3 tips to increase your service truck body’s lifetime
More likely than not, your service truck frequently operates under tough conditions. Whether you travel on unpaved roads to reach construction sites or transport plumbing and electrical equipment, keeping your service truck body in good condition is essential for protecting valuable machinery and maintaining a professional appearance.So how can you ensure that your service truck body will continue to look great for years to come? Following a few essential maintenance tips can make all the difference in extending the lifespan of your vehicle.
1. Regular Washing and Waxing
Believe it or not, allowing dirt, insects, and other debris to build up on your vehicle can ultimately cause a wide range of problems. Over time, dirt can weaken the vehicle finish, wearing it down and making it more prone to black streaks, fading, and other visible wear and tear. More corrosive materials like bird droppings and tree sap can be even more harmful to the fiberglass finish of a service truck body — especially if your vehicle goes a long time between cleanings.
Because of this, washing and waxing your service truck on a regular basis is essential for keeping it in good condition. The sooner you wash your service truck, the easier it will be to remove contaminants. Washing gets rid of any harmful pollutants that may be stuck to your vehicle, while applying a coat of wax creates a protective shield to keep your vehicle finish safe. Liquid waxes are considered the most effective and durable solution, while spray waxes are generally found to be the least effective. For best results, be sure to use a specialized fiberglass wax product, such as a fiberglass restorer.
2. Scratch, Dent, and Rock Chip Repair
Driving on rough roads can greatly increase the risk of scratches or rock chips affecting your service truck. While this damage may not appear that severe at first glance, anything that chips away at your vehicle’s finish increases the risk for delamination. As such, you should never delay in seeking out professional repair when your vehicle sustains such damage. Do what you can to keep water from getting in the damaged area until you can get the necessary repairs. Most auto repair shops can fill small cracks and chips with relative ease, restoring your vehicle’s appearance and ensuring that the truck body is protected.
Similar to scratches and rock chips, dents are another common concern for service trucks that should be addressed as quickly as possible. Minor dents can often be fixed using paintless dent repair, while deeper dents may require filler or paint. Removing dents won’t just help your vehicle look more professional; as with scratch repair, it will also reduce the risk of delamination.
3. Proper Storage
Finally, storing your service truck body in an area where it will be protected from environmental hazards will help the fiberglass finish maintain a great appearance for years to come. Air pollutants, UV rays, and other environmental factors can cause a service truck body’s fiberglass finish to dull and fade over time. The simple act of storing your vehicle in an indoor garage or under a vehicle cover can help you prevent many of these issues before they can impact your truck. In addition to increasing the truck body’s lifetime, this will also reduce future maintenance and repair costs.
Conclusion
While less-than-perfect driving conditions can harm your service truck body, the above practices will go a long way in preserving its appearance and function. In an ideal world, you should try to avoid rough roads whenever possible — but even when driving on smooth, paved surfaces, environmental hazards can still result in damage and corrosion. When you take time to care for your service truck body, you’ll be able to have confidence that it will continue to serve you well for years to come.
