I have been saying for years “a clean truck is a Happy Truck”. I believe this is true because keeping your truck clean helps you to identify problems before they become a breakdown on the road. Clean trucks don’t attract the attention of the DOT as much as a dirty one does. If they need to write a ticket they will choose a dirty truck before a clean one, as a clean trucks shows (in most cases) the driver cares about his equipment enough to take care of it.
Commercial truck washes cost $35.00 & up and this is ok if the truck is really dirty. If the truck only has a week’s worth of road grime you can wash it yourself for a lot less. We carry a 2 gallon pail ($3.00) a wash brush ($10.00) a broom handle (from the broom to sweep the box out which you should already have) and an Absorber (synthetic chamois $10.00). I just go to the fuel island to fill up my bucket or go to the shop and ask for a bucket of water (I have never been refused yet).
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When I am done washing I get out the wax (I like McGuire’s) and do the hood first and as high as I can reach on the rest. Then clean the windows with glass cleaner using paper towels (cloth towels do not work for me).
Still feeling energetic? Polish the wheels. I would suggest you get disposable gloves for this project as you will get dirty. Terry towels are cheap rags for this. I cut a small towel into 4 squares and add polish (I use Wicked metal polish), about the size of a quarter and rub as directed on the polish container. Allow the polish to dry, wipe off with clean towels and presto! Shiny wheels, bumper or whatever you want to rub on.
This is great exercise and will get you out of the truck for awhile. This will also start some interesting conversations with other drivers that happen by. It is very satisfying to have other drivers and customers comment on your good looking truck.
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So there you have it, you’ve just cleaned, waxed, and polished your truck, and had two good days outdoors, instead of watching TV or other general laziness. Your truck looks better and you can have some pride in knowing you did it yourself, for less than the price of a commercial wash, and you probably did a better job.
Until next time, clean ‘em up!
Comments - Tell us what you think below
Carol
14 Aug 2009, 18:30
14 Aug 2009, 18:30
I think Bob has too much time on his hands. I you can't go through a
Beacon, maybe you should go home
India
14 Aug 2009, 19:48
14 Aug 2009, 19:48
Great article, Bob! It is interesting that the man that tested us for our
CDL (way back when) told us that it is human nature for the DOT guys to
pull a dirty truck into the inspection area when they have a choice. He
indicated he had seen it happen over and over that two trucks would come
through the scales and the dirty truck would be inspected simply because
the officers question what else might be wrong if the truck is not well
maintained on the outside.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Your truck always looks Tip Top!!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Your truck always looks Tip Top!!
gandrew
17 Aug 2009, 03:19
17 Aug 2009, 03:19
The last time I washed my expediter was in the rain. Put on my yellow
slicker, grabbed the mop brush and went to work. Wasn't perfect but it was
fun to do and didn't cost anything. After two days of running down the
interstate it still looked okay.
Linda
20 Aug 2009, 08:59
20 Aug 2009, 08:59
Bob has thought more then once about getting out while it is raining and
brushing the truck down. I always just laugh at him but now I guess I had
better rethink that one.
Linda
20 Aug 2009, 09:00
20 Aug 2009, 09:00
Thanks India Bob does have a lot of pride in the truck.
Bob makes the truck priority #1 and he wants the truck to look awesome every time we pull into a customers location.
Bob makes the truck priority #1 and he wants the truck to look awesome every time we pull into a customers location.
sarah
30 Aug 2009, 13:11
30 Aug 2009, 13:11
Thanks for the great idea. It's nice to see someone else out here who has
pride in their truck and what they do and actually cares about the
impression they give to customers.
