If you own a pickup, you are no stranger to tonneau covers. These are used to protect the truck bed and it can also improve gas mileage because it can reduce wind resistance. No matter what kind of a tonneau cover you use, you need to make sure that it is maintained well so that it can be used for a long time.
Whether you have a hard or soft fold tonneau cover, you need to make sure that it is cleaned regularly. There will be dirt and debris accumulating on the cover and over time if this is not cleaned, it can damage the cover. You don’t need to use any abrasive materials or harsh chemicals for cleaning as this will do more harm than good. All you need is a soft brush or s sponge to get rid of stubborn dirt and some water with a mild soap solution. Make sure that all the soap is rinsed off.
You can let it air dry. If there are any moving parts like latches and hinges in your tonneau cover, you need to lubricate them regularly to ensure smooth operation. This will also prevent rust forming on these parts. A light oil or a silicone based lubricant will be sufficient for this. You need to be careful not to apply excess lubricant to the parts. And any excess should be wiped away with a cloth.
When you are cleaning the cover,
Wake sure that you inspect it thoroughly for any damage such as tears or rips in the fabric or any fading or discolouration. You can easily patch up minor tears. But if the damage is extensive, you will need to replace the cover. You can also consider whether you will select the same type of cover or if you need something more durable. There are certain things that can speed up wear and tear of a tonneau cover such as extreme temperatures. If you regularly experience these conditions, you will notice that there are cracks developing in the tonneau cover. Sometimes it can also lead to warping.
You need to make sure that you park your truck in a covered area during hot or cold weather so that the cover is protected from most damage. You can also use a cover on top if you are parking the vehicle outside all the time so that it is protected from the elements. You also need to make sure that the tonneau cover fits the truck bed snugly. And if you notice that it doesn’t have perfect fit, there are certain adjustments that can be done to tighten or loosen it. If you have a roll up cover, you can adjust the tension.
Some tonneau covers are easily removable and when you are not using it, you need to think carefully about its storage. Storing these in a clean dry place will make sure that it stays in good condition. While you can also store the cove outside, you need to have it covered or place it in a storage bag.