Keeping your Polaris vehicle clean and properly maintained is super important for ensuring its longevity and optimal performance. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the importance of keeping your Polaris UTV clean, the recommended cleaning methods, and the necessary maintenance steps to take after cleaning. We will also cover tips for washing your Polaris vehicle safely and the potential impact of dirt and grime buildup on various vehicle components. Whether you are a seasoned off-roader or new to UTV ownership, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips for maintaining your Polaris Side by Side UTV.
Importance of Keeping Your Polaris Vehicle Clean
It is important to keep a Polaris UTV clean to improve its appearance and extend the life of various components. Washing the vehicle with mild soap and water using a professional-type washing cloth and rinsing frequently with clean water will help prevent water from entering the PVT system, which could cause the drive belt to slip in the clutches. However, high water pressure should be avoided as it may damage radiator fins and impair radiator effectiveness. Additionally, certain products such as insect repellents and chemicals can damage plastic surfaces, so they should not be allowed to contact the vehicle. It’s essential to avoid spraying water directly into the intake ducts and to exercise extreme caution if using a high-pressure water system for cleaning. Following these guidelines will help maintain the UTV and prevent potential damage to various components.
Maintenance After Cleaning
To maintain the appearance and longevity of a Polaris UTV, it is recommended to clean the vehicle using a garden hose and mild soap and water. When washing, use a professional-type washing cloth, clean the upper body first, rinse with clean water frequently, and dry surfaces with a chamois to prevent water spots. It is important to avoid the use of harsh cleaners, high-speed polishers/buffers, and spraying water directly into the intake ducts. If using a high-pressure water system, the maximum pressure should not exceed 3000 PSI, 2.5 GPM with a 40° pressure washer nozzle and should be kept at least 2 ft (.6 m) away from the vehicle to prevent damage. Additionally, it is essential to avoid directing the water stream at specific vehicle components such as wheel bearings, radiator, transmission seals, brakes, cab and body panels, labels and decals, electrical components and wiring, air intake components, throttle and shift cables and controls, seat belts, and seats. After cleaning, it is advised to grease all zerk fittings immediately and allow the engine to run to evaporate any water that may have entered the engine or exhaust system.
What are the recommended steps for washing a Polaris vehicle?
To wash a Polaris vehicle, follow these steps:
Use a professional-type washing cloth, starting with the upper body and ending with the lower parts.
Rinse frequently with clean water and dry surfaces with a chamois to prevent water spots.
Avoid using harsh cleaners or medium to heavy duty compounds on the finish.
Clean cloths and pads should always be used for cleaning and polishing to prevent scratching.
Do not use high-speed polishers/buffers on body panels to avoid damage or color fading.
If using a high-pressure water system, ensure that the maximum pressure does not exceed 3000 PSI, 2.5 GPM with a 40° pressure washer nozzle, keeping the nozzle 2 ft (.6 m) away from the vehicle.
Why should upper body parts be cleaned first while washing the vehicle?
When washing a Polaris Side by Side UTV vehicle, it is recommended to clean the upper body parts first and the lower parts last. This is done to prevent the drive belt from becoming wet and slipping in the clutches due to water in the PVT system. Not following these cleaning guidelines may result in damage to critical vehicle components, and in some cases, safety hazards may occur.
How should the surfaces be dried after washing to prevent water spots?
To prevent water spots after washing the Polaris Side by Side UTV Vehicle, the surfaces should be dried with a chamois cloth. It is recommended to use a professional-type washing cloth, clean the upper body first and the lower parts last, and rinse with clean water frequently before drying with a chamois.
What types of cleaners should be avoided to prevent damage to the vehicle’s finish?
The types of cleaners that should be avoided to prevent damage to the vehicle’s finish include harsh cleaners and medium to heavy duty compounds. High-speed polishers/buffers should also not be used on body panels, as damage or color fading may occur.
Why should high-speed polishers/buffers not be used on body panels?
High-speed polishers/buffers should not be used on body panels to avoid damage or color fading. It is also important to avoid spraying water directly into the intake ducts and to exercise caution when using a high pressure water system for cleaning, ensuring that the maximum pressure does not exceed 3000 PSI, 2.5 GPM with a 40° pressure washer nozzle.
What maximum pressure and nozzle should be used when using a high-pressure water system for cleaning?
When using a high-pressure water system, the maximum pressure should not exceed 3000 PSI, with a flow rate of 2.5 GPM and a 40° pressure washer nozzle.
What precautions should be taken when using a pressure washer nozzle near the vehicle’s surface?
When using a pressure washer nozzle near a Polaris Side by Side UTV vehicle’s surface, several precautions should be taken. Ensure to use a pressure washer with a maximum pressure not exceeding 3000 PSI, 2.5 GPM, and a 40° pressure washer nozzle. Keep the pressure washer nozzle at a distance of 2 ft (.6 m) from the vehicle’s surface being cleaned to prevent damage, paint removal, and label peeling.
What vehicle components and parts should the water stream not be directed at during cleaning?
When washing a Polaris Side by Side UTV vehicle, the water stream should not be directed at the following items to avoid damage:
Wheel bearings
Radiator
Transmission seals
Brakes
Cab and body panels
Labels and decals
Electrical components and wiring
Air intake components
Throttle and shift cables and controls
Seat Belts
Seats
Additionally, the use of high-pressure water systems for cleaning should be avoided, and the maximum pressure must not exceed 3000 PSI, 2.5 GPM with a 40° pressure washer nozzle. It is also important to keep the pressure washer nozzle 2 ft (.6 m) away from the vehicle surface being cleaned to prevent damage to components and potential paint and label removal.
What precautions should be taken when cleaning spilled oil on engine components?
When cleaning spilled oil on engine components of a Polaris Side by Side UTV vehicle, it is important to use shop rags to clean the spilled oil. If needed, a non-flammable solvent can be used on the rag to aid in the cleaning process. However, it is vital not to use any pressurized water or air, as this may disperse the oil onto engine components and pose a fire hazard. It is crucial to follow these precautions and avoid using any devices that disperse oil, as doing so may cause a fire hazard.
How should spilled oil on engine components be cleaned to prevent fire hazards?
To clean spilled oil on engine components and prevent fire hazards, use shop rags to wipe the spilled oil. If needed, use a non-flammable solvent on the rag to aid in the cleaning process. Do not use pressurized water or air, as this may disperse the oil onto engine components and pose a fire hazard.
What measures should be followed when cleaning seat belts?
Clean the seat belts with warm water and avoid using bleach, dye, or household detergents.
Never use lubricant on any seat belt component.
Do not use a pressure washer to clean the seat belts.
What should not be used to clean seat belts?
Warning: Do not use bleach, dye, household detergents, or a pressure washer to clean seat belts. Clean seat belts with warm water only and avoid using lubricants on any seat belt component.
What should be done immediately after washing if zerk fittings are applicable?
After washing, if zerk fittings are applicable, it is important to grease all zerk fittings immediately to ensure proper lubrication of the components. This should be done to prevent any issues arising from water potentially entering the fittings.
Why should the engine be allowed to run for a while after washing the vehicle?
After washing the Polaris Side by Side UTV vehicle, it is important to allow the engine to run for a while in order to evaporate any water that may have entered the engine or exhaust system. This is critical as water in the PVT system could cause the drive belt to become wet and slip in the clutches, which may lead to issues or damage if not addressed. Additionally, allowing the engine to run for a while will aid in evaporating any water that may have entered the engine or exhaust system, reducing the risk of potential damage or issues.
How can greasing zerk fittings contribute to the maintenance of the vehicle?
Greasing zerk fittings after washing the vehicle is important for maintenance, as it helps to prevent corrosion and prolong the life of the components. Water can enter the engine or exhaust system during washing, and greasing the zerk fittings helps to displace this water and prevent rust and corrosion. This maintenance step is crucial in ensuring the longevity and performance of the vehicle.
What actions should be taken if warning and safety labels are damaged?
If warning and safety labels on a Polaris Side by Side UTV vehicle are damaged, it is important to contact your POLARIS dealer for free replacement. This will ensure that proper safety information is always visible for the safe operation of the vehicle.
