Keeping Your Fleet of Commercial Vehicles, HGVs and Trucks Clean This Summer
Summer might be prime time for logistics, transport, and delivery operations, but it also brings challenges for keeping fleets of commercial vehicles looking clean. Heat, grime, UV exposure, and high-mileage journeys can all take their toll, not just on your vehicles but on your brand image too.
At LPW, we’ve spent over 50 years supporting HGV fleets, truck operators, and logistics providers across the UK with high-quality truck wash, tank wash, mobile fleet cleaning, and Fleetcare vehicle cleaning products. As the UK’s largest independently owned truck wash company, we know what it takes to keep commercial vehicles looking their best whatever the season.
Here are 7 common summer fleet cleaning challenges and how your business can tackle them head-on.
1. Dirt and Dust
Hot weather causes dust, diesel fumes, and general road grime to stick firmly to vehicle exteriors particularly around lower panels, cab backs, and wheel arches. Left untreated, this grime can harden and lead to permanent paint damage or corrosion.
LPW’s Truckwash sites are strategically located for easy access, making it simple to incorporate regular washes into your vehicle schedules. For depots or fleet yards, our Mobile Fleetwash service offers on-site cleaning using high-powered jet washing and eco-friendly detergents even at locations without drainage access. Pre-treatment with LPW Fleetcare’s Traffic Film Remover (TFR) ensures even stubborn summer build-up is quickly broken down.
2. Bug Splatter and Tar Build-Up
Summer road conditions increase the build-up of bugs, tar, and sap on windscreens, mirrors, and grilles, especially on long-haul truck and van routes. If ignored, they can impair visibility and damage your vehicle’s exterior.
How to tackle it:
- Use solvent-free, caustic-free TFR to gently lift insect and tar deposits
- Include frequent washes for all vehicles in your fleet cleaning schedule
- Use Fleetcare brushes and cleaning tools to safely remove residue from painted surfaces
- Top up with Fleetcare Screenwash for clear visibility and effective windscreen cleaning
3. UV Damage and Faded Paint
Prolonged exposure to the sun is one of the most overlooked threats to commercial fleets. Over time, UV rays can fade paintwork, crack vinyl graphics, and degrade reflective safety markings, especially on vehicles that spend all day on the road.
Proper care is key. Regular washing helps remove surface pollutants that accelerate sun damage. For long-term protection, our Fleetcare product range includes UV-safe solutions and wax-based cleaners designed to shield vehicle exteriors from harmful rays.
4. Hygiene Risks in Tankers and Refuse Collection Vehicles
Heat creates a higher risk of odours and bacterial growth, particularly in tankers, trailers, and refuse collection vehicles that carry food products, waste, or temperature-sensitive cargo. Bacteria multiply faster, odours intensify, and residues dry out, making them harder to remove.
LPW provides specialist support through our Tankwash sites in Avonmouth and Purfleet, offering certified cleaning for food-grade tankers and IBCs. Our teams use high-pressure hot water, steam, and air drying to ensure vehicles meet strict hygiene standards. For sites that require on-the-go solutions, Mobile Fleetwash can also carry out RCV and trailer sanitisation directly on location.
5. Longer Days = Dirtier Vehicles
More daylight means more deliveries, more miles, and more dirt. Long-distance haulage vehicles, tipper trucks, and vans are especially exposed to dust, insects, and industrial pollution during summer operations.
Establishing a structured, nationwide cleaning routine is essential. Many of LPW’s clients rely on a combination of Truckwash tokens for drivers and scheduled Mobile Fleetwash visits at depots. By combining both, you can maintain a consistent clean across your entire fleet wherever it operates.
6. No Hiding the Dirt in Summer
When it’s dry and sunny, every mark, streak, or faded panel stands out. This is especially noticeable on branded commercial vehicles and company HGVs, where appearance directly affects customer perception.
To maintain a spotless look, many fleet managers incorporate Fleetcare cab cleaning kits for interior detailing, along with hand-finished exterior washes to achieve a polished finish. Whether at our wash sites or on location, our teams pay close attention to small details.
7. Time Pressures During Peak Season
In summer, fleets are busier than ever and vehicle cleaning often slips down the priority list. But neglecting cleaning can lead to brand damage, safety issues, and compliance risks especially for customer-facing vehicles.
With UK-wide coverage, LPW offers the flexibility you need. Our Truckwash sites, Tankwash facilities, and Mobile Fleetwash units can all be booked to suit your operational hours including weekends and evenings. We also offer pressure washers and commercial cleaning products for those who prefer to manage cleaning in-house.
Your Fleet Deserves the Best This Summer
Whether you’re managing delivery vans, HGVs, tankers, refuse vehicles, or bulk hauliers, LPW offers a nationwide solution to keep your fleet clean and safe this summer. Trusted by leading transport and logistics companies including Tesco, DPD, DHL, Sainsbury’s, and Maritime Transport, we provide:
- Quick, professional washes at Truckwash sites across the UK
- Certified Tankwash services for food-grade hauliers
- Flexible Mobile Fleetwash cleaning at your site
- Premium Fleetcare products and pressure washers for in-house cleaning teams
Get Your Fleet Summer-Ready with LPW
Contact us today:
Call us: 01708 463400
Email: in**@lp*******.com” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>in**@lp*******.com