Corrosion resistant coatings fight the elements—such as road salt, dust and dirt—that can negatively affect vehicle structural integrity, especially the undercarriage, that lead to expensive repairs and costly downtime.
The climates you trucks operate in play a big role in your coating selection. If your trucks experience harsh winters, you’re going to want protection from salt and other de-icing mixtures. If your trucks are rolling through blazing, dry desert environments, you’ll want to ensure the proper UV protection.
While there is no absolute formula for measuring coating ROI, it’s best to compute the cost of the coatings and any corrosion repairs with the resale value of the vehicle.
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True, protective coatings can help extend the life of your truck, but they’re not a replacement for preventative maintenance. Staying focused on the finish during your PM schedule will help you avoid costly downtime due to corrosion.
It might be common sense, but washing your trucks regularly is the most effective way to protect the finish. Here are some washing tips:
• Never wash the vehicle in the direct rays of the sun or use hot water, strong soap, or chemical cleaners. Doing so may cause the paint surfaces to become spotted, streaked, or damaged.
• If using a high-pressure washer, the maximum pressure should not exceed 250 PSI.
• Repair any breaks in the paint film that result from accidents, stone chips, etc. to prevent corrosion from occurring.
