Keep It Running Strong: Essential Maintenance Tips for Your Kawasaki Side-by-Side
Your Kawasaki Teryx or Mule is built to take on tough terrain and hard work — but like any serious machine, it needs regular maintenance to keep performing at its best. Whether you use yours for trail riding, ranch work, or hunting camp runs, these tips will help you get the most out of every ride.
1. Engine Oil — Your Engine’s Best Friend
Check your oil level before every ride and change it according to your owner’s manual. For most Kawasaki side-by-sides, that means every 100 hours of operation or once a season — whichever comes first. Always use the oil viscosity recommended by Kawasaki for your specific model.
If you’re running hard in dusty or muddy conditions, consider changing it more frequently. Dirty oil is one of the fastest ways to shorten engine life.
2. Air Filter — Don’t Let Dust Kill Your Engine
Side-by-sides kick up a lot of dust and debris. A clogged air filter chokes your engine and kills performance. Inspect your air filter after every dusty ride and clean or replace it as needed.
If you’re riding in wet or muddy conditions, check it even more often. A mud-clogged filter can starve your engine of air in just a few minutes of hard running.
3. Drive Belt Inspection
The CVT drive belt is one of the most important — and most overlooked — wear items on a side-by-side. Inspect it regularly for cracks, fraying, or glazing. A worn belt can snap without warning and leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Always carry a spare belt on longer rides. Replacing one in the field is straightforward once you’ve done it a couple of times — and your future self will thank you for being prepared.
4. Tire Pressure and Condition
Check tire pressure before every ride. Under-inflated tires hurt handling, increase wear, and can cause dangerous blowouts on rough terrain. Refer to your owner’s manual for the correct PSI — it varies by model and load.
Also inspect tires for sidewall damage, cuts, or embedded debris after rocky runs. Side-by-side tires take a beating and a small cut can turn into a flat fast.
5. Brake System
Test your brakes before every ride and inspect brake fluid levels regularly. Brake fluid should be clear to slightly yellow — if it looks dark or cloudy, it’s time to flush the system. Check brake pad thickness every season and replace them before they wear to metal.
On steep terrain, your brakes are your best safety system. Don’t gamble on worn pads.
6. Coolant and Cooling System
Check coolant level at the reservoir when the engine is cold. Low coolant can cause overheating, especially when you’re crawling through technical terrain at low speeds. Inspect hoses for cracks or leaks and flush the cooling system every two years or as specified in your manual.
7. Chassis, Suspension, and Fasteners
After any rough ride, do a quick walk-around and check for loose bolts, damaged suspension components, or bent tie rods. Side-by-sides take a beating and vibration works fasteners loose over time.
Grease all grease fittings (zerks) on the suspension and steering components every 50 hours or so. A few minutes with a grease gun goes a long way toward preventing premature wear.
8. Battery Maintenance
If your machine sits for extended periods — especially over winter — connect it to a battery tender. A dead battery in the field is a frustrating and avoidable problem. Check terminals for corrosion and clean them with a wire brush if needed.
Bring It In for a Full Service
Even if you’re diligent about basic maintenance, a full service by our certified technicians at Borderland Powersports goes deeper — checking valve clearances, inspecting the fuel system, and catching problems before they become expensive repairs.
Ready to book a service appointment? Contact us today or stop by the dealership. We’ll keep your Kawasaki side-by-side running like new.