Cleaning Your Quad
Quads encounter a lot of filth driving through mud puddles and over dusty trails. For a lot of ATV riders, that is probably part of the fun. Your four-wheeler can certainly handle a little dirt now and then. However, even the best designed quad needs the occasional scrub to keep things in order. Not doing so can allow dirt particles to find their way into your engine. To help keep your quad in good shape, follow Team Winnebagoland Powersports Center’s guide to washing your ATV.
Pre-Soak The Mud & Scrape
First, find a location. While simply washing your quad in your yard may seem like the obvious thing to do, some people who live in cities or otherwise don’t have access to a yard will need to find somewhere else. Even if you do have a yard, know that your ATV can pick up wild seeds along with dirt and grime. New weeds or foreign grasses may crop up if you choose to wash your ATV in your yard. If you instead choose to wash your ATV in your driveway, be courteous and hose down the sidewalk, making sure that as much of the grime as possible goes down the drain. You don’t want to leave a mess in a neighbor’s yard or the street with the runoff.
A quad that is caked in mud may require that you scrape it off. Luckily, a plastic mud scraper can pull off chunks of dirt without scratching your ATV’s paint job. Alternatively, you can soak off the mud by hosing the vehicle down and waiting for the dirt to run off. Repeat this process until the first layer of mud is removed.
Pressure Wash Off The Grime
Even after all that scraping or soaking work, some dirt may remain. In these cases, a pressure washer is your best friend. Both gas and electric pressure washers are available, with gas models being more powerful. Regardless of power level, you shouldn’t have to worry about the power washer damaging your ATV. If a power washer is unavailable, a hose and nozzle will work fine. No matter what you go with, the more layers of dirt you can wash off, the less work you will have to do scrubbing down your four-wheeler.
Add Soap & Scrub
When the rinsing is done, it is time to scrub your quad clean. For best results, use bike soap or automotive detergent in conjunction with a scrub glove or sponge. Go over every surface, with special attention paid to the plastics, the seat, the frame, and the wheels. For the hard to reach nooks and crannies, a stiff brush works wonders, while degreaser is great for oily areas. If you do use the degreaser, read the directions to learn how long you should wait after spraying before you can wipe off the oil.
Dry It Off
If the forecast predicts no precipitation and warm weather, you can let your quad dry in the sun. If this is not the case, find a covered area and wipe the ATV with a lint-free towel. If you are worried about rust, an air compressor can make drying quicker and easier, ensuring that every hard-to-reach area gets the proper attention.
Polishing
Once drying is done, it is time for a good polish. Spray plastic polish over your four wheeler and give it a quick wipe down. Make sure that none ends up on the seat, as this can make it slippery and endanger you on your next ride. If you’ve done everything right, your quad should look almost new!
For more on ATVs or to view ATV models, visit Team Winnebagoland Powersports Center at our dealership in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. We are proud to serve the eastern Wisconsin area, including communities like Appleton and Green Bay.
