Updated September 17, 2026
To store a gas ATV for a Canadian winter, clean and dry the machine, follow the model-specific fuel-storage procedure, service the engine oil when due, protect the battery, set tire pressure to the specified value, inspect the drivetrain and brakes, and keep the ATV in a dry location. The exact procedure matters because carbureted gas ATVs should not be treated like electric ATVs, and fuel-storage instructions can differ by model.
This guide is written for gas ATVs such as the Venom Mini Madix 110cc, Venom Grizzly 125cc and Venom Madix 125cc. Always use the owner’s manual and current service information for the exact ATV.
Gas ATV winter storage checklist
- Wash the ATV and let it dry fully.
- Follow the model-specific fuel-storage procedure.
- Check engine oil and service it when due.
- Protect the starting battery with an appropriate maintenance plan.
- Set tire pressure to the specified value, not the tire’s maximum sidewall pressure.
- Inspect chain or drivetrain components, brakes, steering and suspension.
- Lubricate exposed components where the service instructions require it.
- Store the ATV in a dry, secure location and cover it with a breathable cover.
- Complete a full pre-ride inspection before spring use.
Why Winter Storage Matters for a Gas ATV in Canada
Canadian storage conditions can combine long periods of inactivity with cold temperatures, condensation, road salt, moisture and fuel ageing. A gas ATV that is parked without preparation can develop battery problems, corrosion, stale-fuel issues, sticking controls or tire-pressure changes before the next riding season.
Storage is not the same as routine maintenance. The goal is to leave the ATV in a known condition, protect components while it is unused and make the spring return-to-service inspection easier.
1. Clean and Dry the ATV Before Storage
Do not put an ATV away covered in mud, grass, salt or wet debris. Dirt can hold moisture against metal surfaces and can hide loose fasteners, leaks or damage that should be found before storage.
- Remove mud and debris from the body, frame, wheels and accessible suspension areas.
- Avoid forcing high-pressure water into bearings, electrical connectors, seals, intake openings or other sensitive components.
- Dry the ATV before covering it.
- Inspect for loose hardware, damaged wiring, fuel or oil leakage and abnormal wear while the machine is clean.
2. Handle Fuel According to the Exact Model Instructions
Fuel storage is one of the most important areas to get right on a carbureted ATV. Do not automatically combine contradictory advice such as “fill the tank, add stabilizer and drain everything.” The correct approach depends on the fuel system, storage period and manufacturer instructions.
If the model instructions call for stabilized fuel, use fresh fuel and a compatible fuel stabilizer in the correct concentration, then follow the procedure for circulating treated fuel through the system. If the instructions call for draining the carburetor or fuel system, follow that procedure instead.
Do not rely on fuel stabilizer to restore old or contaminated gasoline. If fuel quality is questionable, address it before storage.
What to inspect around the fuel system
- Fuel lines and clamps.
- Fuel shutoff or petcock where equipped.
- Carburetor area for seepage.
- Fuel tank and cap.
- Any unusual fuel smell after the ATV has been parked.
3. Check Engine Oil Before the ATV Sits for Months
Gas ATVs require model-specific engine-oil service. If an oil change is due by the maintenance schedule, completing it before long-term storage can avoid leaving heavily used oil in the engine for months.
Use the oil grade, specification, quantity and service procedure listed for the exact ATV. Do not substitute a generic recommendation simply because two models have similar engine displacement.
4. Protect the Starting Battery
A gas ATV’s starting battery can discharge during a long Canadian winter even when the vehicle is not being used. The correct storage plan depends on the battery type and charging equipment.
- Inspect the battery case and terminals.
- Clean corrosion using the appropriate procedure.
- Confirm the battery is securely mounted.
- Use only a charger or maintainer compatible with the battery chemistry and voltage.
- If the battery is removed, store it according to the manufacturer’s temperature and ventilation requirements.
- Do not charge a cracked, leaking, swollen or otherwise damaged battery.
A maintenance charger is not automatically appropriate for every battery. Confirm compatibility before leaving a battery connected for an extended period.
5. Check Tire Pressure, but Do Not Overinflate the Tires
Cold temperatures can change tire pressure. Set each tire to the pressure specified for the exact ATV and tire. Do not inflate ATV tires to the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall simply for storage.
Inspect all four tires for cuts, cracking, punctures and uneven wear. If the ATV will remain stationary for a long period, store it on a stable, level surface and follow the manual if it provides specific long-term storage guidance.
6. Inspect the Chain or Drivetrain
Many compact gas ATVs use a chain final drive. Before storage, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, damage, corrosion, alignment and lubrication. Other ATV designs may use different drivetrains, so follow the service information for the exact model.
For supported Venom models, replacement parts are organized by platform:
7. Inspect Brakes, Steering and Suspension
Storage is a good time to identify components that should be repaired before the next riding season. Check brake operation, visible brake components, steering movement, wheel hardware and suspension for damage or unusual looseness.
Do not postpone a known brake, steering or tire problem until the first spring ride. Record the repair now and complete it before the vehicle returns to service.
8. Choose a Dry Storage Location
A clean, dry garage or other secure enclosed space is preferable to leaving an ATV exposed to snow, rain and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. The storage area should also be appropriate for a gasoline-powered vehicle.
If you use an ATV cover, choose one suited to long-term vehicle storage. The purpose is to reduce dust and moisture exposure without trapping condensation against the machine.
9. Do Not Start the ATV Occasionally Just to Let It Idle
Periodic short idling sessions are not a substitute for a proper storage procedure. A short start may not fully warm the engine and exhaust system, recharge the battery or remove condensation. If the manufacturer provides a specific periodic-storage procedure, follow it. Otherwise, prepare the ATV correctly and leave it stored until you are ready to return it to service.
10. Spring Start-Up: Inspect Before You Ride
When winter ends, do not simply add fuel and ride away. Complete a full pre-ride inspection first.
| Area | Spring check |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Confirm fuel condition and inspect for leaks before starting. |
| Oil | Check the level and service status according to the manual. |
| Battery | Inspect, charge correctly and confirm secure connections. |
| Tires and wheels | Set pressure to specification and inspect tires and hardware. |
| Brakes | Confirm normal operation before moving the ATV. |
| Throttle and controls | Confirm smooth movement, return and shutoff operation. |
| Drivetrain | Inspect chain, sprockets or model-specific drivetrain components. |
Use our ATV Pre-Ride Safety Checklist Canada before the first ride of the season.
Gas ATV Winter Storage vs Electric ATV Storage
Do not apply gas-ATV storage advice to an electric ATV. Electric models have different battery chemistry, charging and storage requirements and do not have gasoline, carburetors or engine oil.
For electric models, use our Electric ATV Maintenance and Winter Storage Guide and Electric ATV Battery Life, Charging and Storage Guide.
Assembly, PDI and Long-Term Ownership
A freight-delivered ATV requires correct assembly, adjustment and inspection before first use. Review the current Venom Motorsports Canada PDI process, warranty terms and shipping information.
Venom Motorsports Canada supports its Canadian customers from Greely, Ontario with model-specific replacement parts and technical support for supported vehicles.
Gas ATV Winter Storage FAQs
Should I drain the gas from my ATV for winter?
Follow the storage procedure for the exact ATV. Some procedures call for fresh stabilized fuel, while others call for draining specific parts of the fuel system. Do not combine conflicting procedures.
Should I start my ATV every few weeks during winter?
Not unless the manufacturer specifically instructs you to do so. Short idling sessions can create moisture without fully warming the vehicle or replenishing the battery.
Should ATV tires be inflated to maximum pressure for storage?
No. Use the pressure specified for the exact ATV and tire. Maximum sidewall pressure is not a general storage target.
Can I leave an ATV battery connected all winter?
Follow the battery and ATV instructions. If using a charger or maintainer, it must be compatible with the battery chemistry and voltage.
Where can I find gas ATV parts in Canada?
Venom Motorsports Canada maintains model-specific parts collections for supported Mini Madix, Grizzly and Madix ATVs.
Prepare Your Gas ATV for the Canadian Off-Season
Winter storage is easiest when you use a repeatable checklist and follow the exact model instructions instead of relying on one-size-fits-all advice. Clean the ATV, protect the fuel system and battery, inspect wear items and make a repair list before the machine sits for months.
