Posts Tagged ‘hard tonneau cover’
How to Take Care of your Hard Tonneau Cover
Compared to other tonneau covers, the hard tonneau cover provides the best protection and security for your truck bed as well as your cargo. They not only keep your cargo safe from dirt and other harsh elements, they also keep your cargo from theft with their locking mechanism. They are also made from industrial strength materials which are built to last for a long time. However, without proper care and maintenance, your hard tonneau cover will eventually succumb to eventual wear, tear and damages. That is why it is important to maintain proper car and cleaning to ensure that your tonneau cover stays in tip-top shape for a long time.
Your tonneau cover’s manual and documentations are often the overlooked and may even end up in the trash bin together with the box. However, it is one of the most important things you need to hold on to. It has all the essential information, from installation instructions down to maintenance guidelines. It also contains a list of cleaning agents and protectants which you can use and you must avoid to prevent damaging your tonneau cover’s surface. Keeping your tonneau cover’s manual handy will help you avoid to spare you unnecessary expenses on repairs as well as early replacements. If you lost your tonneau cover’s manual, you can always download from manufacturer’s website and have it printed.
Cleaning your truck bed cover regularly protects its surfaces from damages due to dust and dirt accumulation. As you know, dust and dirt that has stuck on your tonneau cover can cause the paint to chip, especially with hard top tonneau covers made of fiberglass. When cleaning your tonneau cover, always do it in a shaded area and before or after winter time to avoid damaging your tonneau cover’s surface. You must also use mild soap and water or a cleaner that is recommended for hard tonneau covers to maintain its luster. If you want to use a protectant, refer to your tonneau cover’s documentations to know which protectants you can use or avoid. Apply about 2-3 coats of protectant and wipe dry in between applications.
You also need to check the clamps and the hinges of your tonneau cover. Tighten up any loose bolts, hinges and clamps and clean up any accumulation of gunk and debris. This will keep your tonneau’s hinges, clamps and bolts from rusting and eventually damaging your truck bed and the tonneau cover itself. If necessary, you can oil the bolts and the hinges to keep them pliable and rust free. In addition, always keep some spare bolts and clamps in case one of them gives in and becomes damaged. You can buy one from your nearest auto supply shop. They may have bolts available for the model and make of your tonneau cover.