Colorado Truck Fleets Increase Truck Washing to Deal With The Winter Weather

While slushy winter roads make truck washing more desirable, it’s the prevention of damage that makes it critical. Colorado’s Department of Transportation (CDOT) uses magnesium chloride on the highways to keep them clear of ice and snow. While this makes it easier for everyone to travel the highways, it can wreak havoc on commercial vehicles.

Magnesium chloride can cause problems with all types of vehicles. But it’s more noticeable on commercial vehicles because they spend more time on the road so the destructive effects are magnified.

In addition, the undersides of commercial vehicles are more exposed than a typical passenger vehicle. The brake drums are open on the inside to allow better dissipation of the heat caused by the braking needed for all that weight. And the wiring is more exposed on the open design of box trucks and tractor-trailer combinations.

While more frequent washing won’t completely prevent damage from magnesium chloride, it will reduce the impact and needed repairs. Our company president, Joel Shorey, has the experience to know what he’s talking about. He spent many years driving tractor-trailers over the road and has more than 2.5 million miles without a moving violation or chargeable accident. He hauled oversize loads to mines in Canada and Alaska where most of the roads are two-lane highways. His winter driving includes trips as far north as Labrador City, Newfoundland and Fairbanks, Alaska.

With 26 years experience in Denver, Wash On Wheels knows how to deal with Colorado’s winter conditions.