How To Wash A Polaris® Slingshot®

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The Polaris® Slingshot® is a unique combination of motorcycle and car, which can make certain maintenance tasks a bit confusing. For example - how do you wash this type of vehicle? Do you approach it like a car, motorcycle, or something else?

Here at Big Country Powersports, we strive to make your life easier. We created the following guide to washing a Polaris Slingshot. If you want more maintenance tips or want to shop Polaris Slingshots for sale, visit us in Bowling Green, Kentucky. We also proudly serve those in Louisville, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee.

A Note About Car Washes

The Polaris Slingshot resembles a standard car in some ways. Since it lacks a roof, it can be compared to a convertible car. This can lead owners to wonder if they can just take their Polaris Slingshot through a car wash.

You can take the Polaris Slingshot through a car wash - with a caveat. The vehicle design includes drains in the floorboard and even a waterproof glove box (in select models). This means that the Polaris Slingshot can be taken through a car wash without getting water damage, despite the lack of roof protection.

But the lack of a roof also means that the driver (and any passengers) are bound to get soaked. In other words, you can take the Polaris Slingshot through a car wash, but you probably won't want to.

Tips For Washing

Assuming you don't want to go through a car wash and get drenched, this leaves the option of washing the Polaris Slingshot at home. There are a few key steps to this process.

Gather Up The Supplies

You will need:

A hose or pressure washer to rinse the vehicle. If you choose a pressure washer, only use it on the lowest setting. Otherwise, water can seep in and damage important parts such as brake calipers, transmission seals, and electrical connectors.
A cleaner, such as dish soap or standard car soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the vehicle.
A soft sponge or rag. Avoid abrasive sponges or scrub pads, which can lead to scratches.

Know What To Avoid

Make sure you do not spray water directly into:

Exhaust outlets
Electrical components
The radiator
Air intakes

Doing so could cause damage to your Polaris Slingshot. If any of these parts get wet, immediately dry them with a clean rag or towel.

Start Off With A Rinse

Rinse your Polaris Slingshot to remove as much grime buildup as you can. This will save you some time and effort scrubbing with soap.

Add The Suds

Once you've removed what you can with rinsing, move onto the soap. If your Polaris Slingshot is exceptionally dirty, you may need to do more than one pass.

Do A Final Rinse

After you have gotten rid of all the gunk, give your Polaris Slingshot a rinse to remove any lingering soap.

Dry The Vehicle

Taking the time to dry your Polaris Slingshot helps prevent rust accumulation in metal areas and prevents any streaks. Use a clean towel to wipe away any remaining moisture.

Add Some Wax

This is a tedious step, but it's important. Wax adds a layer of protection and helps add a shine to the vehicle.

Clean The Wheels

Wipe down the wheel hubs with a clean damp rag. This will remove any residue from the metal and return the wheels to their former glory.

Want more maintenance advice? Ready to shop Polaris Slingshot models for sale? Whatever you need, find it with Big Country Powersports. Reach out or stop by our dealership in Bowling Green, Kentucky. We also proudly serve those in Louisville, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee.