Maintenance tips for lawn mowers, ATVs and other 'toys'

(BPT) - The summer season is a great time to bring out the big kid toys. Out come the boats, lawn mowers, four wheelers, dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles for plenty of fun and excitement all summer long.

While summer doesn't have all the freezing, thawing or salt of colder months, which can cause a bit of havoc on equipment, it's still a good idea to protect your toys and gear from the elements so they go farther, and you can play harder.

As you bring all your machinery out this summer, keep in mind these care tips:

* Water and metal don't mix - Heading out on the ATV, dirt bike and four wheeler isn't much fun if there isn't a large mud puddle to splash through. By the end of the day, it should be hard to determine exactly what color the dirt bike started out as. But once the day has ended, don't just leave your equipment on the driveway. Give everything a good wash and then carefully dry it as well. This is a good way to keep rust from developing, and it allows you to quickly spot any damage that might have occurred to the finish.

* Added protection - These machines are designed for hard use, but you can give them an even stronger layer of protection with a LINE-X Spray-On Protective Coating. These coatings are resistant to corrosion, abrasion, chemicals, protect against UV and water damage, provide a non-skid surface and give your toys additional strength and durability for longer play. Find a LINE-X franchise dealer at www.LINE-X.com.

* Keep the insides clean as well - Just like your car, your lawn mower, boat and four wheeler also need regular maintenance to keep the engines running well. Always consult your owner's manual first to determine what kind of gasoline is needed, and what other maintenance items might be necessary. For example, grease, filter replacement, spark plug and batteries are items that should be reviewed and checked.

* Storage - If you're using your toys frequently all summer long, it probably isn't in your best interest to constantly be putting the machines back into storage and out of the elements. But it is a good idea to find a protected location out of the sun, rain and hail, which can help protect the framework and structure of the machines. For boats, a boat cover helps tremendously, and for lawn mowers, ATVs and dirt bikes, a storage shed or space in the garage works well.

Giving your gear a little protection will go a long way to help you enjoy the equipment all summer long, and well into next year. Use these tips to keep everything in tip-top shape so you can go farther and play harder.