about powersports, preventive maintenance, safety, batteries, accessories and automotive belt systems.

How do you choose the right side-by-side or ATV?

Start with how you plan to use it. Family rides, ATV parks, hunting and farm work can call for very different machines, so the episode recommends matching the vehicle to your actual needs instead of simply choosing the most powerful option.

What routine maintenance do side-by-sides need?

Basic service can include engine oil, front and rear differential fluids, transmission fluids and lubrication. Regular inspections can also help identify smaller problems before they become more expensive repairs.

How should a jet ski or side-by-side be prepared for winter storage?

The episode discusses winterizing watercraft by fogging the engine with oil to help protect it during storage. For side-by-sides, fuel stabilizer and making sure the cooling system has the proper antifreeze are among the recommendations discussed.

Should you use a battery maintainer on a motorcycle, UTV or watercraft?

Yes, battery maintainers are highly recommended in the episode, especially for smaller powersports batteries and vehicles that may sit unused for long periods. Keeping the battery maintained can help make sure the machine is ready when riding season returns.

What are the advantages of an AGM battery?

The show discusses AGM batteries as a durable option for side-by-sides, motorcycles, boats and other vehicles. They are described as handling vibration and repeated charge cycles well while avoiding the acid leakage associated with traditional flooded batteries.

What are some popular side-by-side accessories?

Popular upgrades discussed include windshields, rear panels, winches, tires, wheels, stereos and doors. The episode also points out that accessories can add substantial value to a machine, making it important to keep documentation of what was installed.

Why should you keep service records and accessory receipts?

Service records provide documentation that a vehicle has been maintained, which can be useful when trading it or dealing with an insurance claim. Receipts and build sheets can also help establish the equipment and accessories that contribute to the vehicle's value.

What can cause a starter to keep running after the engine starts?

During a caller's 2007 Chevrolet Silverado problem, the show discusses possibilities including starter engagement at the flywheel, the starter relay and an electrical problem keeping power at the starter solenoid. Once simple checks are exhausted, proper wiring diagrams, voltage testing and professional diagnosis may be needed.

What can riders do to improve ATV, UTV and motorcycle safety?

Start with a machine that fits your experience and intended use, and use the safety equipment provided with it. The episode also recommends rider safety courses and stresses properly fitting helmets, harnesses and responsible speeds for the conditions.

Why isn't replacing only a worn serpentine belt always enough?

Other parts of the accessory drive system, including tensioners and idlers, wear over time too. The episode explains that installing a new belt while leaving a worn tensioner in place can cause the new belt to wear prematurely, so the complete system should be inspected.

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