Cleaning Your ATV

For ATV riders, the thrill of trail riding far outweighs the inconvenience of getting a bit of sand, silt, or mud on their clothes. While a rider can simply change into something else, the quad itself isn’t so easy. Regular washing may not require a service visit, but it is still an important part of four-wheeler maintenance. That is why Road Track & Trail has created this guide to ATV washing.

Pre-Soak the Mud & Scrape

There are two fixes for an ATV caked with mud. One is a plastic scraper, and the other is thorough soaking. If you go with the latter, keep in mind that repeated rinsing with the water hose may be required to get the dirt off. 

First, find a place to wash the ATV. Those without a traditional front yard may find this difficult. Even if you do have a front yard to wash your ATV in, be warned that your ATV can sometimes pick up tiny seeds while on the trail, and washing can accidentally introduce unwanted new grasses or weeds to your yard. Regardless, be courteous to your neighbors, and try to get as much of the runoff down the drain as possible so that it doesn’t spill into the street. 

Pressure Wash Off The Grime

If any filth is still clinging to your quad even after your soaking/scraping, then a pressure washer may be what you need. You’ll find electric and the more powerful gas models on the market, but keep in mind that a pressure washer shouldn’t damage your ATV regardless of power. If you aren’t looking to invest in a pressure washer, using a hose and nozzle will take more time but still get the job done. The important thing is to remove as many layers of dirt as possible before you start scrubbing. 

Add Soap & Scrub

There is only so much that water can do alone. A good scrubbing is the most effective way to remove dirt from your four-wheeler. Use a wash mitt or sponge along with bike soap or automotive detergent, paying particular attention to the plastics, the seat, the frame, and the wheel. If you are having trouble getting into the nooks and crannies, a stiff brush can work wonders. If parts of your ATV are oily, spray degreaser and wait the recommended time. You should then have no problem scrubbing or rinsing the once oily area clean. 

Dry It Off

If the weather promises to be warm and dry, you can just leave your ATV out when the washing is done.  If that is not an option, take the quad into your garage and dry it off with a lint-free towel. An air compressor can come in handy if you are concerned about rust, making it easier to get to any hard to reach areas and speeding up the drying process. 

Polishing

Once everything is dry, it is time to polish your ATV.  Spray the ATV with plastic polish before wiping it down, and it will look like new! However, you should be very careful not to get any on the seat, as this can make it slippery. If this happens, you can slip off during a ride, causing injury. 

While washing is an important part of ATV maintenance, it is far from the only attention your ATV needs to remain functional. For all of your ATV parts and servicing needs, we hope you’ll choose Road Track & Trail. Our dealership in Big Bend, Wisconsin is always ready to welcome customers new and old. We are proud to serve the southeastern Wisconsin area, including Waukesha and Milwaukee.