Benefits of Washing Your ATV/UTV
Trying to avoid muddy or dirty situations while out riding your ATV or UTV is likely the opposite of why you own one. Whether used for work or play, accumulating mud and dirt are not only inevitable but encouraged. Some even view a muddy four-wheeler as a point of pride. While getting dirty is half the fun, there are several benefits to washing after use.
We shared how to properly wash your ATV, now we’ve put together a list of reasons why you want to keep your machine clean.
Crust In Time
Mud holds in moisture, even once it has dried on the outside. When this moisture clings to the metal frame or suspension components of your quad, it can quickly cause rust and corrosion, especially if there are scratches on painted surfaces that are not attended to. Hosing the mud off at the end of each ride and letting your machine air dry will help to avoid rust from forming, keeping your ATV/UTV looking good and performing to the best of its abilities.
Don’t Let Me Down
In addition to preventing cosmetic and mechanical issues due to the loss of structural integrity from rust, mud and debris can cause belts to slip and eventually can get into bearings and seals. Any of these issues could be inconvenient and ruin an otherwise perfectly great ride if you’re out on the trails and a malfunction happens. It could also lead to hefty bills if you need to replace various components that get damaged. A quick rinse is going to be a lot less expensive and time consuming.
Detect Damage Early
Rinsing your quad after a ride can help you discover other issues that can wreak havoc if they go undetected. A clean machine will help you spot loose bolts, leaking fluids, torn CV boots, frayed brake lines, and a host of other potential problems. Being able to spot and take care of these issues in the garage is a whole lot more desirable than breaking down while out on a ride.
Keeping Your Cool
Mud and debris on your radiator can clog airflow, which can cause your engine to overheat and lose power. This is why it’s important to not only hose off the frame after a ride, but you also need to pay close attention to the undercarriage. Even if you don’t have time for soap and wax, simply spraying the mud off components can save you a lot of grief (and time) later. Imagine breaking down on the trail because a little mud kept your radiator from doing its job.
One word of caution. If you decide to cleanse your quad directly after a ride, let it cool down thoroughly before you start. Spraying hot components with cold water can warp or crack thin metal parts, which can be more damaging than the mud you are trying to remove. You and your machine should both take a little rest before getting prepped for the next ride.
Maintain The Value
There may come a time in the near or distant future when you might want to sell your quad to trade up to something new. Keeping records of routine maintenance, such as fluid and filter changes, is a great thing to have when going through the selling processes. In addition, if your quad is in pristine condition because you have taken good care of it over the years by keeping it clean and attending to any issue listed above is also going to be helpful in increasing your selling price. In other words, a little bit of water goes a long way.
Barrett Baker
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