Guide to PWC Maintenance
Maybe you are the proud owner of a shiny new personal watercraft, or maybe you are just doing some research before you make that investment. Either way, you came to the right place! Like any powersports vehicle, your PWC will need regular preventative maintenance to stay in good condition. This guide from RideNow Powersports SoCal can help you get started.
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Consult Your Owner’s Manual
When you first bring home your PWC, you should set aside some time to carefully review the owner’s manual. This resource will provide you with model-specific information, and detailed instructions for each maintenance task. Keep the manual close at hand for quick reference, and use any blank pages to record a service log.
Use the Proper Fuel
Using the right fuel will enhance the performance and longevity of your PWC engine. Before you fill the gas tank, check your owner’s manual to learn which fuel type is recommended by the manufacturer. Marine engines are delicate, and should never be subjected to fuel that is high in ethanol. If you have an older model of PWC, it may feature a two-stroke engine that requires a mixture of oil and gasoline.
Break In the Engine
As a newcomer to the PWC lifestyle, you are probably eager to go full throttle and feel the breeze. Not so fast! Before you can hit those high speeds, you will need to “break in” your PWC. This process may seem like a chore, but it helps preserve the engine, so rest assured that your patience will be rewarded in the long run.
To break in the engine, first ride at quarter speed for 15-20 minutes, then accelerate to around half speed and ride for another 30 minutes. After that, ride at three-quarter speed for another hour. Now you can accelerate to full speed!
Flush the Engine
After riding your PWC in the ocean, you should always flush the engine with fresh water. Even if you never ride in the ocean, your engine will need to be flushed every once in a while to remove debris. To flush the engine, start up the motor, hook it up to a water source, and turn on the water. Now engage the throttle to force water through the engine.
Wax and Cover Your PWC
Your PWC should be waxed regularly to protect its beautiful sheen from those harmful UV rays. You can think of it as applying sunblock to your PWC! When your PWC is not in use, protect it from the elements – and from dust and debris – with a sturdy canvas cover. This will keep your PWC pristine and ready for action!
If you have any questions about PWC maintenance, feel free to ask the qualified staff here at RideNow Powersports SoCal. We welcome our neighbors from San Diego and Temecula!