It's no big secret that ATVs get covered in dirt and mud in no time. The more adrenaline-fueled your ride, the dirtier your powersports vehicle becomes. This may seem like simply an eyesore but caked-on gunk can eventually cause problems, from eating away at the exterior finish to clogging up systems. Regularly washing your quad keeps it looking great and running well. We created the following how-to guide to walk you through the ATV cleaning process.

If you have any questions or want to shop ATVs for sale, chat with the experts at Arizona Honda. Our dealership is based in Snowflake, Arizona, and we also proudly serve those in Show Low and Holbrook.

Decide Where To Clean Your ATV

The first step is getting set up. Bring your four-wheeler to your cleaning station. If possible, try to avoid washing it in your yard. There could be new weeds and grasses clinging to your powersports vehicle which would be rinsed off onto the lawn.

If you hose down the quad in your driveway, remember to hose down the sidewalk too. Try to corral the gunk into the storm drain. That way, it won't mess up the street or end up in a neighbor's yard.

Harness The Power Of The Pre-Soak

If there is mud or grime caked onto the ATV, you will want to pre-soak the powersports vehicle first. This will help loosen up the gunk and make the next steps much easier.

If there are stubborn pieces still stuck on your four-wheeler, grab a plastic mud scraper. This will remove the dirt chunks without scratching the quad's finish or paint.

Use A Pressure Washer If Possible

If you own a pressure washer, take advantage of its power! It can quickly and easily get off chunks of debris without harming your ATV.

Gas pressure washers are more powerful than electric models, but both can get the job done. Of course, a simple hose and nozzle works just fine if you don't want to purchase a pressure washer.

Soap And Scrub

The next step is to scrub the ATV's surface with soap. Use either a wash mitt or sponge to scrub away. As for soap, bike soap or automotive detergent works fine. Start at the top and clean the ATV thoroughly.

If you notice dirt hiding in nooks and crannies, use a stiff brush to remove it. If an area is exceptionally oily, add degreaser. Wait a minute, then scrub or rinse it off.

Give the quad one final rinse, making sure to remove any last bits of soap.

Dry The ATV

If the weather is favorable, let your four-wheeler sit in the sunshine to air dry. You can also use a lint-free towel or an air compressor to remove remaining moisture. It's important to get your quad dry. Otherwise, you run the risk of rust creeping up.

Polish The ATV

The last step is to polish your powersports vehicle. You can spray a plastic polish, then wipe it down. Your four-wheeler will look like new! Just be careful to not spray any polish onto the seat. 

We hope you found this how-to guide helpful. For more maintenance advice or to shop ATVs for sale, reach out to the friendly staff at Arizona Honda. We can answer questions, make personalized suggestions, repair four-wheelers, and help with anything you need. Find us in Snowflake, Arizona. We also proudly serve those in Show Low and Holbrook, Arizona.