Truck detailing helps improve the business image of a fleet company. Clean and well-maintained vehicles put the trucking company in a good light. Their cleanliness attract both passengers and business owners needing trucking services.
However, some trucking companies choose to have their drivers or staff clean their trucks in an effort to save money. Unfortunately, some drivers and staff members do not have the necessary truck detailing skills.
Improper cleaning can lead to thousands of dollars worth of repairs or irreparable damage to your trucks. These mistakes can occur not only at your hands but also at professional truck wash services. Overall, being aware of these mistakes will help both you or the business of your choice to avoid them.
5 Truck Detailing Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using Dishwashing Detergent
Using dishwasher detergent can damage truck paint. The clear coat of the paint cannot withstand the high acidity of these chemicals and cause premature paint fading and peeling. This, in turn, will result in oxidation that will require paint correction, a very expensive process.
2. Using the Wrong Type of Towels
Avoid using abrasive towels and cloths when cleaning your truck. Instead, use a microfiber towel.
In addition, never use a dirty cloth on the body of the truck. Using a clean towel will ensure the debris has been washed off, and won’t scratch the paint.
3. Using Glossy Cleaning Products
As with every vehicle, the dashboard needs to be cleaned as well. However, make sure you select a non-greasy, non-oily product. If not, it will leave behind a residue on the surface. Additionally, a glossy cleaner poses a threat to your safety as sunlight can reflect off the product and blind you while driving.
4. Using Automated Truck Washes
Unfortunately, automated truck washes can damage your truck’s paint in the long run. Here’s why – they use cleaning products with high chemical concentrations and brushes that are highly abrasive. Moreover, these brushes are not cleaned after every wash, so all the dirt that’s been cleaned off the preceding trucks remain on the equipment.
However, there are other alternatives like green truck detailing services that use steam. Steam cleaning does not use chemicals or rough materials. It’s safe for your truck, the environment, and your health.
5. Not Addressing Issues Immediately
Regular cleaning and maintenance are mandatory if you want to keep your truck running smoothly. For example, cleaning stains on upholstery as soon as they occur will help maintain the interior. The same works for the exterior of your vehicle. Another challenge during the winter is the road salt. Leaving behind the debris on the truck will cause major damage to the undercarriage.
Additionally, don’t leave the interior of the truck dirty as it will be a breeding ground for harmful germs and bacteria. Not only is an unclean truck an unpleasant sight and threat to your health, it damages your image.
Overall, truck detailing needs to be performed with proper knowledge and skill to avoid disastrous consequences. DetailXPerts, an eco-friendly, mobile auto detailing company specializes in truck detailing. Schedule an appointment today!
Enjoyed this post? Sign up for our newsletter to receive more valuable tips, ideas, coupons, and extras!
