Warmer weather is here, and it’s time to prepare for another season on the water! Whether you diligently winterized your personal watercraft last year or you’re spring cleaning after subpar storage, we can help.
Follow this step-by-step guide to safely inspect, clean, and protect your jet ski, WaveRunner, Sea-Doo, or Kawasaki:
- Inspect
Break out the owner’s manual to ensure you don’t miss anything during pre-season prep. Every element should be inspected for cracks, leaks, and rust caused by lingering moisture. Fluctuating temperatures may have caused parts to shift or loosen, so it’s a good idea to check all connections.
- Spark plugs
- Ignition coils
- Wear rings
- Sacrificial anode (find it near the rear of your jet ski – it’s designed to wear out!)
- Fuel and cooling lines
- Engine belts
- Power wires
- Fire extinguisher
- Replenish
- Battery power
Is your power system ready to ride? Personal watercraft batteries should always be stored and charged separately. Check performance with a battery tester before reinstallation.
- Bearing grease
Protect your engine from dirt and contaminants while you’re out on the water. All bearings should be resealed with a new layer of grease.
- Gas and oil
Most dealers recommend emptying the fuel tank and changing the oil before putting your jet skis away for the winter. If not, now is the time for a full oil change. It’s also a good idea to add a marine fuel treatment to stabilize your system.
- Clean
Brush off dust and clear the exhaust pipe before tackling mud, dirt, or lingering water scum. Marine-grade soap is always the best choice for personal watercraft. Unlike regular soap, this specialty product is infused with a wax sealant that prevents rust and algae growth.
If your WaveRunners have a thick layer of grime, consider adding a foam cannon pre-treatment like Yum Foam pre-wash before Yum Wash jet ski wash. An Acqualine Kit 16 has all the components that make it easy to spray across your personal watercraft in smooth, even strokes. With the right tools, you won’t miss any spots.
Then, finish with a high-gloss spray and UV barrier to protect surfaces all season. Veloci Performance Products makes cleaning and detailing easier with high-end Italian engineering.
Now you’re ready for your first ride! Let the watercraft idle in the water for five minutes before revving up. A slow start can help your engine safely transition into summer.
Our President and CEO, Aaron Lindholm took to our wash bay to prep his seadoo for the lake. Head over to our YouTube Channel to watch him use some new YumCars products - and call out all the "trolls" on his washing methods.