Truck cleaning products for HGV maintenance
Regular vehicle cleaning is not just about appearance on commercial vehicles. Accumulated road salt, brake dust, and diesel residue cause accelerated corrosion on chassis components, electrical connectors, and brake hardware. For vehicles subject to DVSA annual test, accumulated contamination on brake components, tyre treads, and lighting can mask defects that would otherwise be identified during inspection.
For cab exterior cleaning, a truck shampoo that lifts road film without attacking rubber seals or plastic trim is the correct choice. Alkaline-heavy degreasers designed for engine bay or chassis cleaning can damage cab glazing seals and plastic components if used on the cab exterior. Using the right product for each surface reduces the risk of damage during routine washing.
Degreasers for engine bay, chassis, and underbody use are formulated to cut through oil, grease, and diesel spillage without causing corrosion on the substrate. Solvent-based degreasers are effective but require rinsing before they dry to avoid surface marking. Water-based degreasers are safer to use around electrical components and are the better choice for cab engine bay cleaning. Call us on 01527 598 000 or order online for next-day delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What truck cleaning products do you stock?
We stock vehicle shampoo, degreasers, cab interior cleaners, wheel cleaner, underbody wash products, and ancillary cleaning equipment for commercial vehicle use. The range covers both routine cab washing products and heavier-duty degreasers for engine bay and chassis cleaning.
Can I use a standard car shampoo on an HGV cab?
Yes in principle, though commercial vehicle shampoos are often formulated for higher-volume use and concentrated for dilution in a wash bucket or jet wash lance. Avoid alkaline-heavy products on cab painted surfaces and glass, as these can strip wax and attack rubber seals. For the cab exterior, a pH-neutral or mildly alkaline shampoo is the correct choice.
What degreaser is safe to use on an HGV engine bay?
Water-based degreasers are safer for engine bay use on modern HGVs as they are less aggressive around electrical connectors, wiring looms, and ECU housings. Apply, allow to dwell for the recommended contact time, then rinse thoroughly before the product dries. Avoid directing high-pressure water at ECU housings, alternator connectors, and injector harness connections.
How often should HGVs be washed?
There is no regulatory requirement specifying washing frequency, but vehicles operating in salted road conditions should be washed regularly to remove salt accumulation from the chassis and brake components. Fleet operators typically schedule washing weekly or fortnightly in winter conditions. Pre-MOT inspection washing is standard practice to ensure defects are visible during the test.
