Tonneau covers guard the inside of your truck from wear and tear in the environment. However, some truck owners fail to realize that these covers also get dirty over time. Replacing a tonneau cover can be expensive, which is why it is imperative for you to learn how to make a tonneau cover look new. All you need is a little bit of attention, care, and time so that these covers last for years to come without looking old or worn out.
When you keep your tonneau covers looking new, it will effectively protect your cargo and create a stylish, sleek appearance of your truck. It is critical to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all cleaning method for these covers. You will have to be mindful of the kind of tonneau cover you have and alter the cleaning method accordingly.
In this article, we give a detailed guide on how to make a tonneau cover look new again.
Why Should You Make Your Tonneau Cover Look New?
After you attach a tonneau cover to your truck, it is crucial to indulge in maintenance practices. It will improve your truck’s aesthetics, and a clean-looking cover will last a long time. In addition, a well-maintained tonneau cover will effectively protect your cargo. If the tonneau cover on your truck is faded and old, it will hamper the overall look of your vehicle. It will seem that your truck is neglected. Lastly, a dirty cover will get damaged easily and quickly; have you purchased another one?
How to Make a Tonneau Cover Look New?
Tonneau covers are accessible in different price ranges, colors, and styles. However, all of them have one thing in common: they get dirty as time passes by! Irrespective of the color or the brand you opt for, it is essential to keep your cover looking new. It will save you money and keep your vehicle looking new. If you want to know how to make a tonneau cover look new, then read on for a detailed guide:
Step One: Move your car out of direct sunlight
To make your tonneau cover look new, you will need to use a cleaner. It is best to park your vehicle in the shade while cleaning, otherwise, you might risk the cleaner drying out on the surface of your car.
Step two: Clean the Tonneau Cover
Cleaning the cover is an obvious next step. To restore the truck bed cover, you will need to clean the surface with soap/water solution, a cleaner, or a vacuum. Different tonneau covers will require different cleaning steps. For example, if you plan on cleaning soft tonneau covers, then you Vinyl tonneau cover cleaner. On the contrary, for hard covers, a soft car solution or a water/soap mix will work. Using a dry microfiber cloth, remove loose dirt particles. Turn on the garden hose and make the cover wet. For vinyl covers, spray the cleaner over the surface whereas for hardcovers, apply a soap solution to the cover.
When cleaning a vinyl cover, you will need to scrub with a soft bristle brush, whereas a microfiber cloth is used to scrub a hardcover. Spots that are difficult to reach can be cleaned with a wheel brush on a soft cover and a soft bristle brush can be used for a hard cover. In both cases, do not apply too much pressure because it can scratch your tonneau cover. After scrubbing, rinse with fresh water and dry it out with a cloth. Any dirt, grime, or food particles should be removed before proceeding to the next step.
Step Three: Apply a Protective Coat of Wax, Sealant, or Polish
Cleaning is the most important step when you attempt to make your tonneau covers look new. Once you are done with that, apply wax, sealant, or polish on the cover. It will shield the cover from UV rays and environmental damage. As a result, you will be able to keep the shine for longer. It is crucial to apply the correct protection for your tonneau cover. Moreover, you must check the instructions on the label to prevent any damage.
Step Three: Apply another layer of protectant (optional)
Lastly, you should apply another layer of sealant, polish, or wax on the surface of your tonneau cover as it will safeguard the cover from environmental damage and UV rays. If you want to learn how to make a tonneau cover look new, then this is imperative. The longer you wait to apply the protectant, it will get more expensive to make it look new again.
Tips for Maintaining a Tonneau Cover
A tonneau cover is an excellent accessory that keeps your cargo and truck bed safe from different elements: be it prying eyes or unfavorable weather conditions. Nevertheless, a tonneau cover will also start looking worn out after using it for some time.
Here are a few tips on how to make a tonneau cover look new:
- Carry out regular inspections of the cover. This way you can clean it as soon as the cover becomes dirty, helping you avoid tough stains.
- Notice any tears or cracks? Get them repaired quickly to avoid them turning into bigger ones.
- To avoid tears and punctures, keep sharp objects away from the cover. You must be careful while loading and unloading cargo in the truck so that it does not damage.
- Apply a UV-resistant protectant regularly so that the cover does not fade from constant sun exposure. This will make it easy to clean the cover.
These simple tips will help you keep your tonneau cover looking like new for many years to come
Concluding it all!
The tonneau cover is a useful accessory of your vehicle which is neglected to the point it needs replacement. If your tonneau cover is wearing out, then this guide on how to make a tonneau cover look new is for you. It offers a step-by-step guide that will help you clean the cover and bring back its shine.