You’ve undertaken a serious spring-cleaning of your truck: washed the windshield and headlights, removed a season’s worth of dirt and debris from the cab floor and cleaned out the accumulation of stuff from all the compartments.
But before you call it a day, what about all the other components: mud flaps, reflective tape, and cargo straps? Have you given them the once-over to check their condition?
Here’s how to clean them and what to look for that indicates it’s time for replacement.
Mud Flaps
How to clean
To ensure your mud flaps remain in the best condition possible, start by keeping them clean. A good wash with water and mild soap is all it takes to remove dirt, salt, and other debris and help reduce corrosive damage. Don’t use harsh cleaning chemicals or petroleum-based products because they will eventually break down the composition of the mud flaps.
When to replace
Mud flaps may be durable, but several years’ worth of temperature extremes, UV exposure, salt moisture and debris can all cause significant wear and tear. Cracks, tears, warping or bending, discoloration, or loose or detached portions are indicators that their lifespan has reached the end.
If it’s time to ditch those beat-up standard mud flaps, think about upgrading to aerodynamic ones. You’ll not only reduce fuel consumption by 1-2% and road spray by 70% but also give your truck a modern look!
Or consider getting branded mud flaps to gain marketing value and brand recognition benefits for an additional ROI. If you’re worried about the cost, there are ways to reduce the expense and still benefit from having mud flaps with your company logo out on the road. And if you need assistance with the customization process, check out our step-by-step guide.
Reflective Tape
How to clean
A dirty reflective tape simply can’t do its job. So if you want maximum reflectivity, wash your truck regularly (or as often as it needs it!), using mild soap and water—never harsh chemicals. This will remove the dirt, salt, and grime buildup and help the tape do what it’s meant to do! And, as much as possible, prevent the damage caused by long-term UV exposure by keeping your truck in the shade or in a covered area. In short, you want the tape to be in good condition and aligned according to DOT requirements.
When to replace
Is your reflective tape no longer road-worthy? Maybe it has lost its brightness or is starting to bubble, peel or crack. While in theory reflective tape could last for 5 years or even a decade, a variety of factors can shorten that estimate. Replace it now before you get a citation or possibly cause an accident.
First, completely remove the old tape using the proper solvent and a lot of patience. Then replace it with DOT-C2 certified reflective tape. If desired, choose reflective logo tape making sure it adheres to federal regulations: red print on red sections and white print on white sections with the logo within mandated “window” of approximately 1 1/2×3 3/4 inches. Branded tape on your truck equals greater name recognition. And if you’re worried about the expense, there are ways to reduce the cost here.
Ratchet and Winch Straps
How to clean
Making sure your strap is cleaned regularly can increase its lifespan, since debris can break down the fibers. Also, the cleaning process is the ideal time for a thorough inspection of the entire straps, including ratchets and hooks, to look for signs of wear.
Clean the strap with mild detergent and water, using a scrub brush if necessary, then let it dry thoroughly. Once the ratchet mechanism is dry (blow it with compressed air if necessary), spray it with a lubricant like WD-40, dry silicone spray or industrial lubricating oil. This will keep it working more smoothly and provide protection against corrosion.
Once the strap is dry, roll it toward the ratchet, then secure with a hook-and-loop strap to keep it from tangling. Store the strap in a dry toolbox, a dedicated storage bag or other container.
When to replace
Even high-quality ratchet and winch straps will suffer damage over time due to use, freezing conditions, UV rays and other conditions. If the straps are showing cuts, worn areas or fraying, it’s time for new ones. Otherwise, you risk the straps failing when you’re in transit with your load.
Take your ratchet and winch straps up a notch by investing in branded ones featuring your logo. The advantages are many. It increases brand recognition and awareness, communicates professionalism and quality and sets your company apart from its competitors.
If you need to replace your mud flaps, reflective tape or cargo control products, visit our website. Briargate has a full line of quality products that will meet your needs and ensure you don’t run afoul of compliance rules and regulations. Visit our website or view our catalog to find the right solution to get your vehicle ready for spring. Then contact us with any questions.