For haulage and logistics companies, truck cleanliness isn’t just about keeping your fleet looking sharp, it can impact vehicle lifespan, safety, brand image, and depending on the company compliance. At Motion, we’re often asked:
“How often should I clean my truck?”
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The ideal cleaning frequency depends on a few key factors.
Seasonal Conditions Play a Big Role
Different times of year bring different cleaning demands:
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Winter: Roads are treated with salt and grit, which can cause corrosion to bodywork and underside of vehicles. During winter months, we recommend weekly washing, or more frequently for long-haul routes through heavily salted regions.
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Spring & Autumn: Expect higher levels of mud, rain, and organic debris. A 7 – 10 day cleaning cycle is typically sufficient during these seasons.
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Summer: While conditions are generally drier, dust, insects, and pollen can still affect visibility and airflow. Washing every 10 – 14 days is often enough, unless operating in particularly dusty environments.
How Dirty Does the Job Get?
The type of loads you’re carrying and the routes you’re running will also influence how quickly your trucks accumulate dirt.
So ask yourself:
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Are your vehicles frequently on rural, dusty, or industrial roads?
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Are they exposed to oils, chemicals, or heavy exhaust residue?
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Is visibility through mirrors, windows, and lights compromised between washes?
If your answer is “yes” to any of these, then your trucks may need more frequent cleaning, possibly up to every few days if not daily.
Follow Your Company’s Cleaning Procedures
Most fleet-based businesses have internal procedures or scheduled routines when it comes to truck washing. These are often influenced and linked to:
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Health and safety audits
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Brand image and customer presentation
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Roadworthiness checks and MOT prep
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Environmental or site cleanliness standards
In many cases, operators are required to clean vehicles on a set schedule. For example, after every long-haul run or on a rotating weekly cycle. Skipping these not only risks damaging your truck (or picking up on minor damage), but may also impact compliance and even customer contracts.
Why It’s Worth Staying on Top of Cleaning
Ignoring regular washing can cause more than just a dirty exterior:
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Dirt and grime can obstruct lighting and number plates
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Salt and grit can speed up rust and corrosion
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Build-up can reduce fuel efficiency
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Your brand image can be effected
The longer the build up, the harder it is to remove ultimately leading to longer wash times and higher costs.
That’s why at Motion, we recommend:
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Adjusting cleaning frequency based on seasonal exposure and road conditions
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Monitoring your fleet for early signs of build up
Whether you’re running a regional fleet or a national logistics operation, clean trucks are safer, more efficient, and better for business. But it ultimately will depend on a combination of factors including usage and the weather for how frequently you should wash your truck.
Need the Right Cleaning Equipment for Your Fleet?
From mobile pressure washers to mobile brush wash systems, Motion offers a range of solutions designed for the demands of modern haulage and logistics. Talk to our team today to get expert guidance tailored to your fleet.
