How to Clean Your ATV
One of the benefits to All Terrain Vehicle, or ATV, ownership is the ability to spend a weekend getting it dirty in the mud. In fact, an ATV is fun to take through shallow waterways or even out in the snow during the winter. Once the weekend adventure has ended, the vehicle will require a thorough cleaning. Several tips will help owners keep their vehicle clean.
Safeguard Delicate Devices
Be sure to protect the Capacitor Discharge Ignition, or CDI, device. The unit is moisture resistant, but if it becomes submerged, then the water may destroy it. Place the device in a watertight case that can be secured to the vehicle. With the added protection, the CDI will remain working even when the owner speeds through a bog.
About Fasteners
Natural elements may cause problems for a vehicle’s fasteners. To prevent frequent replacements, keep fasteners clean and lubricated. After spending a few days driving their ATV in the mud, snow or water, owners should remove the dirt and moisture from the vehicle’s fasteners with a water displacing lubricant as the substance will prevent rust from forming.
Protect the Vehicle’s Interior Components
Before spraying the vehicle with water, be sure to cover the air box and the exhaust with duct tape or a cloth. A silencer plug is also an effective cover. With the air box and the exhaust protected, water will be unable to filter into the vehicle’s interior sections.
Engine Cooling Tips
Avoid cooling the vehicle’s engine with water as it may cause damage. In addition, wait until the engine has cooled naturally before cleaning the vehicle. When water is used to cool metal, it causes the material to contract faster than it should. Furthermore, protect the engine during rides by permitting it to warm up before taking it out on a trail.
Rinsing
With a high-pressure water nozzle, spray the ATV thoroughly. After spraying it the first time, consider tilting the unit back onto its grab bar to spray the underside and remove all of the mud and debris. Before leaning the vehicle back, be sure to close the vehicle’s fuel tap. Owners may also remove dirt from the vehicle’s holes, switches and other components with an air compressor.
Soap
Owners can soap their vehicle with a high compression cleaner that features a soap function, or they can use the plant spray method by combining 90 percent water with 10 percent soap and covering the vehicle. Allow the soap mixture to remain on the vehicle for about five minutes before spraying it off with water. After the machine is clean, start the engine to make sure that it is unaffected by the water.
Drying and Plastic Care
Dry the vehicle with a clean cloth. The next step is to use a silicon spray to clean the plastic sections of the vehicle. The substance will make the plastic parts look new and prevent dirt from attaching to the vehicle. It will also make future cleanings easier. Spray the plastic sections, and rub the substance in with a soft, clean cloth.
A well-maintained ATV is likely to last for many years. Furthermore, it will continue to present a quality appearance.
