Experts are predicating “a warmer, wetter-than-normal” winter this year for much of the United States. But as the colder weather approaches, it’s crucial that your fleet washing operation is prepared for freezing temperatures, potential snowfall, and road salt. Especially in the northern areas of the country.
Proper winterization not only contributes to a longer lifespan for your materials, but saves you on costly repairs when the spring hits and operations get back to their normal washing speed. Here are some essential steps you can take to keep your fleet washing running smoothly this winter.
Winter Preparation: Prevent costly equipment repairs
Fleet washing in winter tends to be more difficult. Cold temperatures, wind chills, snow, salt, de-icers, frozen surfaces and a number of other factors make it more challenging to keep your fleet cleaned and maintained.
But despite the urge to avoid washing your trucks, we suggest you continue to wash it regularly when you are able so you don’t leave your trucks vulnerable to rust, corrosion, and clogged fuel lines. Adjust your wash process in winter months by shortening chemical dwell time, using hot water, washing in smaller sections, and adjusting for wind direction & changing temperatures.
Before you read ahead, make sure you know exactly what your washing plan is for this upcoming season.
Storing Soaps in Winter
Storing your soaps is often overlooked, as most people don’t realize how drastically temperature affects these products.
Most truck washing soaps and cleaning agents are water based and could freeze. To prevent freezing soaps, here is what you should do:
- Store soaps indoors, or in garage areas when the temperature is always regulated (even on holidays and vacations)
- For unheated indoor spaces, there are additional resources to manage temperature such as industrial heating blankets
- Protect the products from weather conditions like freezing rain, sleet, and snow
- If your soap products freeze, do not rush the thawing process. Bring them inside and take a pause as they thaw naturally
- Stir all products thoroughly before use to make sure separated raw materials are dissolved and there are no ice particles lingering within
How to Properly Store Your Equipment
Equally important is the storage of your washing actual equipment. Though we don't recommend it (if possible), if you’re planning on skipping the fleet washing process this winter, it’s best to completely store away the equipment you use to clean.
Here’s what you can do to maintain and protect your washing equipment this winter:
- Keep equipment completely dry and indoors throughout the season, especially in wetter weather areas.
- If indoor storage space is not available, create an elevated surface to protect from ground moisture.
- Cover it with a tarp to reduce the potential for wind damage, additional moisture, or animals.
- Any level of freezing temperatures can cause operational issues the next time you use your equipment, it’s best to start this process as soon as frost appears on the ground.
Winterization of your Systems
We’ve given you some tips on how to properly store your equipment when the time comes and the temperature starts to drop. Now let’s talk about the other step of protection, winterization of your resources to prevent further damage.
Winterizing your Pressure Washing System
Winterizing your pressure washer is crucial to preventing long-term damage from freezing temperatures, so here is a basic step-by-step process. If you're not comfortable performing these steps or pressed for time, check for a certified pressure washer service center near you.
- Flush the entire system with antifreeze
- We recommend an RV antifreeze rated for -50℉, you can also use a windshield washer fluid rated for -32℉
- Make sure your antifreeze is not diluted to keep the temperature rating accurate
- Remove all pressure washing attachments to make sure there is no water lingering before adding the antifreeze
- Drain the main hose and use an air compressor to get rid of all remaining water within:
- Water supply and recovery tanks
- The trigger gun and all connected hoses
- The soap injector itself
- Leave off all caps to allow any remaining moisture to dry out
- For gas powered pressure washers, add a fuel stabilizer to prevent any fuel line issues or blocks.
Reminder: All antifreeze must be flushed out before using your equipment again.. Simply run water back through the pieces until it is clear.
What if you Want to Wash During the Winter?
You can continue to use your pressure washer during the winter months as long as you’re taking a few additional precautions.
If your power washer is truck or trailer mounted, many people are able to continue washing by simply parking their equipment in a heated building any time the temperatures dip, and only using it during warmer hours.
If your wash rig is an enclosed box truck or trailer, some of these could be insulated enough to retain heat and prevent freezing with the exception of harsh cold. It is still best to winterize your equipment or park indoors. If you're using heaters to keep spaces warm, take all precautions to prevent risk of fire.
Others keep a supply of antifreeze rated for the lowest temperature, and flush their system any time they’re unable to keep their equipment warm — even if that means daily. They will reuse the antifreeze, but you have to be very careful to not dilute it too far and make it useless.
With winter weather that varies so much, it can easily be worth taking a few extra steps to be able to continue washing fleets.
Do you need to Winterize your Automated Truck Wash System?
Your automated truck wash system is perfectly capable of running throughout winter, as long as it is monitored and the building stays above roughly 40℉.
An easy tip is to close the main system doors in between vehicle transitions to keep the inside temperature high, and not let freezing cold air flow in and start to drop it. Many systems should have an automated thermostat that will shut your entire system down if the temperature drops too low.
Depending on the set-up of your facility, there’s always a chance of any run-off, or water near the edges of the building to freeze, so it’s important to keep an eye out for any potential slip hazards and keep your personnel safe.
If your wash bay is not connected to a heat source, in that case we recommend halting use during freezing temperatures and potentially winter months. If the outside temperature is below 40℉, it’s not worth the risk.
How to Make your Equipment Last
Using these preventative measures and winterization steps, you can significantly extend the life of your equipment, and avoid costly replacements when the spring finally comes. Remember to be proactive and not wait until the freezing weather has already hit to start implementing these practices.
Regular maintenance, and proper storage are your best defenses against freezing temps and winter rain and snow. Follow these guidelines and remember that a little preparation now can save you a worthwhile amount of time and money when fleet washing operations resume in the spring.
