ATV Cleaning Guide

Any responsible all-terrain vehicle (ATV) owner knows how important regular maintenance is. One maintenance task that is often overlooked is cleaning. Sure, ATVs are meant to get dirty, but that doesn’t mean they should stay that way! Your finish may take damage if dirt is left to sit on it for too long and your performance may suffer if you allow the engine to get gummed up with dust and debris.

Fortunately, four-wheelers are reasonably easy to clean and should be cleaned at least twice a year: once when you pull them out of storage and once when you’re about to store them for a long period of time. Your mileage may vary: if you ride in especially dusty or muddy regions, then you may find it helpful to clean your ATV more often.

As your Sooner State ATV dealer, Altus Motorsports is here to help you get your four-wheeler all shiny, clean and ready to ride! Follow our tips below.

Preparation

Before you begin, find a flat area to park your ATV on that has good drainage. You don’t want to wash your ATV over your lawn, as the soap and debris could harm your grass or introduce foreign plant matter to it. A concrete or gravel driveway is best. Try to avoid direct sunlight so that it doesn’t dry soap scum onto your four-wheeler.

Next, gather up your supplies. You’ll need a hose with access to fresh water, a few buckets, some sponges, a hard-bristle brush for detail work, chamois cloths or a squeegee, a plastic mud scraper and some soap. Car-wash soap will work just fine. Some people prefer to use a pressure washer if they have one, but it isn’t necessary.

Pre-Soaking

If your ATV is especially muddy, it may be smart to hose down the ATV and allow the mud to soak for a bit. You can use your mud scraper to remove the bigger chunks of mud without damaging your four-wheeler’s finish. You can then hose down your ATV thoroughly to remove as much dirt as possible before you wash.

Scrubbing

Now it’s time to get your sponge, dip it in a bucket of sudsy water and scrub your ATV from top to bottom. Wipe down all the plastic, the seat, the frame and scrub each wheel. If you have tiny nooks and crannies, get that hard-bristle brush and scrub out the dirt and oil trapped there. If your ATV is very oily, spray on a degreaser to help break up the oil. When you’re done, rinse your four-wheeler thoroughly.

Drying

You can let your ATV sit for a while outside to dry if it’s a nice day, or you can use an air compressor to speed up the process and prevent rust from forming. Another option is wiping down the entire vehicle with a chamois or soft cloth.

Polishing

Finally, it’s time to apply polish to your four-wheeler. A good plastic polish will protect the finish and shine up your ATV so it looks brand-new. Avoid getting the polish on your seat, as this will make it too slippery and you might fall off while riding. Now you can take your four-wheeler out and get it dirty again!

Remember: if you find any glaring issues with your ATV while washing it, contact our service department to schedule an appointment with our mechanics. And if you’re shopping for a four-wheeler in Oklahoma, visit our website or contact us about the full stock of new and used ATVs for sale at our Altus, OK, dealership. We even have a finance department to assist you with funding your purchase. Altus Motorsports proudly serves the city of Amarillo, TX.