Jim Manufacturing Inc. said a good fleet maintenance program that includes a regular cleaning schedule contributes to extending the life of your investment.

“Keeping your fleet clean is a very important part of a company’s maintenance program – both for longevity of the equipment and brand image,” says Jim Hill, president of Jim Mfg. Inc., a manufacturer of a mobile brush wash system designed for fleet operation care.

Regular fleet washing reduces road grime, salt and dirt build-up that contribute to premature wear on dozens of vehicle parts, along with wear on the exterior finish, if not addressed, the company said.

“A clean fleet directly reflects positively on an operator,” says Hill. “The vehicles represent the company to the public and customers. There’s a reasonable assumption that if a company is committed to this level of maintenance, there’s an equal commitment to overall maintenance. By extension, this contributes to an overall positive impression of the company.”

Jim Mfg.’s Vader I 5000 Series mobile cleaning unit can clean a 53-ft. trailer in eight minutes or less for only $4, a cost significantly below that of a contract washer or commercial drive-through truck wash, Hill said.

The Vader I features catch basin, water reuse and bay version upgrades that were developed as a direct response to changing industry needs. Formerly made of steel, the water tanks now are made of a polymer that reduces weight and makes it easy to see the water level. Ergonomic redesign of the operator seat and control area provides greater comfort and visibility.

Additionally, since the Vader system is brush-based, it uses fewer chemical cleaning agents than some other washing approaches. Vader also captures and recycles most of the water used in the cleaning process, according to the company.