How to Clean an ATV

Thứ bảy - 27/04/2024 01:09

ATVs are meant to get dirty. They're built to be driven through dusty hills, muddy bogs, and sandy dunes. But just because ATVs are meant to get dirty doesn't mean they shouldn't be cleaned. Cleaning your ATV regularly is an important part...

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ATVs are meant to get dirty. They’re built to be driven through dusty hills, muddy bogs, and sandy dunes. But just because ATVs are meant to get dirty doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be cleaned. Cleaning your ATV regularly is an important part of basic maintenance. Mud and grime trap moisture against metal, causing rust, and dirt buildup in sensitive parts can reduce your ATV’s performance over the long-term. You can keep your ATV running at peak performance for a long time by cleaning it on a regular basis.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing for the Cleaning

You shouldn’t start washing your ATV right after finishing a ride. Give your ATV some time to cool off before spraying it with water.

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ATVs accumulate a lot of dirt and mud, and washing off all that muck is a very messy process. So, before starting to wash your ATV, select a wide-open location for the cleaning that you don’t mind getting dirty and will be easy to clean.
Because plants and seeds also latch onto ATVs’ exteriors, you’ll want to wash your ATV away from your yard, or a bunch of weeds might pop up in the middle of your nice green lawn.

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Before you bring water into action, knock any big chunks of mud or dirt off your ATV’s exterior with a rubber mallet. By removing this outer layer, you’ll be able to speed up the overall washing process.^{[1] X Research source}
You’ll want to lightly tap these chunks to avoid unintentionally hitting your ATV with force.

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You should do your best to keep water off sensitive parts of your ATV, like the rear opening of the muffler and the ignition switch. Cover the rear opening of the muffler with a plastic bag, and the keyhole with tape.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Washing Your ATV’s Exterior

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Using a garden hose, spray your ATV with a flood of cold water. This will help wash off easy-to-remove dirt on the surface and begin to loosen up caked-on grime. You’ll want to soak the entire body in water, including the undercarriage. Repeat this step a few times to reach every nook and cranny with water.^{[2] X Research source}
Don’t worry about washing everything off at this stage. The main goal is just to loosen everything up.

Step 2 Blast your ATV with water to remove built-up crud.

Set the nozzle of your hose to its strongest pressure setting and spray every inch of your ATV’s exterior and undercarriage. Aim your spray at areas caked with stubborn patches of grime. You’ll want to repeat this step several times to blast off as much as possible.^{[3] X Research source}

If you decide to use a pressure washer for this step, you’ll want to check your owner’s manual before starting. Every ATV is different, and using a pressure washer on many models is not recommended.
When using a pressure washer, you’ll want to dial the pressure back and use a broad tip. Too much power can damage your ATV. Try to avoid directly hitting the air box, gas tank, fuse box, and other sensitive areas.

Step 3 Wipe down your ATV with water and detergent.

Nothing will get your ATV cleaner than a little soap and elbow grease. Mix a mild automotive detergent and water in a bucket, and use a sponge to wipe oily and grimy buildup off your ATV’s surface. The goal of this step is to clean off any areas the pressure washing missed.

You’ll want to use soap or detergent designed for cars or motorcycles and closely follow the directions printed on the bottle.
After wiping down your ATV’s frame and seat, finish by scouring the wheels and tires.