Keeping your Polaris vehicle clean will not only improve its appearance, but it can also extend the life of various components. Cleaning provides a good opportunity to inspect the condition of vehicle components, like the driveline and wheel bearings.
How often you need to clean your vehicle depends on the geography of the location you drive in. If driving in dirty or muddy conditions, the vehicle will need to be washed more frequently.
For an in-depth conversation about vehicle cleaning, listen to the Cleaning: It's Not Just About Looking Good episode of the Polaris Podcast.
Cleaning the Vehicle
The best and safest way to clean your Polaris vehicle is with a garden hose and mild soap.
Vehicle & Equipment Wash (part number 2830417) is an industrial-strength wash that can be applied to seats, wheels, tires, plastic, paint and metal surfaces.
The All Purpose Cleaner Plus (part number 2830414) removes grease, oil, carbon, dirt, grime and soot from vehicles, tires, rims, paint, tools, plastic surfaces and more.
Heavy Duty Cleaner & Degreaser (part number 2830418) dissolves and removes tough stains and soils from surfaces. If you prefer to use something you already have on hand, use a mild detergent, soft degreaser or soap. Note: A product designed to clean mud or sand will yield best results.
Before using a new soap, test the product on a non-visible area of the vehicle, like underneath a fender. Certain products, including insect repellents and chemicals, will damage plastic surfaces. Do not allow these types of products to contact the vehicle.
All sealed storage compartments in the vehicle are element resistant but not waterproof. Remove items from storage compartments before cleaning to avoid water damage. Water in the PVT system could cause the drive belt to become wet and slip in the clutches. Always avoid spraying water directly toward any intake screens. If water is sprayed into the intake screen, perform the drying procedures described in the PVT Drying section of your Owner's Manual.
Note: High water pressure may damage radiator fins on your vehicle and impair a radiator’s effectiveness or damage other components. If you use a pressure washer to clean your vehicle, do not aim the nozzle at sensitive components. The maximum pressure should not exceed 3000 PSI, 2.5 GPM with a 40° pressure washer nozzle. Make sure to keep the pressure washer nozzle 2 feet away from the vehicle.
To clean your vehicle, follow these steps:
1. Using a professional-type washing cloth, clean the upper body first and the lower parts last.
2. Rinse with clean water frequently. Avoid directing the water stream at the following items:
- Wheel bearings
- Radiators
- Transmission seals
- Brakes
- Cab and body panels
- Labels and decals
- Electrical components and wiring
- Air intake components
- Window seals (if equipped)
- Door seals (if equipped)
3. After washing, dry surfaces with a chamois to prevent water spots.
4. Allow the engine to run for a while to evaporate any water that may have entered the engine or exhaust system.
If a high-pressure water system is used for cleaning, exercise extreme caution. The water may damage components and could remove paint and labels. If warning and safety labels are damaged during cleaning, contact your Polaris Dealer for free replacement.
Washing Tips
- Avoid the use of harsh cleaners, which can scratch the finish.
- Do not use medium to heavy-duty compounds on the finish.
- Do not use alcohol to clean the instrument cluster.
- Do not allow insect sprays to contact the lens.
- Immediately clean off any gasoline that splashes on the instrument cluster.
- Grease all zerk fittings immediately after washing.
- Allow the engine to run for a while to evaporate any water that may have entered the engine or exhaust system.
Polishing the Vehicle
Polaris recommends the use of common household aerosol furniture polish for polishing the finish on your Polaris vehicle. Follow the instructions on the container.
Polishing Tips
- Always use clean cloths and pads for cleaning and polishing. Old or reused cloths and pads may contain dirt particles that will scratch the finish.
- Avoid the use of automotive products, which can scratch the finish of your vehicle.
- Avoid the use of products containing a colorant dye. Test any products on an inconspicuous area of the vehicle before using throughout.
For more information, listen to the Cleaning: It's Not Just About Looking Good episode of the Polaris Podcast.
For cleaning and maintenance information for your vehicle, refer to your Owner's Manual.
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