You love your car. You take pride in keeping it clean, both inside and out. So naturally, you want to keep your Tonneau cover looking just as good as the rest of your car. But can you put it through the car wash? The short answer is yes, you can put a Tonneau cover through the car wash. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
To Remove Or Not To Remove A Tonneau Cover?
If you’re just taking your vehicle through the car wash and don’t want to remove your Tonneau cover, make sure it is properly fastened. Some Tonneau covers can be folded back or removed entirely when they are not in use. If this is the case with yours, make sure you take it off before washing your car. If your cover folds up behind the cab of your truck, have a friend hold it in place while you run your vehicle through the car wash. It only takes a few minutes to reattach it when you’re done.
Wax Or No Wax?
It’s also important to decide whether or not you should apply wax to your cover before putting it through the car wash. In general, it’s a good idea to wax any part of your car that will be exposed to the elements. This helps protect the paint and keep it looking shiny and new. However, some Tonneau covers are made with a UV-resistant coating that doesn’t require waxing. If you’re not sure whether or not your cover needs wax, check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Material Matters
The type of Tonneau cover you have will also affect how you wash it. Soft covers are usually made out of vinyl or cloth and can be washed with soap and water. These types of covers can also be put through the car wash, but make sure you use a gentle setting. Hard covers are usually made out of fiberglass or aluminum and require special care. These covers should never be put through the car wash. Instead, wash them by hand using a mild soap and water solution.
Touchless Car Wash Is The Best
Whether you’re putting your vehicle through a traditional car wash or washing it by hand, one thing is clear: A touchless car wash is the best option. This type of car wash uses high-pressure water to clean your vehicle instead of brushes or cloths. Not only does this protect your Tonneau cover from getting scratched or damaged, but it also helps keep your car looking its best for longer. So if you want to keep your Tonneau cover looking great, consider using a touchless car wash whenever possible.
Close It Securely
No matter what type of cover you have or how you wash it, one thing is certain: You need to close your Tonneau cover securely after every use. Leaving it open can lead to dust, water and debris getting inside the truck bed, which can damage the contents inside and ultimately cause problems with your cover. So make sure you take a few extra minutes to neatly fold up your cover and secure it properly before closing the tailgate. With a little bit of care and attention, you can keep your Tonneau cover looking great for years to come!
Hand Washing is the Best Bet
If you’re not sure whether or not your Tonneau cover can go through the car wash, it’s usually best to hand wash it yourself. This gives you more control over how your vehicle is cleaned and lets you use a special cleaner designed for tonneau covers. Plus, washing your cover by hand allows you to spot any potential damage right away and fix it before it becomes a bigger problem. So if you want to keep your Tonneau cover looking brand new, consider washing it by hand every few months. With a little bit of care and attention, you can enjoy years of great-looking trucks!
Hard-Top Hinged Tonneau Covers
A hard-top tonneau is the best kind of tonneau to take through a car wash. There are no moving parts or delicate finishes that can be damaged by the high-pressure water and detergents. Just be sure to remove any dirt or debris from the top of the truck bed before putting the tonneau in place. That way, you’ll prevent any scratches or other damage to the paint job. And if your hard-top tonneau is painted, opt for a touchless car wash to be extra cautious. Otherwise, enjoy the convenience of being able to clean your whole truck at once – including the bed – without having to remove the cover.
Retractable tonneau Cover
Tonneaus come in all shapes and sizes, but not all of them are created equal. While hard-top tonneaus are typically the most durable option, rolling, folding, and retractable covers can be more vulnerable to damage. car wash brushes could potentially scratch or dent the surface of your tonneau, so it’s important to use caution when deciding whether or not to take your cover through a car wash. If you do decide to go ahead with it, make sure to choose a car wash that uses touchless technology instead of brushes. That way, you can minimize the risk of damaging your tonneau cover.
