Washing Your ATV

An important part of owning an ATV is all the care and maintenance responsibilities that come with it. One easy way you can care for your quad is to keep it clean. Whether you’ve been riding for a while and the dirt and mud are building up, or you’re getting ready to put it in storage, now’s a good time to give it a good scrub. That’s why America’s Motor Sports Nashville has provided you with a guide to getting this done efficiently. Everything’s relatively straightforward, but you don’t want to miss an obvious step, so we’ve compiled them here. You can also stop by our location in Nashville, Tennessee, to get tips from our experienced staff, as well as to check out ATVs for sale near Brentwood and Franklin.

Grab Your Owner’s Manual

First things first, you’ll want to review your owner’s manual. Inside, there are important ownership tips and instructions, which cover a range of topics, including how to clean your quad. You might find tips on best practices and products, and even things to avoid. Take a moment to read through this section so you have all the information you need.

Pre-Soak 

The first step isn’t just a hose down. You’ll want to completely soak all parts of your ATV, so even the dried-on mud and dirt will slide off more easily. In fact, sometimes this alone gets rid of the top layers of dirt. You might need to scrape off more stubborn layers, though. You’ll also want to make sure the runoff goes where it’s supposed to go, like in the street and not in a neighbor’s yard.

Pressure Washing

Another way to get rid of the top layer of dirt is to use a pressure washer. The water is released at such a high intensity that it strips the dirt and mud off the quad, without stripping paint and finishing. You can even use a hose and nozzle, set at the most focused setting, to rinse away these same top layers, however, it might take longer. 

Scrub & Rinse

Now it’s time to add the soap and scrub every surface of the ATV. You can use bike wash or automotive detergent for this, and a wash mitt or sponge, to clean your quad without ruining it. A small, stiff brush can make it easier to access some of the harder to reach areas, while still getting everything cleaned. If there are oil spots that are being particularly stubborn, you can use a degreaser to make cleaning those areas easier. 

Time to Dry

Once that’s all done, you’ll need to dry your ATV. You can let it air dry if the weather is nice and you have other tasks to work on. However, you can also use a lint-free towel to dry it by hand. An air compressor can quickly dry some of the harder to reach corners. It can also be used to dry the entire quad, although it might take longer. 

Wax & Polish

Once everything’s dry, you might want to consider adding a layer of wax and polish to it. Wax will provide a protective barrier for the quad and polish will give it that extra special shine. Of course, this will take a little bit more time, but it’ll be worth it in the end. 

Cleaning your ATV regularly will not only make it last longer, but it’ll simply make it look better and you might find yourself more excited to go out riding with it when it looks brand new. And, of course, it’s an important step in ensuring your quad will be rideable when you take it out in the spring. You can also stop by your local ATV dealer, America’s Motor Sports Nashville, and let us know how we can assist you with your quad, or help you find one. We welcome all those from Nashville, Brentwood, and Franklin, Tennessee.