Washing Your ATV

The riding season is winding down for some. The weather’s getting colder, and while there might be a few more good riding days left, it’ll soon be time to put your ATV in storage. Before you do that, you’ll want to wash it. It’s a good idea to wash your ATV after any ride anyway, but this will be especially important before storage. That’s why America’s Motor Sports Dickson has prepared a guide to help you stay organized and ensure you get all the dirt and grime off your quad. You can also stop by our location in Dickson, Tennessee, serving Clarksville, to check out our ATVs for sale.

Grab Your Owner’s Manual

This might sound like a strange first step, but just like any owner’s pamphlet or set of instructions, there’s a care section that includes how to properly wash and clean your ATV. It can include recommend products and practices, as well as tell you what to stay away from. Take a look at what it says before getting started.

Pre-Soak & Scrape

Taking time to soak your ATV is a good start to the process. This is especially true if the mud and grime are dried on and won’t easily come off otherwise. Sometimes, this is all it takes for the dirt to slide off. However, you might have to use a plastic scraper to get rid of some of the more stubborn globs. Also, make sure the dirty runoff is going somewhere appropriate, like into the street, and not into the neighbor’s yard.

Pressure Wash

Another great way to get rid of the top layer of dirt and grime is to use a pressure washer. The water comes out at such high-pressure levels that it can strip even tough dirt and dried on mud, without necessarily damaging the quad.

Even a hose with a special nozzle, set to the most focused setting, can shoot water at the quad fast enough to strip dirt. This might be the more affordable option for some, but it might take longer to get the job done. 

Scrub

Once the top layer is off, it’ll be easier to scrub the ATV clean. Use bike wash or automotive detergent and wash all of your ATV’s surfaces. We recommend scrubbing with a wash mitt or sponge to be thorough without damaging the paint or finish. 

You can also use a stiff brush to help get in the harder to reach nooks and crannies and to be as thorough as possible. If there are oil spots that aren’t coming off as easily, you might want to switch to using a degreaser. Then, completely hose down the ATV once again to get rid of all the soap suds. 

Dry

There are two routes you can take for drying. You can let it air dry. On a nice day, this might be a good way to let you finish other tasks while waiting for the quad to dry.

You can also wipe it down using a lint-free towel. If you’re having trouble reaching some of the corners of the ATV, you might want to use an air compressor. You can also use this to dry the machine as a whole, but it might take longer. 

A clean ATV is probably going to be more enjoyable to ride around, so even if you’ve got a few more good riding days still to come, you’ll want to take some time to keep your quad clean. You can also stop by your local ATV dealership, America’s Motor Sports Dickson, to check out the ATVs for sale near Clarksville, Tennessee. We’ll help you find the perfect off-road vehicle.