Tips for Cleaning Your UTV

Cleaning your UTV is an important part of the regular maintenance you’ll need to perform if you want your machine to continue operating for many years to come. It will also prevent grime and dirt from building up in areas where it can cause damage. Not to mention, your side-by-side will simply look nicer when it’s clean. Whether you’ve just gotten back from a long ride, or you’re getting your UTV ready to hit the trails, you’ll want to take some time to clean your vehicle.

Grab Your Owner’s Manual

This might sound obvious, but your owner’s manual has several tips in it, including how to wash your UTV. Review what the manual says and make sure you’re not using any products or strategies that might damage your side-by-side.

Soaking and Scraping

You’ll want to start by hosing down the entire machine. The easiest way to clear away the top layer of dirt and mud is to just get it wet enough to make it easier to take off. If there’s a lot of mud and dirt on your UTV, you might actually need to scrape it off. A plastic mud scraper will help with this without damaging the vehicle.

Pressure Washing

Another way to get rid of that top layer is pressure washing. Blasting away the mud is an easy way to quickly clean off the mud. Pressure washers come in gas and electric options. If you don’t want to spend on getting one of these, you can also simply use the right setting on your hose nozzle. Either strategy can make the next step a little easier.

Scrubbing

Next, you’ll want to start adding soap and scrubbing off any remaining dirt or mud. Bike soap or automotive detergent will work on your UTV. Make sure to scrub every surface of your side-by-side. We recommend a wash mitt or sponge to prevent damaging the paint or finish. A stiffer brush can be helpful in getting stubborn dirt out of nooks and crannies. For particularly greasy areas, you can use a degreaser.

Drying

On sunny days, you can simply let your UTV air dry. However, if you’re doing this on a day when it’s cloudy or even raining, you can use a lint-free towel to wipe it down. An air compressor can dry some of the corners where water might collect. You can also use it as a quick, primary drying method if you don’t want to wipe it down by hand.

Waxing and Polishing

Finally, you might want to consider waxing and polishing your vehicle. Once everything is dry, apply the wax to add a protective layer to the machine. Next, apply the polish, which will give it that extra bit of shine. Once that’s done, you’re all set for your next ride!

A clean UTV is ready to run longer and probably more enjoyable to ride. If you’ve any questions or want to check out our selection of UTVs for sale, visit  Nielsen Enterprises in Lake Villa, IL. We proudly all those coming from Chicago, IL, and Milwaukee, WI.