If you’re responsible for the cleaning of HGV vehicles, then it’s important to know the best process and products to use. Washing trucks and trailers can be a dirty and hazardous job if not done correctly. In this article, we’ll discuss how to wash an HGV vehicle, as well as the tools and products you’ll need. We’ll also cover some safety tips for drivers who are responsible for cleaning trucks.
Why Washing HGV Vehicles is Important
Firstly, A clean truck is a sign of a professional driver who takes care of their equipment. Secondly, it’s important to remove dirt and grime from vehicles for safety reasons. Dirt and grime can build up on windshields and make it difficult to see while driving. Additionally, dirty trucks are more likely to be involved in accidents than clean ones.
Haulage companies also set out a budget for truck cleaning to ensure that their vehicles always look good on the road, many haulage companies spend thousands of pounds on truck livery advertising their company on truck cabs, and trailers. Advertising is important so it is important to keep that advertising visible and looking good on the road.
What Tools Are Required for Washing HGV Vehicles?
There are a basic set of tools that make washing an HGV vehicle practical and less time-consuming, from a companies perspective the less time it takes to wash a vehicle the more time the driver has to be driving and not washing the vehicle.
From a driver’s point of view, the less time it takes to wash a truck or trailer the quicker they can be back behind the wheel in a nice warm cab!
Let’s take a look at the tools that are required:
Pressure Washer
This is the most important tool for washing HGV vehicles. Pressure washers remove dirt and grime quickly and efficiently.
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Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Hot Pressure Washer
A hot pressure washer is ideal for removing stubborn dirt and grime, a hot pressure washer is also good for cleaning truck curtains or even chassis.
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Extendable Cleaning Brush
An extendable cleaning brush is perfect for reaching those difficult to reach areas loosening stubborn dirt before pressure washing.
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Wheel Brush
A wheel brush is essential for cleaning wheels quickly and easily allowing you to get into all the hard to clean areas of a truck wheel.
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Wash Bucket
A bucket is used to hold water for rinsing purposes, buckets with grit guards will prevent paint scratches this can help to maintain the paintwork of a truck cab and keep it looking great for many years.
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Hose Pipe
A hose pipe is used to connect the pressure washer to a water source, a hose pipe can also be attached to an extendable cleaning brush for difficult to reach areas.
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What Products Are Required for Washing HGV Vehicles?
There are a number of different products required for washing HGV vehicles. These products are used to clean the different parts of the vehicle.
Traffic Film Remover (TFR)
Traffic film remover is used to remove traffic film from the vehicle.
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Alloy Wheel Cleaner
Alloy wheel cleaner is used to clean the wheels of the vehicle without damaging the surface of the wheels.
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Glass Cleaner
Glass cleaner is used to clean the windows and mirrors of the vehicle.
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Trim Cleaner
Trim cleaner is a product that is used on plastics it prevents plastic from looking dull which can make a real difference to the appearance of an HGV vehicle.
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Caustic/Acid
Some vehicles may require a stronger cleaning solution to remove dried on substances such as concrete, for example, extra safety clothing or even training may be required to use strong cleaning solutions such as acids or caustics.
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Chrome Cleaner
A chrome cleaner is used on the chrome parts of the vehicle to make them shine.
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Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What is the Best Process for Washing HGV Vehicles?
There are a number of different ways to wash HGV vehicles, but there is one process that is considered to be the best. This process should be followed in order to get the best results.
- Rinse the entire vehicle to soften any dirt.
- Apply TFR with either a bucket and extendable brush or with the pressure washer if it has detergent capabilities, work from the highest point of the vehicle, gravity will ensure any TFR will run downwards covering lower areas of the vehicle which will reduce any waste of the product.
- Work on one section at a time working around the truck so that no sections of the truck are accidentally missed.
- When the truck/trailer has been cleaned with detergent rinse the truck thoroughly with clean water using a pressure washer, during hot weather it may be necessary to rinse each section of the truck as you work your way around the vehicle to stop the product drying.
- Clean the wheels with detergent and a wheel brush then rinse thoroughly.
- Clean any glass with glass cleaner including mirrors, polish to a streak-free shine with a soft microfibre towel.
- Clean plastics with a trim cleaner such as a plastic grill or plastic mirror backs.
- Clean chrome using chrome cleaner to make your HGV truck sparkle.
Driver Safety Washing HGV Vehicles
Detergents and products for cleaning HGV vehicles can be dangerous if the correct protective clothing is not worn.
When cleaning HGV vehicles it is important to wear the following:
- Waterproof Boots – To protect your feet from detergents and water.
- Waterproof Clothing – To keep you dry and protected from detergents.
- Eye Protection – To protect your eyes from detergents and water.
- Head Protection – Wearing a hard hat or safety cap will protect your head from any water or detergent that may splash up.
- Hand Protection – a pair of waterproof and chemical proof gloves will ensure your hands are protected from irritants such as detergent, caustic or acid.
By following these simple how to wash an HGV vehicle steps, you can wash your HGV vehicle quickly, easily, and safely. Washing your HGV vehicle regularly will help to keep it looking its best and increase its lifespan. Additionally, a clean truck is more likely to be involved in an accident.
So there you have it, our guide on how to wash an HGV vehicle. Thanks for reading!
