Tonneau Cover Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Many truck owners have Tonneau covers for the bed of their vehicle since they give the pickup a sleek look and serve a purpose. These covers protect everything kept inside this part of the vehicle, and the type of Tonneau cover you buy can depend on your needs. Make maintaining this truck essential simple by reading this article on Tonneau cover cleaning and maintenance tips. 

What Are Tonneau Covers?

A Tonneau cover is an automotive add-on that helps you keep the goods in the bed of your truck safe. There are various types of covers to choose from, and while some protect your cargo from theft, others will do a better job of protecting it against the elements.

Many truck owners buy Tonneau covers because it’s a two-for-one deal. This truck accessory can protect your cargo and enhance the overall look of your vehicle. Rather than see everything you store in the bed of your truck, you keep the area covered and leave your pickup looking nice and sleek.

Hard vs. Soft Tonneau Covers

While there are many Tonneau cover styles, let’s first talk about the two main types—hard and softcover. First, a softcover helps protect materials against the elements, but it doesn’t do as much to deter theft. Many truck experts recommend purchasing a hardcover that locks if you keep valuable items or gear in your truck bed.

If you store valuable items in the bed of your vehicle and need to prevent theft, a hardcover is your best bet. However, many truck owners purchase soft Tonneau covers because they cost less, improve aesthetics, and are a lighter option.

Styles of Covers

There are various Tonneau covers styles, and some come in both hard and soft forms, while others are only available in one type. Here are some of the many different kinds you can choose from:

• Foldable Tonneau cover
• Retractable Tonneau cover
• Roll-up Tonneau cover
• Hinged Tonneau cover
• Toolbox Tonneau cover

All these cover styles look different and provide you with diverse benefits. Plenty of vehicle enthusiasts buy soft roll-up covers because they’re easy to install, protect the bed against UV rays, and suit their budget.

You can make narrowing your options easier by making a list of must-haves. For example, do you have a spending budget? Do you need something that offers security? Deciding on these things helps you determine whether to purchase a soft or hardcover and choose a style.

Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining a Tonneau Cover

Once you buy a Tonneau cover, you’ll need to maintain it so it doesn’t wear out earlier than it should. Cracks, corrosion, and improper mounting can all create issues with this vehicle add-on, and that could mean needing a replacement sooner than you’d like. Maintaining your Tonneau cover is as important as regularly tending to the rest of your car, so jot down our Tonneau cover cleaning and maintenance tips.

Check Your Cover

Experts recommend you verify that your cover remains properly mounted to the bed of your pickup. Look over all the hardware and make sure none of the hardware is loose. If you lose bolts or other mounting hardware, the cover could tear off during cleanings, resulting in damage.

Pro-Tip

While checking your cover, you should also look for scratches or areas of corrosion and make repairs as early as possible. Also, check your side rails and determine whether latches are easy to open. If you have a tough time with this, grease the area with motor oil to keep the site lubricated.

Regularly Wash It

Everyone loves a sparkling car, and washing your Tonneau cover is an important part to consider cleaning. Begin by clearing out your truck bed to remove any dirt and grime from this area. Next, fill a bucket with warm soapy water and a car-cleaning solution. Then, dip a soft-bristle brush into the water, scrub the cover to remove build-up dirt and grime, and rinse and dry the areas.

Using the right cleaning solution is vital to protecting your cover because abrasive or silicone-based cleaning products could ruin it. Likewise, vinyl covers need a vinyl cleaner. Using vinyl cleaner on other materials could ruin the Tonneau cover, potentially fading the color or deteriorating the material.

Pro-Tip

If you have a soft Tonneau cover, then evaluate the edges to check for possible tears or fraying along the fabric as you clean.

Don’t Leave Heavy Gear on It

Sometimes, you may place an item on top of your Tonneau cover as you remove items from the truck bed. If you’re guilty of this, you may not think twice about it since it seems like the perfect spot to place an item.

If you have a soft Tonneau cover, you should never leave heavy gear on it as this could ruin it. On the other hand, hard-top covers are more robust and flatter, so you can lay basic gear on it as needed.

Create a Routine

Don’t wait until dirt and grime build up to wash your cover; instead, create a routine. Most vehicle experts recommend cleaning your cover every three to four months for proper maintenance.

This schedule may not be possible in the colder months, specifically if your areas experience freezing temperatures. That said, maintenance is key even in the winter, so make sure you remove any snow or ice from the surface when you park outside. Both can get heavy, and the damage is never worth the risk.

Shop at Tyger Auto

Tyger Auto sells aftermarket automotive parts that every gearhead needs to outfit their vehicle. We’ve got hard and soft Tonneau pickup truck bed covers in assorted sizes so that every automotive enthusiast can make the ideal purchase! We also stock vinyl cleaner so you can have peace of mind while maintaining a vinyl cover.

Buying a durable and stylish Tonneau cover is ideal for outfitting your vehicle. When you buy the best aftermarket parts for your pickup, maintaining them is the key to ensuring they last.