UTV-specific cleaning products are pH-balanced and formulated to be safe on the materials your machine is actually made from. They cut through mud and trail grime effectively without stripping protective coatings or degrading plastic compounds. Many also include UV inhibitors that help protect against sun damage, which matters way more for UTVs than cars since so much of your machine's surface is exposed plastic rather than painted metal. A quality plastic cleaner with UV protection can literally add years to your bodywork's lifespan by preventing the fading and embrittlement that sun exposure causes.
Air filter cleaners are another area where UTV-specific products make a real difference. Go with a more generic catch-all cleaner, and you actually risk damaging the filter material and/or leaving behind residue that can impede your airflow. UTV cleaning products that are specially designed for foam and cotton filters can get them just as clean without breaking down the material. Skimp here and you might think you’ve saved a bunch of money, but you’ll end up replacing your filter more often and wondering why.
It’s a simple question, but a potentially vexing one for the unprepared: should I go with a full-blown kit that comes with everything or just grab a cleaner here and a protectant there? For most riders who have yet to accumulate a decent selection of cleaning supplies, bundles are often the way to go. You get your cleaner, protectant, polish, microfiber cloths, and so on in one throw, and you can generally save some money while you’re at it.
Buying your UTV cleaning supplies one by one, however, does give you the advantage of building a more custom selection of cleaners better tailored to your specific needs. Maybe you need extra degreaser, but you don’t use plastic polish that much. Or maybe you’ve found a specific brand of cleaner you love and want to just keep re-upping that order. As long as you keep track of your stock so you don’t end up with a dozen half-empty bottles laying around, there’s nothing wrong with piecemeal.
Maxing out the longevity of your machine requires more than a skin-deep approach. This is where UTV polishes and protectants come in. Each layer of this system serves a distinctly and very important purpose that will help you keep your machine not only looking good, but lasting much longer as well.
UTV cleaners are what you need to remove dirt, mud, grease and grime. Polishes give your plastic and painted surfaces more dimension and greater luster by filling in tiny gaps and scratches invisible to the naked eye. Protectants are also a big deal if your ride spends a lot of time exposed to the sun and/or water, which, for most of us, is a resounding yes.
Is there a recommended frequency for cleaning my UTV?
This depends heavily on your use as well as how much you care about appearance vs functionality. If you’re a more aggressive rider who cares about appearance, you may want to think about a thorough cleaning every 3-5 rides. On the other hand, if you’re more casual and/or less concerned with aesthetics, you could probably stretch this interval a good deal.
Is a pressure washer too much to use on a UTV?
A pressure washer can work, but only if you use it correctly. You definitely want to give electrical connections, bearings, and seals at least a foot and a half of distance, and don’t blast directly at seals.
Are UV protectants really a thing, or is it all just marketing?
Save for a few bad actors that peddle overhyped products (none of which you’ll find in our selection!), UV protectants for UTVs are most definitely an effective product. They’re specially formulated to prevent your plastic from cracking and fading with exposure to the sun.