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When it comes to ride-on cars for kids, Power Wheels are one of the most popular options. The excitement that kids get from these ride-on toys can be infectious for the whole family. However, like most things that involve adventurous children, Power Wheels can get dirty pretty quickly. So, how can you wash your Power Wheels without damaging them?
Can you wash power wheels? You can effectively and safely wash your Power Wheels with a bucket of soapy water, a bucket of clean water, and a cloth. By avoiding a hose or other spraying method, you will be able to protect the sensitive battery compartment and clean your Power Wheels without ruining it.
In the rest of this article, we will explore why Power Wheels are water-sensitive and what that means for you. We will also go over step-by-step instructions to wash your Power Wheels and get them shining without causing any damage.
Why Be Careful When Washing Power Wheels?
When it comes to water and Power Wheels, the two generally do not go together. If water enters the battery or electrical components, the Power Wheels will likely stop working properly. This happens as these components can get corroded or rusted when exposed to water. If you want to keep your Power Wheels running properly, you have to be careful with how you choose to wash them.
Step-by-Step Guide To Safely Wash Power Wheels
Washing your Power Wheels can be a simple and family-friendly activity. You can get your kids involved with the process, and everyone can enjoy transforming a dirty car into a sparkling clean one. For this activity, you will need:
- One large bucket
- A cloth or sponge
- Mild detergent
- Water
- First, grab your bucket and pour in a bit of your mild detergent. Fill the bucket up with water. If you can use warm or hot water, it will be even more effective in clearing away dirt, mud, and other debris. However, if you only have access to cold water, it won’t harm the Power Wheels. The only downside is that it might require a little extra scrubbing to get the caked-on mud off.
- Dunk your sponge or cloth in your soapy water. Remember to wring out your cloth or sponge. This step will prevent excess water from dripping from the surface of your Power Wheels into any sensitive parts. Using this method, begin hand washing the vehicle. Remember to clean not just the visible dirt and mud but areas that might be harboring a lot of germs. This includes the door handles and steering wheel.
- When you’re satisfied with your scrubbing, it’s time to rinse the vehicle. You may be tempted to grab the garden hose and spray it down, but this can cause water droplets to enter the battery compartment and cause problems. To avoid that, simply change your soapy water for clean water. Rinse your cloth or sponge out as well.
- Now, dunk your cloth or sponge in the clean water, wring, and begin to hand-wash your Power Wheels again. Now you’re transferring clean water to the vehicle to rinse it in a way that won’t cause damage. If your bucket of water starts to get too soapy, simply replace it with clean water when required.
- Continue rinsing your vehicle in this way until all of the soap suds have disappeared. When the Power Wheels has been thoroughly rinsed, it’s time to dry it. With a fresh, dry cloth, wipe off all the excess water from the surface. It’s even better if you can do all of this on a bright sunny day. The sunlight will help expedite the drying process.
By following these five steps, you will be able to safely and effectively clean your Power Wheels. By using a mild detergent, this process is also safe for kids to participate in. You can easily turn this maintenance task into a fun weekend activity that your kids will likely love.
Other Tips for Your Power Wheels
Now that you’ve got your Power Wheels shining like new, it’s a good time to perform some other basic maintenance or troubleshoot any persisting problems. We have assembled here a few general tips for caring for your Power Wheels.
Accidental Water Exposure
If, by accident, your Power Wheels has been exposed to too much water and isn’t currently working, don’t panic just yet. It doesn’t necessarily mean that this is the end of its life. By giving some extra care and attention to the battery and its compartment, you might be able to save your struggling Power Wheels.
First, you will need to remove the battery. Although the location of the battery may change depending on the model of your Power Wheels, many models place the battery under the hood. The battery compartment will resemble a simplified engine of a real car. You will need a Phillips head screwdriver to open it up and access the battery.
Once you open this compartment, remove the battery and make sure it is completely dry. Then, connect it to its charger and allow it to fully charge. This could take upwards of 14 hours.
While it is charging, check out the compartment. Is it completely dry? You can take a rag and make sure there is no moisture present in this container. Make sure both the compartment and the battery are free of any water molecules.
When everything is charged and dry, you can put everything back together. Simply place the battery back where you found it and refasten the screws. Try starting your Power Wheels. If the problem was indeed a bit of water exposure, this method should get your Power Wheels working again.
Replacement Batteries
If your Power Wheels still won’t start after you have dried out and charged the battery, perhaps there is a deeper problem with the battery itself. Fisher-Price, the company producing Power Wheels, guarantees your battery for six months. That means that if within the first six months of purchase, you will be able to get a replacement battery if you are having any issues with the original.
If it seems you need to replace the battery, you have a few options. There are official Power Wheels service centers where you can get help from professionals. If you feel confident in your mechanical abilities, you can order another battery and install it yourself. Make sure this new battery is the correct voltage for your vehicle, and remember to take precautions to keep it safe from future water damage.
Preventative Care
Finally, to prevent any additional water exposure to your new or existing battery, make sure to keep the Power Wheels safe from rain and snow. By keeping the power wheels stored inside when not in use, you are taking solid preventative measures to keep the little vehicle running as smoothly as possible.
If your child is often riding on uneven surfaces, make sure to check the wheels of the vehicle often as well. They can become loose over time if frequently used on rougher terrain. Beyond the battery warranty, Fisher-Price offers a one-year bumper-to-bumper warranty as well. This means that if you come across any other damaged part on inspection, you may be able to get it replaced for free by the company.
Final Thoughts
Ride-on toys can bring so much joy to the whole family, and it’s important to take proper care of them to keep them running as long as possible. By following this simple five-step guide to Power Wheels washing, you will be able to care for the well-loved vehicle and involve your family in the process.
