What Is Fleet Washing?

Fleet washing is an umbrella term for the cleaning of vehicles that are used for business purposes. This can range from heavy equipment like semi-trucks and excavators to cars for sale at a dealership.

 

A fleet washing service is an excellent option for businesses because it saves time and money. It also helps to keep your vehicles clean, which is important for both safety and appearance. Read this first!

 

1. Keeping Your Vehicles Looking Good

Fleet washing removes dirt and grime from vehicles, giving them a fresh, clean appearance. This helps create a positive impression for your business and increases customer satisfaction. It can also help protect your vehicles against damage, such as rust.

 

Keeping your vehicles clean can also prevent them from failing safety inspections. Dirty mirrors, windows, and undercarriage can obstruct views and hinder visibility for drivers, so they need to be cleaned regularly.

 

How often your fleet should be washed depends on a few factors, including the type of vehicles and the conditions they’re driven in. For example, vehicles that travel in dusty areas should be washed more frequently.

 

When choosing a fleet wash method, look for one that offers a chemical pre-soak, detergent, and treated rinse water to provide a high-quality clean that reduces labor and heating costs. LazrTek recommends the 2-step touchless cleaning method, which requires less physical effort than brushing and leaves the vehicle road-film-free.

 

2. Preventing Damage

Cleaning the undercarriage of fleet vehicles can help prevent damage caused by road salt and corrosive contaminants that can cause corrosion and rust. This can lower the resale value of the vehicle and can lead to costly repairs over time.

 

A good professional mobile washing service uses eco-friendly soaps and detergents that are safe for the environment as well as the trucks and vans they wash. They also use equipment that catches, diverts, or filters the wastewater to prevent it from entering storm drains and local waterways.

 

Brushing a truck without a 2-step washing process can cause tiny micro-scratches on the paint that can damage branding and detract from the resale value of the truck. Additionally, high-pressure hot water that is not controlled can burn the surface of a truck and cause serious damage if it is not rinsed properly. 2-Step washing, with a water temperature controlled in the range of 180-200 PSI and with proper flow, will give your fleet a clean look while preventing damage.

 

3. Extending the Life of Your Vehicles

In addition to improving brand image and boosting employee morale, regular washing can extend the life of your vehicles. Dirty, neglected vehicles often need repairs that can be costly. But if a truck is regularly washed, the dirt and grime will be removed before it can cause damage.

 

Fleet washing is a great way to show your customers that you care about your business. Your trucks are moving billboards that can help you attract new clients, boost sales, and build trust. A clean fleet reflects the quality of your services and can give you a competitive edge over competitors.

 

It’s important to educate employees on the importance of cleaning products, safety protocols, and environmental concerns when it comes to the washing of fleet vehicles. You should also provide training updates on an ongoing basis to ensure that employees are fully informed and up-to-date on your company’s fleet washing policy. If possible, you should also use an eco-friendly fleet washing system that will reduce the amount of wastewater runoff and water consumption.

 

4. Avoiding Fines

Having your fleet properly washed on a regular basis can help avoid hefty fines. Dirty rigs or cars may fail safety inspections by blocking vision or obstructing headlights, resulting in costly fines. Fleet washing prevents this by eliminating slip hazards and keeping the vehicle’s undercarriage, wheels, and body clean.

 

A well-defined fleet washing policy can ensure that all employees are aware of the company’s cleaning requirements and expectations. The policy can also establish a system for regular inspections and reporting, allowing managers to identify cleaning-related issues or concerns.

 

In addition to providing clear cleaning protocols and a standard evaluation process, a policy should include guidelines for the proper disposal of wash water. The EPA’s Clean Water Act mandates that businesses cannot allow wash water to run off into surface waters or storm drains. Fortunately, there are some options for corralling this wastewater, including using a dead-end sump or grit trap or siphoning the wash water into a storage tank. Check this out!