If you’re looking for maintenance tips to keep your soft tonneau cover in top condition, you’ve come to the right blog. We’re about to get into the ins and outs of preserving your soft tonneau cover so you can get the most out of it!
With a tonneau cover, you can obscure a cargo-laden ute tray away from view, as well as protect your possessions from weather damage. We guess you could say it’s a ute driver’s security blanket! Because so many swear by them, it’s important to keep tonneau covers in good nick. Here’s how you can keep yours looking good and capable of protecting your gear from rain, UV rays, debris, or potential theft:
Keep It Clean
Like many items, soft tonneau covers require regular cleaning. Because they’re an outdoor item, they will accumulate dirt, and their waterproof properties will also be repeatedly tested.
When it comes time to clean your tonneau cover, use mild soap or a cleaner specifically formulated for tonneau covers. Apply the soap solution with a soft brush or cloth, gently scrubbing the surface to remove dirt and grime.
Since soft tonneau covers are not as robust as hard-lidded variations, you should avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the cover’s finish. Once you’ve given your cover a good scrub, give it a thorough rinse with clean water, and refrain from retracting or closing it until it’s air-dried completely.
Check It Out
It’s important to keep your soft tonneau cover in check. That’s why you should regularly inspect it for signs of wear and tear, such as loose stitching, or damaged components. By addressing minor issues as they arise, you can prevent them from worsening over time and compromising your cover’s effectiveness. Especially in the case of loose stitching, that old saying — ‘a stitch in time saves nine’ — certainly springs to mind!
Protect It From the Sun
The tonneau cover does so much sun shielding that it pays to return the favour sometimes. While it safeguards your gear against harmful rays, it leaves itself vulnerable to UV-induced fading and deterioration — at least, without a suitable UV protectant.
If you want to maintain the colour and flexibility of your tonneau cover, apply a UV protectant made especially for vinyl or soft materials. With this additional layer, your tonneau cover can combat sun damage and continue to thrive for longer, even in the sunniest climates.
Store It Well & Treat It Right
If you ever detach your soft tonneau cover from your ute, don’t just leave it lying around! This will leave it vulnerable to further wear and tear. Consider storing your cover in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. You should also always secure it properly to prevent wind damage or accidental displacement.
Regardless of whether you’re using your cover or storing it for safekeeping, you should always avoid overloading it with excessive weight or sharp objects. You wouldn’t want to weigh it down or puncture the material!
Get a Professional To Take a Look
Regularly inspecting your tonneau cover is one thing — having a professional casting their eye over it is another. If your cover has endured particularly harsh weather conditions or is showing significant signs of wear, get a professional to take a look at it. They can spot issues that the untrained eye may miss, provide maintenance advice, and perform repairs or adjustments that will restore your soft tonneau cover to its former protective self.
Why Choose Soft Tonneau Covers?
Soft tonneau covers offer several advantages over their hard counterparts. They are typically lighter, easier to install and remove, and more flexible, allowing for easier access to your ute tray. Soft covers are also often more affordable and can be folded or rolled up for convenience when transporting larger items. So long as you take good care of it, a soft tonneau cover can provide years of reliable service, protecting your ute tray and cargo in various weather conditions.
