How to Prevent Corrosion on Heavy-Duty Vehicles

When it comes to keeping heavy-duty vehicles in top condition, corrosion is one of the biggest enemies to tackle. Not only will it ruin the look of your vehicles, but can also compromise their performance and lifespan. Let’s explore how to fight back against corrosion and why V-TUF’s advanced cleaning solutions are your best chance for effective prevention.

 

What is Corrosion?

Corrosion is a natural process that occurs when metal reacts with environmental factors like moisture, oxygen, and road salts. This reaction leads to rust and deterioration of the metal. Heavy-duty vehicles, especially those used in industries like haulage, farming, and public transport, are particularly vulnerable due to their exposure to harsh weather conditions, muddy fields, and salty winter roads.

Here at V-TUF, we understand the challenges vehicle operators face and have dedicated ourselves to providing innovative solutions that protect your investments from corrosion.
 

Dangers of Corrosion

Corrosion does more than make your vehicle look worn out - it can lead to serious structural and mechanical issues. For industries relying on vehicles for daily operations, such as farming or distribution, rust can result in:
 

• Increased maintenance costs
• Reduced vehicle lifespan
• Compromised safety on the road
• Business downtime due to unexpected, avoidable repairs

That’s why it’s crucial to implement preventative measures and maintain a regular cleaning routine to keep corrosion at bay.
 

How to Prevent Corrosion on Industrial Vehicles

Preventing corrosion starts with understanding the conditions that encourage it. With regular maintenance and proactive care, you can extend your vehicle’s life and performance. 

Here are some key prevention tips:
 

• Regular and Thorough Cleaning: Use a high-quality pressure washer to remove dirt, grime, and road salts. Consistent cleaning helps eliminate the buildup of harmful substances that accelerate corrosion, especially in hidden areas such as wheel arches and undercarriages. Cleaning also allows you to inspect the vehicle more closely for any signs of damage that could expose metal to moisture.
• Non-Caustic Cleaning Solutions: Opt for products like V-TUF’s biodegradable Traffic Film Remover (TFR), which is gentle on paintwork but tough on grime. These solutions ensure that you don’t inadvertently cause harm while cleaning, preserving the integrity of your vehicle’s surfaces.
• Inspect and Repair: Frequently check for chips, scratches, and leaks that could expose metal to moisture. These small imperfections can act as gateways for corrosion to start. Addressing them promptly with rust-inhibiting primers or paint can prevent further damage.
• Optimise Storage Conditions: Store vehicles in dry areas and use covers to shield them from the elements. If indoor storage isn’t an option, consider using dehumidifiers or moisture-absorbing materials in your storage area to reduce exposure to dampness.
• Adjust Maintenance Schedules: During harsh weather conditions, increase cleaning frequency to prevent road salt build-up. For vehicles exposed to snow or saltwater, applying protective coatings to high-risk areas like the undercarriage can add an extra layer of defence against corrosion.

 

Top Tips: Preventing Vehicle Corrosion with a Pressure Washer

A high-quality industrial pressure washer can help significantly reduce vehicle corrosion by effectively removing dirt, grime, and especially road salt from the undercarriage and other vulnerable areas, all of which are primary contributors to rust development. Here are our top tips for using a pressure washer to prevent corrosion:
 

• Use the Right Pressure Washer: Use an appropriate pressure washer, and the appropriate level of pressure to avoid damage to sensitive components. The V-TUF RAPID SSC is an ideal choice with its stainless steel, corrosion-resistant design and user-friendly features like the Auto Stop/Start Protection System.
• Focus on the Undercarriage: Dirt and road salts accumulate heavily underneath vehicles. The V-TUF Undercarriage Spray Bar makes this task easier, providing wide, efficient cleaning coverage with its four stainless steel jets. By thoroughly cleaning the undercarriage, you can target the areas most prone to corrosion.
• Choose Suitable Cleaning Solutions: Non-caustic detergents like V-TUF’s Heavy-Duty TFR & Machine Wash effectively break down grime without harming paintwork. These advanced cleaning solutions are formulated to protect the vehicle while delivering powerful cleaning results, ensuring you remove all harmful substances without leaving residues.
• Snow Foam Applicators: Apply cleaning products evenly with a snow foam applicator such as the V-TUF Foam Lance, compatible with the V-TUF RAPID Pressure Washer range. Snow foam applicators distribute cleaning solutions evenly, reducing missed spots and corrosion risks.
• Use Specialist Cleaning Brushes: V-TUF’s professional rotary brush gently cleans paintwork, preventing scratches and further exposure to rust. Its self-rotating mechanism and soft bristles make it ideal for delicate surfaces, ensuring a deep clean without risking damage to your vehicle’s exterior.
• Thorough Rinsing: After cleaning, ensure all residue is rinsed off to prevent lingering substances that could encourage corrosion. Rinsing from the top downwards ensures even coverage and reduces the risk of missing any areas.
• Avoid Sensitive Components: Take care around electrical connections, seals, and gaskets to avoid unintended damage. Covering these areas during cleaning or using lower-pressure settings can provide added protection.

 

Best Equipment & Detergents for Preventing Vehicle Corrosion

V-TUF products are engineered to deliver excellence, ensuring that your vehicles are protected against the harshest conditions, making maintenance easier and more effective. We offer a complete range of cleaning equipment and detergents, tailored to effectively prevent vehicle corrosion:


V-TUF RAPID SSC All-Stainless Industrial Mobile Pressure Washer: Our premium, stainless steel industrial pressure washer is designed for mobility and durability, delivering unmatched cleaning performance in demanding environments.

• Compact and robust stainless steel design.
• Corrosion-resistant and perfect for industrial use.
• Features TSS Auto Stop/Start Protection System for added efficiency.

V-TUF Undercarriage Spray Bar: This specialised cleaning tool is designed to target the undercarriage of vehicles, removing corrosive road salts, mud, and debris with ease.

• Ideal for cleaning vehicle undersides.
• Wide 500mm cleaning coverage with 4 stainless steel jets.
• Easily attaches to most V-TUF pressure washers.

V-TUF Professional Rotary Horse Hair Brush: Our premium cleaning brush equipped with self-rotating horse hair bristles is designed to gently clean delicate surfaces and prevent paint damage.

• Gentle yet effective cleaning with self-rotating horse hair bristles.
• Perfect for delicate paintwork and other sensitive surfaces.
• Durable design for long-term use.

V-TUF Heavy-Duty TFR & Machine Wash: A powerful, biodegradable traffic film remover designed to tackle heavy grime on industrial vehicles, engines, and machinery effectively.

• Highly concentrated and biodegradable.
• Excellent for heavy-duty grime removal.
• Protects paintwork and application equipment.

V-TUF Luxury Wash & Wax: This high-quality cleaning solution safely removes grime while leaving a glossy, protective finish on commercial vehicles, ideal for high-gloss surfaces.
 

• Non-caustic and safe for high-gloss finishes.
• Leaves a protective, gleaming finish.
• Compatible with snow foam kits for even application.

In addition to our extensive range of individual transport cleaning products, we also offer specialised industrial fleet and vehicle pressure washer bundles designed specifically to tackle vehicle maintenance and corrosion prevention.
 

Don’t Let Corrosion Steer You Off Track!

Corrosion might feel inevitable, but with the right approach, you can keep it under control. By using high-quality V-TUF equipment and cleaning solutions, you’re not just cleaning, you’re protecting your investment and ensuring it performs reliably for years to come.


Ready to take your corrosion prevention game to the next level? Explore V-TUF’s full range of transport cleaning and maintenance products today and give your vehicles the care they deserve!