ATV Cleaning Guide
ATVs are designed to handle tough off-road conditions. Keeping one clean long-term can be a pain. However, a dirty ATV is more vulnerable to corrosion. Some of that dirt may even find its way into the engine and start clogging things up. Use this step by step guide from Lemond’s Olney to get your ATV as clean as possible.
Scrape or Soak the Mud Away
Your first step will be to remove the first layer of muck using a garden hose or plastic scraper. Wild seeds are often intermixed with the dirt that your quad picks up, so your lawn might start sprouting weeds and foreign grasses if you’re not careful. That’s why the best place to clean your ATV is on a concrete slab. Don’t forget to pay attention to where your runoff is going!
Should You Use A Pressure Washer?
It’s true that washing your ATV using a pressure washer will make the whole process go much faster, but most manufacturers recommend against it. There’s a huge risk that you’ll accidentally damage your vehicle. If you still want to clean off your ATV using a pressure washer, be very careful. Avoid spraying delicate components like the fuel system, circuitry, and bearings directly. Limit the amount of pressure you use, and don’t use tips that might create a stream powerful enough to damage your ATV.
Add Soap & Scrub
Whether you use a pressure washer or not, your next step is to scrub your ATV. Use a bike soap or automotive detergent for this step. Pay particular attention to the plastic components, seat, frame, and wheels. Use a stiff brush if you have trouble reaching certain areas. Deal with oily spots by using a degreaser.
Dry and Polish
If conditions are clear and you’re in no hurry to use your quad, you can simply leave it out to air dry. If you can’t wait, use a lint-free towel to wipe down your ATV. Harder to reach areas can be dried using an air compressor. Once your ATV has fully dried, spray it with plastic polish and wipe it down. Just don’t spray any on the seat, as the polish tends to make surfaces slippery!
Shop ATVs at LeMond’s Motorsports of Olney in Olney, Illinois. We also offer financing, parts ordering, servicing, and trade-ins. We’re proud to serve the Richland County, Illinois area, and we hope to see you soon!