If you drive a semi truck, there is no doubt you spend a lot of time in it. The cabin gets dirty and the dirt and grim build upon the trucks exterior. Semi truck detailing services know the exact techniques to use for cleaning your big rig properly. You average auto detailer may clean semi trucks, but due to the size of these vehicles they can be more complicated. In this article I will discuss what to expect from detailing service, the cost, and how to select a company. I will also share my experience with the place that does semi truck detailing near me.
Semi Truck Detailing Near Me – Semi Truck Detailer Locator
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What to Expect From Commercial Semi Truck Detailers
The first thing that we will take a look at is what you can expect when investing in a semi truck detailing service. Of course, the exact service is going to depend on the provider that you choose.
A lot of the car and truck detailing companies that are available today will offer several different packages. Not all truck detailers will be able to address a semi truck, due to the size. Detailing shops that do, will range from a basic package to a complete package that will cover everything you could imagine. You can get just the interior done, just the exterior, or both.
Every semi truck detailing provider should outline the full details of their packages on their website so that you can understand precisely what you are paying for. If you want an extra service that is not listed, simply discuss this with the company and we’re sure they will accommodate it if they are able to. Extra services may range from superior wax to organic cleaning supplies.
The Exterior Detailing Process…
A lot of companies will start by providing an extensive antibacterial sanitizing process, including scaling and hand washing the vehicle as needed. For high areas they may use soft long handle brushes that aren’t abrasive. A high-pressure rinse can also be carried out on the exterior of the frame, and the wheels. They will also extensively clean your windows and mirrors. The semi truck detailing near me applies a water repellent to the windshield.
They will dress the wheels by hand, polish and degrease the rims, clean all the glass, and shine the trim. Additionally they will clay bar the cab and any painted surfaces, polish, and then wax it to seal it off. When they polish your vehicle it will include sanding pitted areas as required, and removing the grease and tar. Aluminum polishing and brightening often included as well. The brightening process is a two-step process involving acid being applied and then soap being applied to aluminium, resulting in a much brighter appearance.
If you need to have decals removed from a trailer or tractor that you have purchased second-hand, you may also be able to get from the semi truck detail company that you choose. You will need to discuss this with them, and it will often be added to the service at an extra cost, so do keep this in mind. There are a lot of different processes that can be used for decal removal, and the best companies will adapt their solution based on the condition of your vehicle and the task at hand. Some of the different processes that can be used include chemical removers, high-pressure hot water removal, steamers, torches, and heat guns.
Some companies will even paint the frame for you if this is needed.
The Interior Detailing Process…
Everything inside the cab will get cleaned. Most places start with a vacuum and use an air compressor to blow out hard to reach places. Then they will shampoo your carpet, floor mats, and headliner and let it air dry as to not attract mildew. If you have a sleeper, they will get in there and meticulously clean it as well. The semi truck detailing near me does a second vacuum after the inside of the cab is wiped in order to get any debris that was kicked up during cleaning.
If you have leather seats, they will be cleaned and treated. All of the crevices and cracks will be dusted and cleaned as needed as well. Special deluxe shine treatments are often applied, and vinyl will be cleaned with specialized cleaners. Additionally they will clean your vents to remove allergens and environmental contaminants that may be blowing around the cabin. They will clean all the glass and mirrors to remove any haze and increase visibility. Your dash, steering wheel, and other surface will be wiped down and shined to a show room finish.
How Much Does a Semi Truck Detailer Cost?
There are several different factors that will influence the cost of getting your big rig detailed.
The first factor will be the package that you choose. A complete full detail package is going to be more expensive than a basic package. As mentioned, all of this should be outlined on the company’s website so that you can easily make the best decision for you. In my experience I have paid on average $130 for an exterior only detailing while complete detailing (both interior and exterior) runs me $250 at a minimum.
In addition to this, several other factors will influence the price. For example, your current location will affect how much you need to pay for semi truck detailing. The size of your vehicle will make a difference as well. Naturally, the bigger your vehicle is, the more expensive the truck detailing service will be. Big trucks create complications the involve ladders to clean the top of the roof and the pipes.
How Do I Find the Best Semi Truck Detailing Near Me?
When you are looking for the best semi truck detailing company to provide you with a thorough clean of your vehicle, there are some factors to keep in mind to make sure that you end up with the best company for your requirements.
The first thing to do is to take the time to read reviews and comments that have been left by previous customers. You can get a better understanding of their thoughts about the service that they received and whether or not they would recommend it. I like to look for pictures of before and afters from customers so that I can see the difference.
Many of the best companies will also have images on their website so that you can see before and after pictures of the service they have provided. This will help you to get a good understanding as to whether this is a service that is worthy of your hard-earned cash.
Other things to consider are price, availability, and convenience. Dropping off your semi for detailing will take a few hours, will they drive you home and pick you up? Do they perhaps have a mobile service to clean the truck at your location? I have always found that mobile is more convenient and a bit cheaper since these companies don;t have the overhead.
There is a good article here on the do’s and don’ts of selecting a good semi truck detailing service.
Semi Truck Detailing Near Me – Final Thoughts…
Vocational trucks used for commercial businesses are under extra stress and have many hours logged on them. Dirt and grim build up especially in the cabin, which for a professional driver is your home office, where spend all your time.
If you consider everything that has been mentioned in this guide, you should have no problem finding the best company. Simply make sure that you are fully aware of what you are getting in return for your money. Every company is different, and some will include different services compared to others. Never simply assume that something is covered in the cost. Ask for clear and upfront pricing so that there are no surprises. If there is something you want done special ask up front. This is what I have learned from the places that do semi truck detailing near me.