How to Wash Your Commercial Truck

Whether you manage a full fleet of commercial trucks or you’re an independent contractor in charge of your own rig, regular maintenance is essential to the success of your trucking operation. One often overlooked part of maintaining a commercial truck is keeping it clean. 

Cleanliness may not seem like a top priority when you consider all the other things you need to do to maintain your truck, but a clean truck is easier to maintain and also gives you a more professional image for your clients. We’ve assembled some information on how to wash your commercial truck below.

Choosing a Washing Method

Because commercial trucks are quite large, there are several methods for cleaning them efficiently. Some people may choose to hire a mobile truck washing service or visit an industrial-scale car wash that’s designed specifically for semi trucks to drive through. These automated washes are efficient and can be customized to your truck, but they do tend to be costly.

If you’re looking to save money, you may decide to wash your truck yourself with a hose and some cleaning tools. A pressure washer is the ideal tool for washing a large vehicle, but a garden hose will do. Buckets, sponges, soft-bristle brushes, a telescoping brush, and a ladder are all useful items to have before you begin.

Pre-Soak & Treat

The first step, once you’ve got your truck parked somewhere secure with access to fresh water and good drainage, is to spray your entire truck with water to soak it and let some of that grime loosen up. You may wish to use a degreaser on particularly stubborn parts. Give it ten to fifteen minutes before you rinse away this first layer.

Lather & Rinse

Using a professional car soap and water, you’ll want to focus on cleaning one side of the truck at a time. You may need to get on a ladder and have a friend spot you and keep you steady; be very careful about using a ladder on wet concrete. Using a soft-bristle brush or a washing mitt, you can detail areas like the headlights, bumper, tires, and doors of your truck. Give your truck a thorough rinse once you’ve scrubbed it, going with one area at a time.

Apply Wax If Desired

After letting your truck air-dry (or toweling it off, if you want to hand-dry portions to prevent water spotting), you can apply a protective wax coating to the paint to make it shine. Buff the wax carefully to remove excess and make sure that you’re using a product designed for your particular model of commercial truck.

Come see us at our dealership in San Diego, CA, to take a look at our wide stock of new and used commercial trucks for sale. We can even provide you with financing and trade-in options. Draco Isuzu Truck Center serves our customers in Chula Vista, CA.