2020 may be coming to an end, but riding season certainly isn’t. With the UK weather getting colder and wetter, for off-roaders that only means one thing – lots more mud. Here are some top tips on how to keep your ride looking fresh and clean…

BUT it’s not just about making sure your Polaris looks its best, it’s also about protecting your investment. After a day of green laning or riding around off-road, it’s likely you’ll have built up a fair amount of mud and dirt, which can damage your vehicle. From unsightly stains to serious rust and engine contamination, a little bit of time and effort can make your RZR sparkling clean in no time – ready to ride again the next day.

WHAT ARE THE BEST TOOLS AND SUPPLIES?

You don’t need a whole arsenal of tools and supplies – keep things simple and you’ll find you can wash your RZR faster, easier and even better, you’re not going to fill your garage with lots of different cleaning products. One simple detergent or soap, a plastic scraper, a few clean cloths or towels, and/or a sponge will do for an adequate wash.

TOP TIP: PRESSURE WASHING MAKES EVERYTHING EASIER

You can use a garden hose with a spray attachment to give your RZR a rinse, but a pressure washer makes the job even easier – and will tackle the stubborn bits of mud. Be mindful of the settings when using a pressure washer as you could blast away the decals and graphics if you’re not careful.

A pressure washer is useful at more than one stage of your cleaning process. It’s a good first step for dislodging mud and to wet more caked-on dirt so it’s more easily scraped or scrubbed off. Spray down the RZR, let things soak for a few minutes to soften up hardened dirt, and repeat as necessary.

Once you’ve lathered up and given it a good scrub, you can use the pressure washer to rinse off the suds.

WHAT TYPE OF SOAP TO USE?

There are a lot of options for soap or detergent for cleaning vehicles. The soap/detergent you use should be tough enough to tackle the mud, but not corrosive enough to damage the RZR body or mechanics. Mild washers are the name of the game. A degreaser may also be used, though not on plastic parts.

TOP TIP: IF YOU’VE GOT A POLYCARBONATE WINDSHIELD FITTED, GO FOR A LIQUID DISH OR HAND SOAP INSTEAD OF A REGULAR WINDOW CLEANER. DON’T LATHER IN A CIRCULAR MOTION – GO SIDE TO SIDE FOR A BETTER FINISH.

WHAT KIND OF CLOTHS SHOULD I HAVE?

Let’s talk about the best manual tools for cleaning a RZR. First, take a plastic scraper and get off those large mud clumps. Be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid scratching the paint or plastic underneath. After that, a big sponge or microfibre cloth can be used for washing and scrubbing without damaging the body.

ARE SPECIALIST CLEANING PRODUCTS WORTH IT?

Special-purpose cleaners are widely available – from automotive/bike wash products to special cleaners for certain elements like the plastic parts and wheels. A plastic polish at the end brings out that just-like-new shine, while silicone sprays can minimize mud adherence on your next ride.

TOP TIP: TO FRESHEN UP YOUR SEATBELTS, FABRIC CLEANER WORKS A TREAT!

HOW TO AVOID RUST?

Thorough, prompt drying of your freshly washed RZR will help you combat rust. If you let it air dry, you might end up with water spots and potential rusting where the rinse water lingers. Simply use a towel at the end of the wash to dry off your vehicle and avoid this problem.

TOP TIP: YOU CAN SPEED UP THE DRYING PROCESS BY RUNNING YOUR ENGINE AND LETTING YOUR RZR HEAT UP. ALTERNATIVELY, GRAB A LEAF BLOWER OR AIR COMPRESSOR!

Getting in the habit of a quick clean after every ride will keep your RZR better protected from rust and performance problems, and it’ll make those deep cleans much quicker!