Keeping your commercial vehicle in top condition means more than just regular maintenance. It’s about protecting the investment and making sure you present a professional image. Winter weather is especially harsh on your vehicle's paint and exterior, but an extra layer of protection helps in all weather conditions.
A protection method that is often overlooked, but extremely effective, is waxing. Taking this extra care step and using wax on your vehicle saves you money on damages and keeps your fleet looking its best throughout the year.
The main purpose of waxing your vehicle is to provide it a protective coating to avoid damages to paint layers and the general exterior. Vehicle wax comes in either a spray form, or more of a liquid/cream that hardens upon application. Both leave your vehicle with a shiny, protective coating, just using different methods.
Spray wax is an efficient choice for quick touch-ups or on the go application. Specific sprays like Hydro-Sheen can be blended directly into your detergent to reduce extra steps and help with hard water rinsing.
Using spray wax as a 3rd step after a full wash process provides a more detailed finish and water-resistant barrier, as you can see in this video. To use as a 3rd step, complete a normal wash & rinse process, then apply your spray wax while wet followed by a final flood rinse for a uniform coating. This is a great alternative as an efficient, cost-effective method to improve your fleet’s image without performing a full detail.
A full buffing and hand wax compound application will last the longest. By buffing the vehicle surface, this can correct paint imperfections, minor scratches, and UV damage/oxidation.
Following this with a synthetic or carnauba wax creates a much more resistant finish, protecting against exposure in all conditions. As it is a thicker product that creates a hardened barrier on the vehicle.
This process involves more time, labor, and materials than a quick spray wax application mentioned above. However, the final results will be a higher level of detail and increased protection with a shinier finish.
Ceramic coating your vehicle provides the highest level of detailed finish compared to hand buffing or spray wax application. Some of the same steps for hand buffing & waxing are involved with ceramic coating, but additional products must be sprayed and applied to create the proper effects.
Ceramic coating creates a much longer lasting detailed appearance and protective finish compared to the methods above, but at a much higher cost for materials, labor, and professional application.
Fleets encounter harsh environmental and artificial road conditions daily. Wax blocks UV rays that could fade your paint coat, deteriorate your logos, or shorten the life span of your vinyl graphics. It also creates a more water-resistant surface, so water is more likely to bead and roll off the truck, as well as making road film & grime easier to clean.
Especially thorough winter months, wax protects against road salt and other contaminants that would usually adhere to your vehicle and create a film. Rust is one of the biggest reasons for undercarriage corrosion on your vehicle, and waxing is one step to prevent it.
A well maintained, shiny fleet showcases professionalism and care for your vehicles. First impressions are worth a lot when you are trying to secure new customers. Using wax to maintain your image helps maintain your company's reputation and let your buyers (and drivers!) know that you care about the details.
Waxing your fleet doesn’t only protect your vehicle in the short-term by providing a coating against harsh weather conditions. It also protects your custom paint and logos in the long-term, getting rid of the need for consistent repairs and a damaged company image.
Not only does this preservation slow down color-fading and deterioration, but it reduces your need for repairs. This means a higher value on the truck if you ever decide to upgrade and sell. Extending the overall lifespan of your trucks saves you money and prevents a damaged company image with dirty, peeling trucks.
Waxing isn't just for shiny looking trucks, you can now see there are clear benefits to your fleets' longevity. Whether you’re using a spray or a thicker paste to do your waxing, the advantages are clear.
You’re investing in the quality and protection of your fleet while simultaneously presenting a cleaner, more professional image. Fleet managers and mobile washers know what a difference your vehicles' presentation makes to customers. Set aside the time to follow these best practices and incorporate waxing into your wash method.