ATV Cleaning Guide
ATVs are built for off-road riding, so they can handle a little dirt every once in a while. However, leaving muck caked onto your ATV long-term can lead to dirt getting into the engine, as well as encourage corrosion. This guide from Agri Center will tell you everything you need to know about cleaning your ATV.
Scrape or Soak the Mud Away
ATVs often pick up wild seeds along with dirt and mud. If you wash your ATV on grass, don’t be surprised if weeds and foreign grasses sprout up soon afterwards. That’s why it’s usually best to clean your ATV on a concrete surface. Overall, be mindful of your runoff as you clean. If the mud is really caked on, you may need to start scraping it off with a plastic scraper. If you don't have a scraper, hose your quad down until you’ve removed the first layer of mud.
Should You Use A Pressure Washer?
It may be tempting to use a pressure washer to remove particularly stubborn dirt and muck from your ATV. Certainly, a pressure washer will make things go faster. However, many ATV manufacturers warn against using a pressure washer to clean your quad. There’s a significant chance that you’ll cause damage to your ATV. If you still want to clean your ATV using a pressure washer, be careful about which tips you equip and how much pressure you use. Don’t spray your ATV’s electrical components, bearings, or fuel system with your pressure washer.
Add Soap & Scrub
Once you’ve removed the dirt, start scrubbing your ATV. For best results, use bike soap or automotive detergent along with a scrub glove or sponge. Make sure that your ATV’s plastic components, seat, frame, and wheels get clean. If you’re having trouble getting to hard to reach areas, use a stiff brush. A degreaser can be used to remove any oily spots. Be sure to follow the degreaser’s instructions on how long to keep it on before it needs to be wiped off.
Dry It Off
If the weather is warm and the forecast says no precipitation, feel free to leave your ATV out to air dry. If not, wipe your quad with a lint-free towel. Use an air compressor to help dry off the harder to reach areas.
Polishing
When your ATV is fully dry, spray it with plastic polish and wipe it down. Make sure that you don’t accidentally spray any on the seat, as the polish tends to make things slippery.
Shop ATVs at Agri Center. Visit us online or at our dealerships in Hutchinson and Salina, Kansas. We also offer parts, servicing, and financing. We hope to see you soon!
