Quad Bike Maintenance Guide for South African Riders

Use the right engine oil (most important)

Running the wrong oil, or letting it run low, is the quickest way to damage a 4-stroke engine. These are our recommended grades for Nitro 4-stroke quads:

• 110cc: 10W-30
• 125cc: 10W-30 or 10W-40
• 180cc: 10W-40 or 20W-50 (the thicker grade suits hot summer riding and harder work)
• Check the oil level before every ride on level ground, and change it regularly. Ask us for the interval for your model.

50cc 2-stroke quads: mix the fuel correctly

Our 50cc kids quads are 2-stroke, so the oil goes into the petrol. Mix unleaded petrol with 2-stroke oil at 25:1 in a clean container before you fill the tank. Never run them on plain petrol, as the engine will seize. Mix only what you will use within a few weeks, because old mixed fuel makes starting harder.

Before every ride: a two-minute check

• Tyres: look for cuts and check that all four have even pressure. A soft tyre makes a quad pull to one side.
• Brakes: squeeze the levers and push the quad. It should stop firmly.
• Throttle: it should snap back closed when you let go.
• Chain: check it is not too slack or dry.
• Nuts and bolts: give the wheels and handlebars a shake. Nothing should feel loose.
• Lights and kill switch (where fitted): make sure they work.

Keep the air filter clean in dusty conditions

Dust is the enemy of every engine. In dry winter months and on gravel farm roads, the air filter can clog after only a few rides. A blocked filter makes the quad lose power and use more fuel, and a torn one lets dust straight into the engine. Check it often, clean it as your manual describes, and replace it if it is damaged.

Look after the chain

Most Nitro quads use a chain drive. Clean off mud and sand, lube the chain after washing or riding through water, and keep the tension correct. A worn chain or sprocket wears out the other quickly, so replace them together when needed. We stock spare parts such as sprockets, clutches and brake calipers.

After the ride: wash, dry and store

• Let the engine cool before washing.
• Rinse off mud and sand with low pressure. Do not blast water into the air filter, exhaust or electrics.
• If you have ridden near the sea, rinse well to remove salt, which causes rust.
• Dry the quad and lube the chain.
• Store it under cover, out of the rain and direct sun. Sun fades plastics and perishes tyres.
• If you will not ride for a month or more, keep the battery charged (on electric-start models) and do not leave old fuel mix in a 2-stroke tank.

When to call us

If your quad will not start, loses power, makes new noises or a part breaks, send us a WhatsApp with a photo or short video. We can help you work out what is wrong and courier spare parts anywhere in South Africa.