Tonneau covers are not cheap. The cost a few hundred dollars depending on the style, quality, and ease of installation. Once we spend the time and money getting them on our truck beds, we usually do not want them removed unless absolutely necessary.
What about automatic car washes? Are these one of those absolutely necessary times you would have to remove your tonneau cover? Can a tonneau cover go through a car wash? It honestly depends, but in most cases—yes, a tonneau cover can go through a car wash.
The guy in this video literally puts his life on the line to test this theory out:
Which tonneau covers are car wash safe?
There are a large number of tonneau cover manufacturers. They produce covers that are unique in style and certain attributes. It is safe to assume that each of them have their own guidelines when it comes to keeping their tonneau covers clean.
I personally contacted the companies of the top tonneau cover brands and asked them which of their models were safe for automatic car washes. Surprisingly, they all told me that all their tonneau cover models are safe for an automatic carwash. They did, however, recommend not applying any wax or silicone treatment as it could void the warranty.
These are the companies I contacted:
- TonnoPro
- Line-X
- Gator Covers
- Truxedo
- Pace Edwards
- Trident
- Bak Industries
- UnderCover
Although they gave me unexpected answers, I could not help but feel a bit skeptical. I did not want to believe that even the soft, vinyl covers were safe for the harsh environment of an automatic carwash. I thought they were soft for a reason.
Nevertheless, all the brand representatives assured me that has long as the tonneau covers were closed and thoroughly secured, then they would be perfectly fine.
What about partially closed covers?
Let’s say you’re in a situation where a car wash is absolutely necessary. Maybe your windshield is covered in splattered bugs or bat guano and a carwash is paramount for your safety.
However, you have something long sticking out from your tonneau cover such as a set of PVC pipes. You have taken the necessary precautions and secured the tonneau cover to the bed. You are absolutely certain it will not open mid wash.
Can you still go through the car wash then? Absolutely not. For starters, the car wash staff will probably not allow you to enter the car wash. The elongated cargo can damage their machinery in various ways. Remove your cargo from the bed, set it aside in a safe location and secure your cover correctly.
Secondly, even though most tonneau covers are rated to be weather resistant, that is only referring to the top portion. That’s the section that is typically exposed to the elements. A majority of covers contain certain parts beneath them that are vulnerable to water and the fierce atmosphere of an automatic car wash.
Once damaged, your tonneau cover may never work the same again.
What’s so dangerous about automatic car washes anyway?
Although most of the brands say it’s acceptable to put their tonneau covers through a car wash, it is still worth noting specific dangers. That way, you can make up your own mind if you’re leery about taking the risk.
Spinning brushes
Friction is what the spinning brushes depend on to scrub off the dirt sticking on the vehicle’s parts. When brushes are used to clean a tonneau cover, specifically a soft cover, the friction created is expected cause damage to it. However, if you have a high quality tonneau cover, it should be able to survive the spinning onslaught.
Dryer fans
The fans’ use of static pressure to dry off moistened surfaces may contribute to the damage of the tonneau cover. The increased static pressure on the surface of the cover exceeds the atmospheric pressure and can cause unnecessary stress on the cover and the rest of its parts.
If you fail to secure any tonneau cover properly, it can open abruptly, causing damage to itself or the rest of your vehicle. It can also regrettably detach itself from your truck and fly into carwash property and other surrounding vehicles.
Pressurized water
The water in a carwash is different from the water experienced from rain. Rain typically falls straight down or sometimes slightly to the side. Carwash water, however, can spray hard in multiple directions.
Again, the issue is whether or not your tonneau cover is fully secured to the truck bed. If at all loose, a profuse amount of water may enter your bed and cause water damage to the underside of your tonneau cover or the cargo you happen to have in your bed.
Please note that most tonneau covers are weather resistant, not waterproof. Even if you take all the proper precautions to ensure your tonneau cover is secured, be prepared to have a very small amount of water enter your truck bed anyway.
Residual debris
Car washes may sometimes not be as clean as you think. Other vehicles that have entered before you may have have had an obscene amount of filth on them that could have stuck to the spinning brushes or other parts that come in contact with your tonneau cover.
Although unlikely, there is still a small chance it can scratch and potentially damage your cover. In addition, the dryer fans have the capability to blow around small rocks that can dent your hard covers.
Types of Tonneau Covers
I have already alluded to the fact that there are two main types of tonneau covers you can use on your truck bed. The primary purpose of both types is to protect the trunk from sunlight, rain, and potential thieves. Truck owners choose a specific type depending on their needs, budget, and style preference.
Hard tonneau covers
The fiberglass material used in making hard covers can undoubtedly withstand the conditions in an automatic car wash. They are rigidly fixed to the vehicle body and can have the ability to overlap the bed rails and tailgate.
They are typically more expensive than the soft covers but make up for it by providing better security and long lasting durability. You also have more choices as far as style is concerned since you are able to paint the hinged covers to match your truck.
If you read the short review on my preferred hard cover, you’ll see why I prefer hard covers over soft ones.
Soft tonneau covers
Soft covers are also weather resistant, although some moisture can still find its way via rain or carwashes. They are flexible and not as rigid as their harder counterparts.
The great thing about some soft covers, although some hard covers have this ability too, is that they can be more easy to remove if you don’t want to risk them in a carwash. They are attached by either velcro or straps otherwise.
Although tonneau covers are apparently safe for the carwash, it wouldn’t hurt to inspect them periodically for tears or damages. Having any will make them more prone to further damage in a carwash.
If you’re in the market for a dependable soft cover that won’t break the bank, read my short review on the one I’d recommend.
Alternatives to automatic car washes
Manual car wash
I have said so much about the automatic car wash, and what you can conclude is that they have their understandable dangers. There is a very small risk of damage to both hard and soft covers, and it has to lead me to think that manual car wash may be a better option.
Manual car washing allows you to have full control over water pressure and direction, which would allow you to dictate exactly where the water will contact your cover. Controlling the amount of water used can also minimize the amount that can subsequently enter your truck bed.
Also keep in mind the cleaning agents you decide to use if you wash your truck yourself. Make sure they are also safe on the soft, vinyl covers. For example, silicon and petroleum based cleaners can be harmful to your soft tonneau covers.
Water-less clean
Hand cleaning your tonneau cover with chemicals and not water is the safest option for protecting your cover’s integrity. You will typically only need a rag for applying chemicals, a rag for wiping away excess chemicals, and a chemical approved for cleaning tonneau covers.
Of course, this method is slower and requires more energy on your part. You would also have to fully remove the cover from the truck since it’s safe to assume you’d be putting your truck through an automatic car wash eventually.
Again, make sure the chemicals you use are safe for tonneau covers.
Conclusion
If you take the proper precautions to secure your tonneau cover to your truck bed and inspect it for pre-existing damage, it can most certainly go through a car wash. This goes for both the soft and hard covers, no matter the design.
Even though representatives from the top tonneau cover brands have given the green light on automatic car washes, it is still worth noting the potential damage they can have on your cover if you are not too careful.
Though my article tells you to run your tonneau cover through the carwash, it is still important double check with the manufacturer. Many of you spend a decent amount of money on these accessories so it would behoove you to do your own due diligence.
If you’re thinking of different ways to accessorize your truck or make it more functional, consider checking out my recommended accessories page. I spent a good amount of time picking out mods that can be useful for most pickup trucks.