A considerable percentage of the fun one has with an ATV or UTV is to get up close and personal with mud, whether you’re riding or sliding through it or getting stuck. Although it can be tempting to only wash the mud off yourself after an off-road adventure, you should make time to clean your vehicle as well.
Apart from the fact that a muddy vehicle isn’t nice to look at, leaving your ATV or UTV muddy can cause all kinds of issues that can range from ugly stains to rust to engine contamination. Here’s a short guide you can follow to ensure that your off-road vehicle remains in mint condition. If you have any questions or want a professional clean for your ATV or UTV, get in touch with our specialty detail center.
Tools for Washing Your ATV or UTV
Flickr by blmcaliforniaAlthough washing your ATV or UTV may require some time and effort, it’s fortunately not an expensive exercise. You can get your vehicle sparkling clean with just a few basic tools. Here’s a list of essential items you’ll need:
Cleaning Products
Many different ATV/UTV cleaning products on the market are specifically designed for these types of vehicles. You want to look for a mild cleaning product that’s tough enough to clean the mud and dirt from your vehicle while also not being so corrosive that it damages the paintwork or mechanics.
Also, search for a cleaning product that contains surface-release additives, as this will repel mud and dirt on your next off-road trip and keep your vehicle cleaner for longer. Conversely, you can apply a protectant after the wash, which also repels dirt and adds a protective barrier.
For tougher-to-clean areas, such as the chain and sprockets, you can use a degreaser. You can also invest in special cleaning products for other components, such as a fabric cleaner for the seat belts or a tire cleaner to get rid of the stubborn grime on your tires. Also, use the correct cleaning product if you have a polycarbonate windshield, since a normal window cleaner will damage it.
Scrub Brush
There are tight corners and difficult-to-reach spots in an ATV or UTV that you may not be able to access by hand. Make your life easier by investing in a long-handled scrub brush you can use to clean such places. Ensure that you opt for a brush with soft bristles so that you don’t damage the paintwork or sensitive components.
Microfiber Towels or Washing Mitt
Opt for a microfiber towel or a washing mitt to wash your ATV or UTV, as it will get rid of the dirt without damaging the paintwork. You can also use a microfiber towel for drying off your vehicle since this type of towel is good at absorbing water and will get rid of any residual dirt. Drying your vehicle with a microfiber towel will also prevent water streaks. In addition, these towels are safe to use on plastics and won’t cause any scratch marks.
Pressure Washer
A pressure washer is a great tool for dislodging the mud and dirt clods from your vehicle as a first step before you give it a wash. The force of the pressure washer will also get water into difficult-to-reach spots, where it will moisten and soften caked-on dirt. You want to be careful with the settings you choose, as a too-powerful water blast can damage your radiator fins, plastics, and any decals or graphics.
Plastic Scraper
A plastic scraper will come in handy when you’re trying to get rid of stubborn dirt without damaging the paintwork on your ATV or UTV.
How To Clean Your ATV/UTV
Here are a few steps you can take to ensure that you clean your off-road vehicle properly:
1. Hose Down the Vehicle
The first step you can take is to try to soften the caked-on mud on your vehicle by hosing it down with a normal garden hose. At this point, you can use a plastic scraper to get rid of some mud as this will lessen the time you need to use the pressure washer on your vehicle.
2. Apply a Pressure Washer
Once you’ve allowed your off-road vehicle to soak for a bit so the mud can get softer, it’s time to apply a pressure washer so you can blast off the remaining mud and dirt. Try to avoid sensitive areas, such as the intake and exhaust, electronics, and any decals on your vehicle.
It may be a good idea to use a heavier setting for tougher areas such as the tires, wheel wells, and the underside of the fenders and chassis. You can then use a lower setting with less pressure to wash down areas where there are wires and connections, engine parts, and plastics.
3. Wash the Vehicle
Now that you’ve managed to get rid of the big cakes of mud and the worst dirt and grime, you can wash the vehicle with your cleaning solution of choice. An effective and easy way to apply the detergent is by using a foam cannon, which you can attach to your garden hose or pressure washer. After you’ve sprayed the cleaning foam onto your vehicle, wait for a few minutes before washing to allow for the cleaning agent to soak into leftover mud and grimy areas.
4. Rinse and Dry
After you’ve washed the vehicle, you can rinse it off with a hose or a pressure washer. You’ll then want to dry your vehicle to combat rust and prevent unsightly water spots and streaks. If you have a leaf blower, you can blow your vehicle to get rid of most of the wetness. Next, use a microfiber towel to give the vehicle a quick wipe, which will remove any last bits of dirt and mud and make your ATV or UTV look as good as new.
Get Your ATV or UTV Cleaned in Grand Forks
There you have it! Taking care of your ATV or UTV doesn’t have to involve hours of hard labor. By following these few easy steps that Rydell Auto Group has provided, you’ll enjoy many years of happy off-roading with your ATV or UTV. Contact us if you have any questions or need help getting your ATV or UTV cleaned in Grand Forks!
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