A dirty truck can be pretty unattractive. When parked for a long time, sun, water, and dirt have the potential to leave their marks. Your truck's roof, sides, and rear can be an eyesore if you don't take proper precautions. Here are some ways to keep your truck looking clean during parking.
1. Use a Protective Cover
An excellent protective cover can shield your truck against damage. These covers are custom-fit, made of thick fabric, and come with an elastic hem to secure them to the car. When correctly secured, they guard against fading, peeling, and cracking. Truck tarps are very affordable and easy to use. They come in a variety of colours and styles.
The tarps are made from either polyester or canvas fabric. They have an elastic hem to secure them to your truck. The tarps should be secured tightly to keep them in place. This will prevent wind from whipping under the edges and ripping them loose. A tarp can help protect your truck against dirt, water, UV rays, and other damaging elements such as bird droppings and tree sap.
2. Never Park Under Trees
Trees provide shade, beauty, and dappled light. Unfortunately, they can also leave unsightly black streaks down your truck and damage the paint. Tree sap will also often end up on cars that are parked underneath them. Birds can leave a mess on a truck as well. The droppings they leave behind can be very difficult to remove and can also cause damage to your paint job.
Trees that shed their leaves regularly are the worst. The leaves are constantly dropping and bouncing around on the truck. They can cause rust to form on the car. The rust forms from oxidation and the moisture trapped in the leaves stuck there. The best way to protect your truck from this is to park it out of the trees' reach.
3. Wash Your Truck Regularly
It's easy to get lazy with washing the truck, especially when parked. But if you want to keep it clean, there is no way around it. Even if you only wash your vehicle every few weeks, the longer it sits under the elements, the more it will deteriorate. Get a microfiber wash mitt, and some good quality car wash soap. Wash from the top down, working your way to the bottom of the truck. Rinse it off well and remove any excess dirt and grime. Dry it with a microfibre towel.
If you've got a tarp, care for it as well. Start from the top, making sure to get everything. Hang the tarp vertically and shake it out to remove all the dirt. Make sure to run your hand along the seams and corners to ensure everything is gone. After you've washed the truck, apply a coat of wax to seal the paint. This will protect it from the sun's UV rays and water spots. Visit a detailing shop for a quick and easy wax job that will last much longer. It's not expensive and will save you the hassle of doing it yourself.
4. Clean the Interiors Before Parking
Interior cleaning is often neglected, but it can be vital to keeping your truck clean. Dirty seats will draw dirt out of the upholstery and into the seams and folds of your seats. This will make them look worn and stained. The same applies to carpets and floor mats that are kept dirty, which will lead to stains and moulds. Clean up any spills, as they can become hard to remove when they're dried in place. The odour of smoke, pets, dirty shoes or sports equipment can also linger for a long time.
Leather seats and carpets can be cleaned with a leather cleaner. The upholstery and carpets should be vacuumed thoroughly with a good-quality vacuum cleaner. Remember to check under the seats, dashboard, and side panels. After cleaning the interiors, apply a coat of leather conditioner. It will help to keep the seats soft and prevent cracking.
Conclusion
Keeping your truck clean can be a lot of work. It takes time and dedication, but the results will make it all worth it. A clean vehicle makes an excellent impression on others. It adds a great deal to its value. To keep your truck pristine when parked at home, it's important to remember three things. Cover, wash, and protect.
