Kart cleaning: how to wash your kart after the track and what to check
Updated: 3 days ago
Cleaning the kart is not just about looks: while you wash it you spot a crack, a leaking hose or a loose screw. Here is how to wash your kart properly after the track, what to use for each part and what to check while you do it.
In short Kart cleaning is done with a cold engine and the ignition off. Seal intake and exhaust with adhesive tape before getting it wet, avoid pressurised water on the electrical system and bearings, and clean the brakes with a dedicated cleaner. The Rotax air filter is cleaned with biodegradable products and then oiled, and after every wet session it must be cleaned with the dedicated kit. Dirt must be cleared from the radiator fins regularly. After washing, lubricate chain, bearings and exhaust against corrosion.
Kart cleaning: why do it after every run
A clean kart is easier to check. While you clean, do the checks Rotax recommends after using the engine:
• Cooling: connections must be tight and leak-free.
• Water pump: the drain hole on the crankcase must show no oil or water. How to check it is explained in the article on the Rotax water pump.
• Gearbox: check the oil level.
• Exhaust: it must be lubricated against corrosion after every use.
The complete engine maintenance is in the guide to Rotax engine maintenance.
Before you start: cold engine and ignition off
• Wait: do not touch engine, radiator and exhaust during and right after use: let them cool down.
• Ignition OFF: after use always set the ignition switch to OFF, to avoid a deep discharge of the battery. How to look after it is in the guide to the Rotax engine battery.
• Seal the openings: seal intake and exhaust with adhesive tape, as you do for storage, so water does not get into the engine.
How to wash the kart, step by step
• 1. Removed parts: wash them in a stainless steel washing tray, so dirt and fluids stay in one place.
• 2. Chassis and bodywork: water and a microfibre cloth, which absorbs water, oil and dirt without scratching. Avoid pressurised water on the electrical system, connectors and bearings.
• 3. Brakes: clean them with XPS Brake Cleaner, which contains no chlorinated hydrocarbons and does not corrode plastic and rubber parts. Then check the pads as explained in the guide to kart brakes.
• 4. Radiator: regularly clear the dirt from the fins to get the best cooling. For scale and residue inside there is the radiator internal cleaning fluid. Only distilled water goes in the circuit. Also read the guide to the Rotax engine radiator.
• 5. Air filter: the Rotax MAX EVO air filter is cleaned with biodegradable products and then oiled; if it is damaged it is replaced. After every wet session it must be cleaned with the dedicated kit. All the steps are in the guide to the Rotax intake silencer.
• 6. Fuel filter: check that the Rotax fuel filter is not dirty and replace it at least once a year. How to check it is in the article on the fuel filter and pump.
• 7. Carburettor: no dirt must get into the tank and the Dell'Orto carburettor. For deposits there is the XPS carburettor cleaner spray, which dissolves them without dismantling the carburettor and does not affect plastic and rubber.
• 8. Dry: wipe everything with the cloth and remove the tape from intake and exhaust.
After washing: lubricate and protect
• Exhaust and metal parts: protect them from corrosion with XPS Ceramic Multispray, which is water resistant and also protects cables and rubber parts.
• Chain: lubricate it with XPS Synthetic Chain Spray. Tension and checks are in the guide to the kart chain.
• Bearings: XPS recommends applying XPS Bearing Lube before every race or practice session.
• Helmet: clean the visor with XPS Visor Cleaner, then polish it with a clean dry cloth.
If the kart stays parked for a long time
Remove the battery and recharge it periodically, seal intake and exhaust, drain the carburettor and, if the kart stays below freezing, drain the whole cooling system. The complete list is in the winter storage checklist.
Genuine products for cleaning and maintenance
As an official authorised Rotax and Maranello Kart dealer we handle genuine products and karting-specific ranges such as XPS and New-Line. If you are unsure what to use, message us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wash my kart with a pressure washer?
Better avoid it on the electrical system, connectors and bearings, where pressurised water gets in where it should not. Seal intake and exhaust with adhesive tape and wash chassis and bodywork with water and a microfibre cloth.
How do I clean the Rotax air filter?
With biodegradable products, then it must be oiled; if it is damaged it is replaced. After every wet session it must be cleaned with the dedicated kit.
What do I clean kart brakes with?
With a dedicated brake cleaner such as XPS Brake Cleaner, which contains no chlorinated hydrocarbons and does not corrode plastic and rubber parts.
What should I check while cleaning the kart?
Cooling connections tight and leak-free, water pump drain hole free of oil or water, gearbox oil level, loose screws and cracks.
Source: Rotax 125 MAX evo operator's manual (2024 edition) and XPS Kart Tec and New-Line Racing data sheets.
Questions about this topic?
Message us on WhatsApp: we answer personally, with the experience of people who live at the track. And if you want to drive a real racing kart, with Arrive & Drive you get into one of ours, ready on track. The right spare part? You will find it in the shop.
Arrive & Drive Pro by TKS RaceLab: 2026 karts with Rotax Senior MAX and DD2 engines, Alfano 7 telemetry and trackside technical support at Lonato, Franciacorta, Cremona and Ala. Message us on WhatsApp for information and availability.
TKS RaceLab | Performance Engineering Karting | tksracelab.com
Read also: The kart chain: tension and lubrication → · Rotax intake silencer: cleaning the filter → · Kart winter storage: the checklist →
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Author: Sergio, TKS RaceLab | Published: 18 October 2026
TKS RaceLab is the Italian online store dedicated to karting: spare parts, accessories and everything you need to get on track. With Arrive & Drive you arrive at South Garda Karting (Lonato), Franciacorta, Cremona or Ala and find your kart ready to go. No hassle, just driving.
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