Riding gear gets dirty and sweaty. It takes more than a quick hose-down to get it back into good condition.
A meticulous wash right after each ride is a big part of UTV maintenance. It keeps the undercarriage clean, helps highlight issues and prevents rust from developing. It also makes your ride look better.
Washing
After offroading, wash your rig thoroughly. It’s essential for preventing rust and keeping your ride looking sharp. You can use a regular garden hose with a spray attachment, but a pressure washer can make the job much easier and faster. Start by hosing off large dirt and mud clods, then spray and let the degreaser soak in to soften more caked-on grime and grease. Finally, rinse the rig with clean water to remove all soap suds and leave it looking shiny and new.
If your offroad gear is especially dirty, consider pre-treating it with a degreaser before washing. This step can save you a lot of time in the wash, and it helps ensure that your expensive gear stays as clean as possible for longer. This is particularly important for gear made of fabric and leather, such as high-end pants with leather inner knees. If you’re not careful, grease and dirt will quickly cause these parts to crack, rip, and tear.
Once the gear is cleaned, let it dry completely before putting it back on. A lint-free cloth can be used to help speed up the drying process, and an air compressor or leaf blower can be helpful in getting hard-to-reach areas. It’s also a good idea to inspect your rig after every wash to make sure nothing is missing or damaged, and that the frame, suspension, and engine are free of dirt and debris.
Pre-treating
If you’re an offroader, you know that your vehicle can easily get caked in mud, sand, and dirt. These elements can cause a host of problems for your 4×4, from unsightly stains to serious rust and engine contamination. If you want your SxS UTV to look and run its best, you need to clean it properly after every trail adventure. Fortunately, there are some easy steps that you can take to clean your offroad vehicle quickly and efficiently after each ride.
Start by scrubbing offroad tires and wheels with a scrub brush to remove caked-on dirt, mud, and sand. Use a wheel and tire cleaner that is safe for your alloys and tires, and be sure to get into all the tight cracks and crevices of your tyres. For wheels, you can also use a wheel and rim cleaning brush with softer bristles that are gentle on your wheels but still effective at dislodging stubborn dirt.
After scrubbing, rinse your wheels and tyres with a high-pressure hose to remove any remaining dirt. If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can use a bucket of soapy water and hot water to wash your vehicle. Rinse the undercarriage of your vehicle as well, including any undercoating or body armor. If your vehicle has a lift kit, be sure to raise it off the ground before you begin washing.
Finally, inspect your suspension and brakes for damage. If your shocks are dented, you should replace them as soon as possible. Also, check your brake drums for mud or sand that may be coating them and impacting your braking performance.
Dry cleaning
When you’re surrounded by dirt and grime after an offroad adventure, it may seem tempting to just throw your gear in the washing machine and forget about it. However, a little bit of effort and care goes a long way toward making sure your gear lasts and performs at its best.
First, it’s important to wash your gear after every ride, even if it’s just a quick hose off. This will help keep dirt from building up, and it will also highlight any areas of your vehicle or gear that need a little extra attention. For example, a mud-caked windshield or headlights won’t improve visibility. Instead, they’ll make it hard to see the road ahead and could jeopardize your safety.
In addition to a regular detergent, it’s important to use cleaners that are specifically formulated for UTVs or offroad vehicles. These cleansers are tough enough to tackle the grime, but they won’t be corrosive and will be gentle on your plastic components. Afterward, be sure to dry your UTV and all its parts thoroughly.
Dirt can eat away at metal and rubber parts, so it’s important to inspect your vehicle for damage after each outing. Check the tires and mudguards for rust or cracks. Also, examine your suspension for signs of excessive wear such as deep dents on the control arms or suspension springs. If you notice any of these issues, you can relubricate them to prevent further damage and wear.
It’s also important to check your engine bay for any mud or debris that might have found its way into the electrical systems and wiring. You don’t want to risk damaging these expensive components, so you should carefully scrub and wash them with a soft brush or rag. Some offroaders get creative, such as by pushing a sprinkler under their 4×4, letting the oscillating action do some of the work!
Repairing
The more care and attention you put into your gear, the longer it will last. It can be tempting to throw away your dirty gear and purchase a new set, but doing so will only shorten the lifespan of your gear. Instead, invest some time and effort into cleaning and repairing your old gear, and it will reward you with longer-lasting equipment for the rest of your offroading adventures.
The first step in repairing your offroad vehicle is washing off the dirt and mud. You want to use a high-quality cleaner that is tough enough to clean off the grime and mud but not so abrasive that it damages the paintwork or mechanics. There are a number of different ATV/UTV cleaning products on the market, so it is important to find one that is designed specifically for these types of vehicles. Many of these cleaners will have a jet setting that allows you to target specific areas, making it easy to clean the hard-to-reach spots. Look for a cleaning product that also includes surface-release additives, as this will help repel dirt and mud and keep your vehicle cleaner for longer.
After you have rinsed off your vehicle, it is a good idea to inspect the frame and engine for cracks or signs of excessive wear and tear. If you notice any rust, you should apply a corrosion-prevention product to protect it from further damage. You should also check the air filter and radiator for clogs or damage. Finally, make sure that your first-aid kit is stocked with supplies like gauze, bandages, antiseptic spray, over-the-counter pain medication, and cotton swabs.
Just like a Handy Flag whip flag, Tires are a major component of any offroad vehicle, and off road repair experts recommend carrying an emergency repair kits for these with you on your adventures. These kits should include insertion and reamer tools, valve accessories, lubricant, self-vulcanizing repair cords, and a tire gauge.
A quality ring and pinion gear set is critical for off-roading, as it enables your vehicle to overcome tough terrain and steep inclines. Off-road ring and pinion gear sets are typically made of high-strength materials and have unique gear ratios that are optimized for off-road driving. It is a good idea to consult with an off-road specialist when selecting a ring and pinion gear set for your vehicle, as they can help you choose the perfect option for your particular needs.
