Washing Your ATV

With the mudding season in full swing, you’ll probably be in need of washing your ATV fairly often. As tiring and boring as this might be, it not only makes your quad look better, but can also prevent built-up grime from damaging some of the inner mechanisms. That’s why Big St. Charles Motorsports has provided a guide to help you with this. Check it out for yourself and stop by our location in St. Charles, Missouri, to view our ATVs for sale. We welcome all those from St. Louis and St. Peters.

Pre-Soak and Scrape

If you’ve been traveling for a while, or if enough time has passed, then some of the mud has probably dried onto the quad. Because of this, the first step is to hose it down and scrape away any large chunks of dirt that will just come off with a little pre-soak.

Pro-tip: Make sure all of the run-off goes somewhere that won’t create a problem for you or someone else. The street might not be such a problem, as that washes away, but avoid letting all the dirty water flow into your neighbor’s yard.

Pressure Wash

Another way to get rid of the top layer of dirt and grime is to use a pressure washer. These release water at such a high velocity that it strips off mud without extra scrubbing and won’t necessarily damage the ATV (although be careful about how long you point the nozzle in one spot).

If you don’t want to spend the money on a pressure washer, you can use a hose with an adjustable nozzle at the most focused setting to provide a similar effect. Keep in mind, this isn’t the same thing as cleaning with soap, so the next few steps are still important.

Time to Scrub

While the quad is still wet, apply soap to a small area and start scrubbing. Automotive detergent will work just fine. Scrub every surface and rinse off the suds periodically so you don’t wind up with dried-on soap scum and be forced to start over. A stiff brush can help with hard-to-reach places and degreaser is a good choice for any areas where oil might be particularly difficult to get off. Just avoid getting it on the seat, as it could make it slick.

Dry it Off

Once you’re completely finished, it’s time to dry it off. On a nice day, you can simply leave it in the sun to air dry. You can also get a lint-free towel and wipe it down yourself. An air compressor or blow dryer can help with any spots that the towel can’t reach. Try to get it as dry as possible before putting it away to avoid mildew build-up.

Wax and Polish

If you have an extra minute to spare, once the ATV is dry, apply a layer of wax and polish. Wax will give you an extra layer of protection when you’re out on the trails, so your machine lasts longer. Polish gives it that fresh-off-the-lot shine that’ll make you want to take it out again and again.

Keeping your ATV clean can be a great way to keep it healthy and get you more excited about hitting the trails. It can also be particularly important if you’re getting ready to put your quad in storage for the winter. You don’t want to leave all that dirt on there and let problems build up while you’re not using your machine. Then again, maybe you’re still looking for the perfect four-wheeler. To check out our ATVs for sale near St. Louis and St. Peters, Missouri, stop by Big St. Charles Motorsports. We’ll help you find a model that’s right for you.