Pre-Season UTV Checklist — D&P Performance Cedar City

Fluids

Engine oil — drain & replace (condensation builds in storage)
Oil filter — replace with every oil change
Coolant level & condition
Brake fluid — check for dark/cloudy fluid
Front differential / gearcase fluid (check for milky color)
Rear differential fluid
Transmission fluid level & condition

Tires & Wheels

Tire pressure — set to manufacturer spec
Sidewalls — check for dry rot, cracking, UV damage
Tread depth & uneven wear patterns
Lug nuts — re-torque to spec

Brakes

Brake pad thickness (minimum 2mm)
Rotors — check for scoring, warping, rust
Brake lines — cracks, abrasion, leaks
Brake function — spin test each wheel

Air & Fuel

Air filter — inspect, clean, or replace (check for rodent nests)
Fuel — drain if untreated & sat 60+ days
Fuel lines & connections — cracks, dry rot

Belt & Drivetrain

Drive belt — cracks, glazing, flat spots, missing cogs
Clutch sheaves — scoring or debris
CV boots — tears, cracks, grease leaks
Axle play — check for excessive movement

Electrical

Battery — full charge, load-test if no tender was used
Battery terminals — clean corrosion, dielectric grease
All lights — headlights, tail, brake, turn signals
Winch function — spool out & in under load
Wiring harness — check for rodent damage

Suspension & Steering

Shocks — look for oil leaks around seals
Suspension bushings — cracking, deterioration
Steering play — tie rods, steering rack
Wheel bearings — spin & listen for grinding
Alignment — visual check, uneven tire wear

General

Chassis grease points — every zerk fitting
Frame & skid plates — check for cracks
Seat & harness — buckles, mounting, adjustment
Service light — reset after maintenance

Southern Utah Trail-Specific Prep

Sand Hollow Low tire pressure (8–12 PSI). Seal air filter tight — fine red sand gets everywhere. Coolant system must be solid — sand riding runs hot.

Parowan Canyon / Red Hills Rocks beat up steering & suspension. Check tie rods, skid plates. Air down tires slightly for rock compliance.

Brian Head / Cedar Breaks High elevation = cooling system priority. Consider clutch kit for altitude. Long climbs generate belt heat.

Duck Creek / Markagunt Mixed terrain, long distances. Focus on general roadworthiness — alignment, bearings, brakes, lights.