Truck Wash or Car Shampoo? Choosing the Right Vehicle Wash

Walk into any car wash supply section and you'll see car shampoo, truck wash and a dozen other vehicle cleaners. They look similar, but they're designed for different jobs. Using the right one saves time, chemicals and paintwork.

Car shampoo: gentle and regular

Car Shampoo is designed for the regular washing of cars and light vehicles. It lifts road dirt and dust, rinses easily and is gentle enough for frequent use on modern paint finishes.

• Best for: private cars, company cars, bakkies used on tar
• Use it: weekly or fortnightly, with a soft wash mitt or sponge

Truck wash: built for road film

Truck Wash is a heavier-duty fleet detergent made for commercial vehicles that cover long distances. Trucks and buses pick up diesel soot, traffic film and grime that a gentle car shampoo struggles to shift.

• Best for: trucks, buses, taxis, delivery vans and fleets
• Use it: at the dilution on the label, often through a foam lance or pressure washer

How to use a heavy-duty wash safely

1. Dilute correctly. Stronger is not better, and can mark trim and rubber.
2. Work in the shade and in sections, and don't let the product dry on the vehicle.
3. Agitate with a long-handled brush such as a Bus Wash Brush to reach high panels without ladders.
4. Rinse thoroughly from the top down.
5. Test on a small area first if you're unsure about a particular paint, decal or wrap.

What about dishwashing liquid?

It's a common shortcut, but dishwashing liquid isn't formulated for vehicles. It can strip wax and leave a dull film. Use a product made for the job.

Fleet tips

• A clean fleet is a moving advert. Set a regular wash schedule.
• Wash the cab interior and windows too: drivers spend all day in there.
• Buy in 25L to bring the cost per wash right down.

Stock up

Truck Wash, Car Shampoo and the Bus Wash Brush are available in 5L and 25L from maxproducts.co.za.

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Products mentioned in this guide

Available now from our sister company Max Products at maxproducts.co.za, in trade sizes and delivered in Cape Town.

Truck WashShop now →Car ShampooShop now →Bus Wash BrushShop now →

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