How to Wash Your ATV

ATVs accumulate dirt at a much faster rate than regular vehicles.

All-terrain vehicles access dirty, muddy areas with nearly every trip. Although driving the recreational vehicles across unpaved terrain is fun, it can accumulate dirt and grime. Washing an ATV isn't exactly like washing an automobile. Certain parts of the ATV are exposed, and must be covered prior to the wash. After protecting these parts, washing an ATV is a breeze.

Things You'll Need

• Cloth, duct tape or silencer plug
• Water hose
• Bucket
• Drying cloth

Instructions

1. Prepare the ATV for washing. Make sure the engine is cooled off prior to the wash. Close the hole in the exhaust by covering it with a cloth, duct tape or a silencer plug. Failure to do so will result in water entering the cylinder. Close the ATV's air box by covering with a large, thick, cloth, such as a bath towel.

2. Remove any parts and accessories on the ATV that can be easily placed back on. This includes any plastic parts and skid plates. Using a water hose, spray the ATV with water. Start with the underside and move upward to remove a majority of the dirt and grime.

3. Coat the ATV with a soap and water mixture. The most common mixture involves filling a bucket with soap and water. ATV owners can also purchase a specialized cleaner that is sprayed on the vehicle. Place a washcloth or a scrub brush inside the cleaning mixture and wipe every part of the ATV until the dirt loosens. Clean any accessories or parts you removed as well.

4. Rinse the ATV with your water hose to remove the soap and dirt. Once rinsed off, dry the ATV. Either wipe the ATV down with a dry cloth or allow the vehicle to air dry outside.

References

• ATV Graphic Man: How to Clean the ATV
• ATV Sport; Washing an ATV; Jerrod Kelley; April 2010