ATV Cleaning Guide

ATVs are built to handle dirt, dust, and muck, but that doesn’t mean that your quad won’t benefit from the occasional cleaning. Dirt left clinging to your ATV for too long can encourage corrosion and even lead some of that dirt finding its way into the engine. If you want to get your ATV clean the right way, follow this step by step guide from Hamburg Honda.

Scrape or Soak the Mud Away

Wild seeds are often intermixed with the dirt and mud your ATV picks up on the trail. That’s why if you wash your ATV on your lawn you might soon find weeds and foreign grasses sprouting up. When you wash your ATV, use a concrete surface and be mindful of your runoff. If the muck is really clinging to your quad, use a plastic scraper or garden hose to remove the first layer of mud.

Should You Use A Pressure Washer?

While a pressure washer can make cleaning your ATV go much faster, most manufacturers don’t recommend it because there’s a risk that you’ll accidentally damage your vehicle. If you decide to use a pressure washer to clean off your quad despite the risks, be very careful about where you spray. Keep the nozzle away from the ATV’s electrical components, bearings, and fuel system. You should also limit the amount of pressure you use and be selective about the kinds of tip you equip onto your pressure washer. 

Add Soap & Scrub

Your next step will be to scrub down your ATV using bike soap or automotive detergent and a scrub glove or sponge. In particular, make sure that your ATV’s plastic components, seat, frame, and wheels get clean. A stiff brush can be used to make getting to the hard to reach areas easier, while a degreaser can help you deal with any oily spots. 

Dry and Polish

If the weather is clear and there’s no precipitation in the forecast, you can leave your ATV outside to air dry. If you’d rather get your ATV dried sooner, wipe it down using a lint-free towel. An air compressor can be used to dry the harder to reach areas. Once your ATV has dried, spray it with plastic polish and wipe it all down. Avoid accidentally spraying any of the polish on the seat, as it tends to make surfaces slippery. 

Shop ATVs at Hamburg Honda in Hamburg, New York. We also offer parts, servicing, trade-ins, financing, promotions, and test rides. We’ve been family owned and operated since our founding in 1998, and we’re proud to serve the Southtowns region, including Buffalo, New York.