Songbirds are singing, the trees are budding, the air is warming, and the trails are getting muddy! Spring is here, and wet weather combined with melting snow can make for some messy riding conditions. Whether you crave the adrenaline rush of tearing through the slop or prefer to steer clear of it, at some point, you or your vehicle will get dirty. It’s just the name of the game.
What’s wrong with a little mud? Absolutely nothing! CFMOTO ATVs, sport side by sides, and utility side by sides are built strong, with the passionate outdoorsman in mind. All of our vehicles can withstand anything the terrain throws at them (literally) and cut through it with ease.
That said, a good wash now and then greatly benefits your ATV or side by side’s longevity and instills a sense of pride in the owner. After all, it’s not very fun to zip down the trails showing off a shabby or poorly maintained vehicle. A muddy adventure is one thing – for some outdoorsmen, no ride is complete without some mud on the tires – but leaving buildup of dirt and junk from multiple rides is another. Therefore, as part of overall maintenance, your CFMOTO vehicle should be washed regularly.
Washing an ATV or side by side is a little different than washing a car. It’s not rocket science, but as a responsible owner, you do need to prepare yourself with the right tools and mentality before launching in to tackle the task. Looking for tips? We’re here to help. As a leading ATV company and side by side manufacturer, we want our customers to enjoy their CFMOTO vehicles for years to come, and regular maintenance is one of the best ways to accomplish this. Let’s discuss the ins and outs of washing your CFMOTO vehicle, from the soaking to the scrubbing to the drying, as well as some precautions and helpful tips.
Buy the Right Tools for Washing Your ATV or Side by Side
Sure, you might be able to get some semblance of a clean vehicle with a generic rag and soap, but this is a CFMOTO vehicle we’re talking about – only the best will do!
Before washing your ATV or side by side, pay a visit to your local auto shop or big box store and pick up a product specially designed for cleaning your vehicle. This ensures the best clean possible, as these products are made to work on the types of messes your outdoor vehicle is likely to run into, such as mud and dirt. Choosing specialized cleaning products also helps prevent unpleasant reactions from happening to your vehicle’s exterior.
Purchasing a pressure washer can definitely make your job easier, but you don’t have to have one to get your ATV or side by side sparkling clean. However, if your vehicle frequently comes home caked with dried mud, it might be a worthwhile investment. A muffler plug can be helpful as well, because it prevents water from entering your engine through your exhaust pipe.
Cleaning Tips for Your ATV or Side by Side
Choose a nice, sunny day for washing, and park your vehicle in a spot that you aren’t likely to make too muddy – one that stops runoff from seeping into places it shouldn’t. A driveway is ideal, especially if it slopes downward into a storm drain (just be sure to spray as much dirt away from community areas as possible when you’re done). If you’re worrying about the seats of your vehicle getting wet, you can cover them with tarps or plastic bags.
Now, with your tools in hand and your hose at the ready, you’re officially set to start cleaning.
● Soak the mud before you begin to scrub. If your vehicle is completely covered in mud that you can break off in chunks, then this step is vital. Use a pressure washer or hose with a spray nozzle to give your machine a good soak, then wait for the water to penetrate and soften up the mud. The goal of this step is not to remove the mud, but to get it to the point that the next step will.
● Go to town! After you’ve soaked, it’s time to break out that pressure washer or hose again. Have a little fun with this step and blast your machine as clean as you can get it, and don’t be afraid to make multiple passes. At this point, hand tools will just smear the dirt around, so be thorough in order to make the next step easier.
● Scrub it up. Using a soft brush or sponge, scrub your vehicle with the cleaning product you bought specifically for this task. Pay close attention to areas your pressure washer or hose can’t quite reach.
● Rub it dry. With a quick-drying towel and the sun’s help, your vehicle should be looking great in no time. Take your time with this step, as it can help prevent rust.
Check Out Limited-Time Offers for CFMOTO’s Newest Models
Now that you know how to take care of the best, it’s time to consider if the best is right for you. Check out our financing options for CFMOTO’s newest models with introductory rates as low as 0%! Ready to see CFMOTO vehicles in person? Locate your nearest dealer here.