Cleaning a truck can be tough if you do not use the right tools. After a lot of research, I found that a pressure washer is so far the perfect tool for washing my truck. But finding the right washing tool wasn't as hard as figuring out how to wash my truck engine using a pressure washer.
However, I was soon able to do it properly with a little practice. And as you know, I do not like keeping the knowledge of anything just up to me. I want to share it with the world and help others clean their truck as effectively as possible.
Today, I will teach you how to pressure wash a truck and make it new like before. Are you ready to dive in? If yes, then read on!
Here is what’s covered in this article:
- How Often Do Truck Engines Need Cleaning?
- How to Wash Truck with a Pressure Washer - Step by Step
- Tips for Cleaning Truck Using a Pressure Washer
How Often Do Truck Engines Need Cleaning?
Before you learn how to clean a dirty truck engine, you must know how many times a truck engine needs cleaning in the first place. As the engine is one of the most important parts of the vehicle, it should be properly cleaned by the owner regularly. In addition, accumulated oil, dust, and dirt can give rise to engine leaks which might cause fatal truck explosions. However, all of these can be easily prevented if you clean the truck engine regularly.
Now, remember that the cleaning frequency will depend hugely on the use of the truck and where you stay. The location matters because the level of pollution varies in each place. For instance, if you live in an urban area or a city, you will need to clean the truck engine 1 to 2 times a year. On the other hand, if you stay in a dry region where there is a lot of dust in the air, you should clean the engine at least once in four months. And in places with harsh seasons like excessive rain or snow, the truck owner should prefer cleaning the engine after every two to three months.
Sometimes you might see that your truck requires a more frequent cleaning despite the place you stay in. That might be because you have used the truck more than usual, or it may require professional servicing. Whatever be the issue, try to address it immediately because driving a dirty or damaged truck is full of risks!
How Do I Wash My Truck with a Pressure Washer – Step by Step
Can you pressure wash a diesel engine? Yes, you most definitely can, and I will teach you how in a few simple steps:
Take a pressure washer with a 40-degree nozzle. This will help you apply the detergent in a spray pattern to the dirty places of the truck.
Now attach the garden hose to the washer and fill the tank with the detergent liquid.
Turn on the pressure washer and hold the spray nozzle 3 feet from the truck.
Gradually go closer to the truck but do not exceed a distance of 6 inches between the nozzle and the truck's body. This will ensure that you can clean off all the stains, oil, and grease without damaging the truck.
You might also need a scrub brush attachment for better cleaning of those stains which are not getting wiped by the detergent.
Do not forget to protect your eyes because the water might jump back from the truck and harm your eyesight if you are not careful enough.
Try your best to prevent the streaking of soap on the truck.
Now that you have sprayed the detergent water all over the truck, let it sit for some time so that it gets well soaked in the dirty parts for more effective cleaning.
Take off the detergent spray and clean your tank of any detergent water left.
Now use water to clean off the dirty truck covered with detergent. Use 40-degree nozzles, spray again and use a top-down motion for cleaning. Ensure there is a distance of at least 4 feet between the washing wand and the truck.
Increase the distance when pressure washing delicate parts like mirrors and covers.
When cleaning the stickers attached to the truck, keep the spraying angle straight to prevent damage.
Tips for Cleaning Truck Using a Pressure Washer
If you follow the steps given above, that will be enough for a proper pressure washing of your truck's engine. However, there are a few tips that you must keep in mind to avoid pressure-wash engine problems. I have listed them below for you:
Use a 40-degree nozzle for an effective cleaning.
Use a detergent that can wipe off stubborn stains easily.
Do not clean delicate parts in an angled direction. Keep the nozzle straight.
While cleaning mirrors or other delicate parts, be extra careful. Step back if you feel any damage is being done.
Use a pressure washer of around 3000 PSI.
Do not clean one area for too long, as that might cause damage to the truck.
When cleaning with detergent, ensure that you let the detergent soak for a few minutes. This will make the stains easily removable and reduce a lot of your hard work.
Always wear protective shoes and an eye cover to stay safe while pressure washing the truck.
Final Thoughts
I hope that by now, you know how to clean your truck using a pressure washer. Remember, if you haven't done it before, you need to be extra careful while handling the machine because pressure washing involves risk. However, if you follow my steps and tips, there is no reason why you cannot do it alone. Yet if you feel low on confidence, you can always take help from a professional on how to safely wash the top of the truck.
Moreover, you can watch how they do it and learn the process meanwhile. You can apply whatever you learn from seeing the next time when you do it alone. This way, you will get a chance to grab hands-on experience on pressure washing a truck, all while getting your truck cleaned.
So would you prefer pressure washing your truck alone or taking help? I am eager to know!
