There are a few basic maintenance tasks that you need to perform to keep your semi-truck in good condition. One task that’s quite easy to do, but is often overlooked, is cleaning your truck. Having a clean truck is vital to keep your vehicle out of the repair shop and maintain a professional image of your business. After all, you’ll want your customers to feel assured that their cargo is in good hands. There are things like damaged components and electrical faults, which might escape your attention if your semi-truck is too dirty. When everything is clean, you’ll have a better view of potential issues, so you can get them fixed proactively before they snowball into major problems.
We have created this short guide to help you keep your semi-truck clean and ready to hit the road. If you have any questions or want to explore some quality semi-trucks for sale in Michigan, feel free to get in touch with us at our dealership. West Michigan International proudly serves all those in Grand Rapids and Holland.
Wash the Truck Bed
Start by cleaning your semi-truck bed by using a simple broom to clear out any dirt, rocks, sticks, and other debris lying around. Remember to remove any personal items from your truck bed. If you have a toolbox installed, remove it for the time being as it can obstruct the cleaning process.
Next, use a high-pressure hose to spray the surface of the truck bed. This will help you get rid of any remaining dirt and debris trapped in the corners. Make sure to spray the bed liner from side to side, starting from the rear window and slowly working your way toward the tailgate. It’s important to leave your tailgate open and angle the pressure washer in the right direction so that the dirty water can flow directly out of the bed.
Clean the Exterior
The most common method of cleaning the exterior of a semi-truck is power washing. Power washing is quick, simple, and requires the least amount of effort. Investing in a good power washer can be a smart move in the long run. Throw in the right amount of soap and it will be easy for you to get rid of those particularly dirty spots. You can air-dry your semi-truck by using a leaf blower or pressurized air. After air drying, you can use a microfiber towel to wipe the excess water.
Vacuum the Cab
Every time you enter your cab, the floor can get dirty from the gunk that your shoes bring along from the outside. This can gradually build up over time and create a mess, so you’ll want to vacuum on a regular basis. First, remove the floor mats and seat covers. You’ll need a long vacuum attachment to get at those hard to reach spots, such as around the pedals, under the seats, and the dashboard. Shake the mats vigorously to get rid of all the dust. With plastic mats, it’s easy to rinse them down with a hose. Just make sure they are dry before putting them back inside.
To keep the cab neat and organized, place a trash bag in your semi-truck. You can throw away small pieces of garbage, like drink containers, food wrappers, and empty bags, whenever you reach a rest stop or your destination.
Care for Leather Seats
Regularly cleaning the seats can keep things fresh inside the cab and make driving more enjoyable. Before you use a cleaner, remember to check if it’s suitable for use on leather. Otherwise, you could end up staining your seats. Once you find the right cleaner, use a soft towel to avoid leaving any scratches behind during the scrubbing process.
Clean the Dashboard
Another area that you’ll want to clean regularly is the dashboard of your semi-truck. Make sure you use something gentle, like a soft cloth or soft brush attachment on your vacuum. Be careful when you clean the controls, such as the knobs or dials. Avoid using cleaners or polishes that will leave behind a bright sheen on the dashboard as it can create glare, which makes it harder for you to see the road.
Wipe Your Windows
Keeping the windows on your truck clean is an important part of safe driving. It helps you see the road clearly and notice any obstacles. Use a standard window cleaner to wipe down the windows and your mirror. You can use paper towels, but don’t do this on tinted windows as it can damage the tint.
We hope that this guide has been useful. While you’re cleaning your semi-truck, you might notice a few maintenance touch-ups that need to be taken care of. If that’s the case, get in touch with one of our experienced technicians at West Michigan International. We are your local semi-truck dealership with locations throughout Michigan, so contact us today! Our friendly staff will be happy to help you with whatever you need.
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