At RacingJunk, we know how important it is to keep your truck looking its best. There’s nothing quite like the shine of freshly cleaned paint, spotless windows, and gleaming wheels. But when it comes to washing a full-size truck, especially with a tonneau cover, there are some precautions you should take. Our friends at AmericanTrucks have shared some valuable tips on how to protect your tonneau cover during a carwash.
Understanding the Risks: Why Automated Carwashes Can Be Harmful
Before diving into the best carwash options, it’s essential to understand the risks that automated carwashes can pose to your tonneau cover.
Chemical Contamination
Automated carwashes, whether touchless, brushed, or hand-wash, often use strong chemical detergents, conditioners, and spray waxes. While these chemicals do wonders for your truck’s paint, plastic, and rubber finishes, they can be damaging to vinyl or canvas soft tonneau covers. Exposure to these harsh chemicals can cause soft covers to harden, crack, or peel.
Mechanical Damage
Carwashes with roller brushes are particularly risky for tonneau covers. These large brushes are designed to remove dirt but can also damage the exterior finish of soft covers, rip stitches, or even loosen the clamp-on rails, leading to significant damage.
Safe Carwash Options: Recommendations from AmericanTrucks
So, can you safely take your truck through a carwash with a tonneau cover? The answer depends on the type of cover and the carwash.
Hard vs. Soft Tonneau Covers
According to AmericanTrucks, hard tonneau covers generally withstand automated carwashes better than soft ones, except for those with canvas or vinyl coatings. These covers are more resistant to detergents, waxes, and roller brushes. Soft tonneau covers, on the other hand, are more susceptible to damage from both chemicals and mechanical pressure.
Best Carwash Choices
It is also recommended to go with the safest option: a touchless carwash. These carwashes rely solely on detergents, cleaners, and air, minimizing the risk of damage. Another good choice is an employee-manned hand-wash carwash, where your truck is carefully cleaned by hand, reducing the chances of mechanical mishaps.
Avoid Wax Packages
AmericanTrucks also advises caution with carwash packages that include waxes and conditioners. These treatments can dry out and stiffen soft tonneau covers, leading to cracks and discoloration. If you want to wax your truck, it’s better to do it by hand or remove the tonneau cover before washing and reinstall it afterward.
While these are general guidelines, it’s always a good idea to check your tonneau cover’s manual or consult with the manufacturer for specific care instructions. And if you have any questions, both RacingJunk and our friends at AmericanTrucks are here to help you keep your truck in top condition.
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