You likely own a 4X4 because you’re the type of person that likes to take the road less travelled. But while that thrilling off-road adventure may fill your heart with joy, it’s also covering your vehicle in mud, dirt, sand and who-knows-what-other-muck.
Although a mud and dirt-encrusted vehicle can be a source of pride (how else will everyone know you’re tough enough to tackle the elements) you need to wash that mess off eventually. Why? Let us explain.
A clean 4X4 performs better
It doesn’t take long for mud to harden from slippery sludge to a concrete-like substance. Once that’s caked on and baked onto your underbody – brakes, suspension, axles, etc. – you’re hooped. And what about your radiator? It’s going to heat up like crazy if it is covered in a thick layer of mud and dirt. You certainly don’t want your rad overheating.
Let’s not forget about salt, either. If you’re ripping along the beach in your 4X4 it’s definitely going to get exposure to sand and salt. Rust is no-one’s friend! So, although it’s always a chore to have to do the cleanup after a fun day mudding off-road, it’s essential for the longevity of your 4X4.
First: prep your 4X4 for off-roading
Before you head out, it’s always a good idea to do a little bit of prep to minimise the work you have to do later. You of course want to check things like ground clearance, your tyres (lower that pressure when off roading), lights and fuel. Those are no-brainers before any 4X4 adventure.
But there are certainly a couple of things you can do to make cleanup a little easier. First off, you could invest in a good set of seat covers. You know that mud and muck doesn’t just stay outside your vehicle. It’s going to get on you at some point and you’re going to get it all over your nice seats. It’s far, far easier to throw seat covers in the wash, than it is to try and clean the interior of your 4X4. The 4Elements Seat Covers from Black Duck are ideal for a day out mudding. They’re designed for tough conditions, with a heavyweight but soft and flexible construction – and 100% waterproof!
If you plan on off-roading regularly, you may also want to lay some cash down for skid plates and other protection for your truck’s underside, which could also make clean-up a little easier, too.
Tips for 4X4 cleaning
Okay, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work because this 4X4 isn’t cleaning itself (but wouldn’t that be awesome?). Of course, you could just run your vehicle through an automatic or do-it-yourself car wash for a quick flush of most of the grit and grime, but you really should be giving it personal attention and deep cleaning for optimal results.
Cleaning mud off your 4X4
No matter what you’re cleaning off, you’ll most likely want to start underneath the vehicle. Everything you’ve been driving through has been splashing up and squeezing into every nook and cranny. So, grab a good old garden hose or a high-pressure washer and get spraying. On a side note, if you aren’t completely soaked and filthy after completing this step, you likely aren’t doing it right.
Some people remove their tyres when cleaning their vehicle’s underbelly, so they can really get up and clean the suspension well. But essentially you want to spray until you’ve loosened and removed all the gunk under there and the water runs clear. If the water is still dirty, so is your 4X4. This is also a great time to look for any possible damage your day of fun may have caused.
Take care of your tyres next
The hose or power washer can next be used on your tyres. Filthy, mud-encrusted tyres will have reduced traction, making your vehicle a little less than safe. So, spray away all that gunk in your treads, and then if needed, detail them with a toothbrush to do a thorough job. Finish off with a tyre-cleaning product to make the rubber look like new if you have the time and energy. But remember to take care of the rims, too, so they shine like you never take your 4X4 out of the garage.
Wash your 4X4’s body
Your next step is to take that hose or power washer and clean the body of your vehicle. Be extra careful using a power washer on your 4X4, though. A pressure washer with a super high Psi and your sweet-looking paint job are just not compatible. Once you’ve taken care of the big stuff, grab a sponge and bucket of soapy water, and lather up your 4X4. Rinse off the soap and (after everything else is done) you could add a layer of wax or other finishing product.
Get under the bonnet
But before you add that shine to your 4X4’s body, you’ve got to take a look at your engine. You certainly won’t want to point a pressure washer in there. Even through the wiring and electronics are mostly well protected, let’s not risk shorting anything out. It’s best to just scrub that mud and dirt away by hand. Make sure to get all the dirt off your rad, because as mentioned earlier, you don’t want to risk overheating your radiator.
Clean sand & salt off your 4X4
After you’ve been driving in salt water and sand, you’ll want to follow the same procedure as when you were cleaning mud off. However, since salt buildup can cause a lot of problems if left in those nooks and crannies, you must ensure you are doing everything to remove it all.
So, begin by rinsing everything extra well with fresh water… underbelly, tyres, body and under the bonnet. Next, take that bucket of soapy warm water and using a soft brush, scrub down all of your vehicle – top to bottom. Rinse it off and then make sure to dry it off completely, because you don’t want moisture left behind on the surface of your vehicle to cause any corrosion. Finish it off with a coat of wax or other finishing product to protect the paint and metal.
Of course, the ultimate tip for keeping your 4X4 clean is to just not take it off-roading or mudding in the first place. But where is the fun in that? For those who can’t resist the allure of off-roading, these tips should keep your 4X4 looking clean and almost like new.