Cleaning Your ATV
ATVs encounter a lot of muck and filth. While your quad can certainly handle a dusty trail or two, letting your ATV go uncleaned for long periods of time can lead to dirt getting into the engine and encourage rusting. This guide from the experts at Virgil Naff’s will walk you through the process of cleaning your ATV the right way.
Pre-Soak The Mud & Scrape
Start by finding a location. Be warned that ATVs often pick up wild seeds along with dirt and mud. If you wash your ATV on grass, weeds and other unwanted plants may sprout up afterwards. That’s why concrete is usually best for cleaning your ATV. Be mindful of your runoff, and hose down the grime so that you don’t accidentally mess up your neighbor’s yard.
If your ATV is completely caked in mud, it might be necessary to scrape the mud off with a plastic scraper. If you don’t have a scraper, hose down your vehicle repeatedly until the first layer of mud has been removed.
Using A Pressure Washer
Whatever dirt remains after you’re done scraping or soaking will be particularly stubborn and hard to remove. You can, if you choose, use a pressure washer to get rid of this water. However, you need to be especially careful. Many ATV manufacturers recommend against using a pressure washer, as there’s a very real possibility that you will damage your ATV. If you do use a pressure washer, be very careful about how much pressure you use and which tip you equip. Avoid spraying the ATV’s electrical components, bearings, and fuel system.
Add Soap & Scrub
Once the dirt is removed, start scrubbing. Use a bike soap or automotive detergent along with a scrub glove or sponge for best results. Pay special attention to cleaning your ATV’s plastic components, seat, frame, and wheels. Use a stiff brush for the hard to reach areas and a degreaser for oily spots. The degreaser should come with instructions on how long to keep it on before it needs to be wiped off.
Dry It Off
If the forecast predicts warm weather and no precipitation, you can leave your ATV out to air dry. If not, wipe your ATV down with a lint-free towel to dry it off. If you’re worried about your quad rusting, use an air compressor to help dry off the harder to reach areas.
Polishing
Once your ATV has fully dried, spray plastic polish on it and wipe it down. Be careful not to get any on the seat, as the polish can make things slippery. The next time you take your ATV out, it’ll shine!
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