Make Your Semi-Truck Shine this Summer: Top Washing Tips

There’s just something about a glossy rig—the way it seems to just glide down the highway, catching the sun. The winter probably took a toll on all parts of your truck, and from muddy fenders, to dull looking paint, to custom headache rack covered in bird poop, it is definitely time for a spring cleaning. So how do you remove all of the debris without doing more harm than good? We understand that you need something quick, efficient, easy on the wallet, that won’t scratch the paint. You’ve come to the right place.

1. Tip #1: Pick a Good Location

   You can’t just show up at a regular car wash to clean your truck. The top of your custom headache rack will be ripped clean off as the truck is far too tall for conventional washing bays. No, you either need to go to a professional truck cleaner, of find a spot where you can freely spray your truck and have drainage for all of the dirt, debris and soap that will inevitably run off.

2. Tip #2: Proper Equipment

   Invest in a proper pressure washer, and begin at a low spray PSI, about 1800, and bring it up to 2200 maximum. You want the dirt and debris to come off, but you don’t want to risk harming the paint. Spray detergent through a downstream injector. Don’t apply it before as it can leave streaks. Use a detergent specially designed for trucks, as other detergents and soaps will also leave streaky residue on the rig, and leave the headache rack and toolboxes looking calcium-coated. Remember that 65 degrees celsius should be the maximum temperature of the water you are spraying to avoid detergent deterioration.

3. Tip # 3: Scrub your Custom Headache Rack

   Now whether we are talking about your aluminum tool box, your custom headache rack, or any other accessory, everything made of aluminum should be scrubbed down by hand or else there is risk of foam residue from the soap adhering to the metal. Then, using a good-quality non-etching aluminum cleaner will take the shine of your accessories to the next level without hurting the polish at all. Hello, summertime glint!

Sure, truck detailers try to make you believe that only they can keep your truck looking summer-fresh, but with the above tips, you’ll wow those around you with a professional-looking, clean setup for a fraction of the cost, and double the fun… that is, if you were one of those kids who liked to run through the sprinklers. Good luck!

Trebor Manufacturing is proud to be serving dealers, retailers, manufacturers and distributors in the trucking business, including truck parts dealers, across North America. Please feel free to call us, contact us or request a quote in regards to any of our semi-truck accessories including aluminum tool boxes, semi headache racks, custom semi-truck accessories and other products such as dump bodies and flatbeds.