With proper maintenance, your jet ski can last over a decade or more. Whether you’re on a Sea-Doo, Kawasaki, Yamaha, or different high-performance brand, you want to keep your jet ski ripping for as long as possible. Bay Area Power Sports has put together some pro tips for keeping your jet ski water-ready for as long as possible:

1. Rinse Jet Ski:

It may seem implicit, but not everyone does it! Studies have shown that failure to rinse a jet ski after saltwater use can reduce the lifespan of engine components by as much as 40% compared to those who regularly rinse their jet skis. After every ride, you should rinse your jet ski with FRESH water to remove any salt, sand, or debris that has accumulated on the hull and engine. This helps to prevent corrosion and rust.

2. Cover Jet Ski (When Not in Use):

Keep your jet ski covered when not in use. The truth is a jet ski that is covered when not in use can last up to 50% longer than one that is left exposed to the elements including UV rays, rain, and dirt. Protecting your jet ski with covering can prolong the life of its upholstery as well as save it from weather-related wear and tear.

3. Regular Jet Ski Maintenance:

Regular maintenance is essential to keep ANY machine running smoothly, especially a high-performance jet ski or PWC. Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule for oil changes, spark plug replacement

4. Jet Ski Battery Health:

Keeping your jet ski's battery charged and in good condition is essential to ensure that it starts up and runs smoothly. The first step is to check the battery regularly- make sure the terminals are clean and free of corrosion. If you notice any corrosion, use a wire brush to clean them. You can also use a battery charger to keep the battery fully charged when not in use.

5. Jet Ski Oil Changes (https://bayareapowersports.com/pwc/engine/oil-oil-filters)

Regular oil changes are critical to keep your jet ski engine running smoothly. Check your owner's manual for the recommended oil change interval. Most jet ski manufacturers recommend changing the oil after every 50 hours of use. To change the oil, first warm up the engine, then turn it off and let it cool down. Next, remove the oil drain plug and drain the old oil into a container. Replace the drain plug and refill the engine with new oil, following the manufacturer's recommendations for the type and amount of oil. Which leads to spark plugs, which plays a critical role in jet ski engine performance. Over time, spark plugs can become dirty or worn, causing inferior performance and degraded fuel efficiency. Check your owner's manual for the recommended spark plug replacement interval, which is usually every 100 hours of use. To replace the spark plugs, first, remove the spark plug caps and use a spark plug wrench to remove the old spark plugs. Inspect the plugs for signs of wear, such as discoloration or erosion. Replace the old plugs with new ones that are the same type and size as the original plugs. Finally, reattach the spark plug caps.

6. Jet Ski Fuel Filter Replacement (https://bayareapowersports.com/pwc/fuel-system/filters)

Your jet ski fuel filter helps prevent debris and contaminants from entering the engine. Over time, the filter can become clogged or dirty, leading to engine performance issues. Check your owner's manual for the recommended fuel filter replacement interval, which is usually every 100 hours of use. To replace the fuel filter, locate the filter and remove it from the fuel line. Replace the old filter with a new one, following the manufacturer's recommendations for the type and size of the filter. Finally, reattach the fuel line to the filter.

7. Type Of Jet Ski Fuel:

Use high-quality fuel to prevent engine problems and ensure optimal performance. Avoid using ethanol blends or old fuel, which can damage the engine.

8. Respect Jet Ski Weight Capacity

Follow your jet ski manufacturer's weight capacity recommendations! Avoid overloading your jet ski with passengers or gear. This can strain the engine and other components, leading to premature wear and tear.

By following these pro tips, you can help extend the life of your jet ski and enjoy it for many years to come. Finally, communicate with us! The team here at Bay Area Power Sports are passionate about what we do; we ride just like you do. It's more than a hobby or sport...it's a way of life. We're honored to share that way of life with you, our valued fellow rider. Our customers are very important to us, and this is the reason we feel that we can offer the best service.