The longevity of your three-wheel vehicle depends on keeping it safe from harsh conditions. Extreme cold can damage the plastic and rubber components, and fluctuating temperatures can cause rust-forming condensation. The freeze-and-thaw cycle can also damage your wheels as the ground shifts underneath them.
Step 1: Inspection
Look around the vehicle and correct any issues that jump out at you. This can be a simple visual inspection to detect any obvious signs of wear or tear. It’s also an opportunity to fix any known defects, like rattling noises, cosmetic damage or broken features.
Step 2: Engine maintenance
The engine is the heart and soul of the vehicle, so it will need to be properly maintained before it’s taken off the road for a while. For this step, change out the engine oil and filter for fresh new ones. We recommend checking your owner’s manual to find out how to service your specific vehicle.
Step 3: Fluid check
Check the engine coolant, brake fluid and clutch fluid levels, just like you would during a regular maintenance routine. Like the previous step, you’ll want to refer to your owner’s manual for instructions that apply to your specific model.
Step 4: Fuel refresh
Fill the fuel tank with fresh gas and then add fuel stabilizer to prevent the ethanol from damaging the internal parts. Next, run the engine to prevent the tank from rusting and the fuel from deteriorating. Make sure to follow the instructions on the fuel stabilizer container.
Step 5: Tire inflation
Inflate all the tires to their recommended pressure. This step helps prevent flat spots from forming, which can happen if your vehicle sits idle for an extended period.
Step 6: Cleanup
Clean the entire body and frame of the vehicle so no dirt or dust remains lodged inside during storage. At the same time, touch up any chipped paint to prevent rust from forming.
Step 7: Lever lubrication
Lubricate the control cables, latches, key barrels and pivoting points for all the levers.
Step 8: Latch closure
Make sure all the vehicle’s storage compartments are securely closed and latched.
Step 9: Mouse deterrent
Using a clean rag, cover any holes where a mouse might burrow, like the exhaust pipe or air intake. Be sure to remove the rag before starting the vehicle up again. Place mothballs or cotton swabs dipped in peppermint oil along the perimeter of the vehicle, since the smell is said to keep mice away.
Step 10: Cover-up
Place a cover made of a permeable material like tarpaulin on the vehicle. Avoid using plastic or fabric that doesn’t breathe; coated materials restrict airflow and allow heat and moisture to accumulate, and that can corrode your brakes over time.
Step 11: Storage time
Place the vehicle in a dry area away from sunlight with minimal daily temperature fluctuations. A garage is the ideal solution since it offers protection from the elements in an environment that’s relatively temperature-controlled and dry. If you don’t have a garage, we recommend shopping around for a public storage facility.
Step 12: Battery maintenance
Slow-charge the battery once a month at the recommended charging rate. It’s not necessary to remove the battery for this step.
Now that you know how to store a Can-Am Ryker or Spyder vehicle, you can move forward with confidence. Make sure to treat your vehicle right and get excited for the day you’ll take it for another spin!
