Watching semi trucks head down the highway or pull into a bay at a local business, you might have noticed that most of them look pretty clean. While they might have a little spray on them from the trip, they’re usually tidy and well-maintained. Their reflectors are clear, their signage is easy to read, and the trucks usually look in good condition. 

There’s a reason for that: It’s because cleanliness is such an important part of taking care of your vehicle, showing pride in your work, and representing your company well. 

Cleanliness and Reputation

Think about how you feel when you look at a clean vehicle versus one covered in mud and grime. You might ask yourself, “Why don’t they go through the car wash?” Or, you might think, “They really don’t care about their vehicle.”

That’s the same way others may think about your vehicle if you don’t keep it clean. And while there is no way to keep it sparkling clean while you’re on the road, taking the time to clean it between long hauls or when it starts to get too dusty or grimy can mean the difference between a positive or negative perception of your vehicle, your driving, and the company you work for. 

Cleanliness is important for representing your company with professionalism and pride. A clean truck reflects well on the company you drive for, making a good first impression on those who matter most: the general public, customers, and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) officials. 

And, don’t forget that a clean ride also shows you are serious about your role. A clean truck can have a positive psychological impact, helping you feel more professional and take more pride in how you do your job.

Cleanliness and Your Vehicle’s Safety

One of the main reasons it’s important to keep your truck clean is because it improves safety. Driving such a large vehicle, safety has to come first.

There are several other reasons that cleanliness matters for safety, too. Some of them include:

Visibility and Seeing Well On the Road

To be safe behind the wheel, you need to see the road clearly. Maintaining clean windows, mirrors, and lights ensures you have the best possible visibility at all times. And, by keeping your truck clean, you’ll reduce the chances of reflective items on your truck getting covered by grime. Those reflective items, like reflective tape, need to be visible to prevent accidents and to improve safety during nighttime driving. 

Preventing Slips and Falls

For your own safety, it is important to keep your truck’s steps, handrails, and cab entries tidy and clean, too. By ensuring these areas are clear of debris and cleaned off, you’ll reduce the risk of slipping, tripping, or falling from grease and dirt buildup or objects within the door frame. 

Health and Hygiene Within the Cab

As a driver, you’ll be inside your vehicle much of the time. Keeping it clean helps ensure you’re driving with the best possible air quality and limiting the number of allergens in the cab. Replacing filters and keeping seats clean and swept (if fabric) or wiped down (if leather) also reduces the likelihood of unpleasant odors caused by spills or trash buildup on the seat or floor. 

When you get out of your cab, remember to take out food waste and empty packaging, too. A clean cab is safer because items can’t fall off the seat and roll under the pedals; a clean environment will also help reduce stress and improve your focus on the road. 

The Perks of Regular Maintenance

There are also reasons that you’ll want to clean your vehicle that have to do with general maintenance. It can be very difficult to identify problems with your vehicle when it’s dirty, so keeping it clean will assist with spotting issues early. 

Semi-truck maintenance can rely on deep cleaning in wash bays, as it’s often necessary to remove dust, dirt, debris, and grime to see any damage that has occurred. You should also use sweepers and appropriate cleaning sprays inside the vehicle to maintain its interior.

Keep in mind: Dirt and grime can cover up issues, making it harder to proactively repair the vehicle. Keep your vehicle clean to more easily spot problems like oil leaks, rust, or tire damage.

Speaking of proactive repairs, did you know that keeping your vehicle clean can also help extend its life? Dirt and debris can cause your parts to wear down more quickly, speeding up wear and tear. Keeping undercarriages, tires, and brakes clear of debris helps them last longer and keeps you safer. Don’t forget to clean the engine bay, too, as excessive dust and debris can lead to trouble with your engine.

DOT Regulations and Truck Cleanliness

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) inspections are a normal part of working in the trucking industry. It is your responsibility to meet DOT regulations and ensure you’re driving as safely as possible at all times. 

As a driver, you should know that trucks in poor condition or that are covered in mud or debris may attract more scrutiny during inspections. That scrutiny could lead to you getting penalized. Fortunately, by keeping your truck clean, you show that you take safety and maintenance seriously. That’s exactly what inspectors want to see. 

Consider the Environment, Too…

Don’t forget that washing your truck at approved truck washes is also good for the environment. When you do so, you reduce the risk of violating environmental regulations regarding waste runoff and keep yourself (and your company) on the right side of the law. 

Take Pride in Your Truck 

Keeping your truck clean is about more than just looking good. It sets the stage for building your reputation and keeping your truck safe for yourself and other drivers on the road. It can mean the difference between spotting premature wear and tear or driving on worn-down parts, and it could have an impact on safety overall.

At Pride, we take cleanliness seriously. At Headquarters, drivers have access to a new wash bay to keep their trucks looking new while also keeping up with legal and safety requirements. To see how you can drive with Pride and take advantage of perks like the new wash bay, visit Pride Transport.