ATV Cleaning Guide
ATVs tend to pick up a lot of dirt, dust, and mud on the trail. This excess dirt can lead to premature corrosion if left on too long. Luckily, cleaning off an ATV isn’t too difficult. Follow this set of instructions from the experts at SoCal Honda Powersports, and your ATV will be shining like new in no time!
Find a Suitable Location
The dirt and mud that your ATV picks up on the trail is often intermixed with a variety of wild seeds. If you simply wash your ATV off on your lawn, you may soon find a bunch of weeds and foreign grasses popping up. That’s why you should clean your ATV on a concrete surface and pay attention to the runoff. Once you’ve found the right location, use a plastic scraper or garden hose to remove the first layer of muck from your quad.
Should You Use A Pressure Washer?
Most manufacturers don’t recommend using a pressure washer to clean your ATV. While a pressure washer will certainly make the job go much faster, there’s also a big risk that you’ll accidentally damage something. You’ll need to be extremely careful if you decide that you still want to clean your ATV using a pressure washer. Avoid spraying delicate components such as the bearings, circuitry, and fuel system. Set the washer to a lower pressure and don’t use a tip that will make the water stream too powerful.
Add Soap & Scrub
Scrub your ATV using a bike soap or automotive detergent. A scrub glove or sponge can be used to wipe everything off. Pay particular attention to the wheels, seat, frame, and plastic components. Use a stiff brush to help get into hard to reach areas and spray degreaser on any oily spots you find.
Dry and Polish
If you’re in no hurry and the forecast calls for clear skies, then you can leave your ATV out to air dry. If you’re more pressed for time, you can wipe everything down with a lint-free towel. Use an air compressor if you’re worried about getting the nooks and crannies dry. Once your quad has fully dried, apply a plastic polish and wipe it down. Just make sure that you don’t accidentally spray any of the polish on the seats. Otherwise, your ATV’s seat will become slippery, potentially resulting in an accident.
Shop ATVs at SoCal Honda Powersports in Carson, California. We’re proud to serve communities like Los Angeles and Long Beach, California. We also offer test rides, parts, servicing, and financing. Come visit us soon!