How to Wash and Detail Your UTV To Keep It Looking New!
Regularly washing and detailing your UTV is essential for keeping it looking new and maintaining it in peak performance order. Every time you go driving on the trails, it is inevitable that mud, sand, and dust get onto your vehicle. It does not just give it a stained and unsightly appearance; it can result in rust and engine damage if you do not clean it as soon as possible. Ideally, you should have your UTV tool kit ready and give your UTV a quick cleaning after every trail drive.
UTV tool kit for cleaning
Cleaning your UTV is not a complicated matter and does not require a vast range of cleaning tools and products. You can make do with the following a regular soap, detergent, or a specialized cleaning solution, a plastic scraper, and a washing mitt. To hose the vehicle with water, you can use a garden hose with a spray attachment or, better yet, a pressure washer. For drying, you can use a leaf blower or an air compressor and some lint-free towels. You can also use waxes, polishes, and sprays to give your vehicle some extra attention after you have cleaned it.
UTV cleaning process
To clean your UTV properly, follow these steps:
Wash the UTV with water
Using a garden hose or a pressure washer, spray water over the UTV to wash away dust, dirt, and mud. If there is hardened mud caking the vehicle, the water will soften it and make it easier to dislodge and get rid of it. You may be able to get rid of a good portion of dirt by washing the UTV in this way. Hose the vehicle for several minutes and let it soak thoroughly. Repeat the procedure if necessary.
Scrub away mud and dirt
While hosing the UTV with water or in between the hosing, you can use a plastic scraper and washer mitt to remove any dirt or mud that the water has not already washed away. Pay particular attention to the hard to get places. Make sure you have cleaned off all traces of grime and rinse again with water.
Apply soap or detergent to the UTV
After removing the grime, apply soap, detergent, or a specially formulated cleanser all over the UTV body. These cleaners should be mild so as not to corrode the UTV body or its engine. If any part is greasy, you may need to use a degreaser to clean it. For the plastic sections, such as the polycarbonate windshield, use hand soap or liquid dish soap for cleaning. You can clean the vehicle seatbelts with a mild fabric cleaner. Rinse off the soap, detergent, or cleanser with water.
Dry with a leaf blower or an air compressor
It can be tempting to let the UTV dry in the air, but all areas may not dry equally, and you could end up with water spots and rust issues. So, use a leaf blower or an air compressor to dry the vehicle evenly from all sides. Continue drying until it is entirely dry.
Pat dry with lint-free towels
With lint-free towels, wipe the UTV surface to blot away any lingering traces of moisture. When cleaning the windshield in particular, be mindful of wiping it with a slow side-to-side movement, not in circular motions. That will get rid of water spots and marks. While you are mopping, turn on the UTV engine and let the vehicle heat up. That can speed up the drying process.
Apply waxes, polishes, and sprays
You can apply specially formulated waxes, polishes, and sprays on the clean UTV surfaces to give them a shine. For the plastic parts, use plastic polish. You can also use silicone sprays. They may prevent mud from sticking to the vehicle surface on your next trail drive.
UTV cleaning routine
It is a good idea to establish a regular cleaning routine for your UTV. Keep the UTV tool kit at hand and clean the vehicle after every drive. It will not take long, and you will have a clean UTV for your next outdoor venture. Additionally, regular maintenance will prevent rust and engine problems from developing and keep your UTV performing well for years.