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BCCA Canada

Body, Paint & Chassis: Tonneau Cover

Body, Paint & Chassis: Tonneau Cover

 Body Panels
Convertible Tops
Exterior Care
Frame/Unibody
Interior
Landau Top
Tonneau Cover
Windshield

Description: A tonneau cover can be either flexible or stiff and is usually used to cover the bed of pickup trucks and open areas on other types of utility vehicles. Some covers roll up, some fold up, some slide and yet others lift off the area they cover.

Purpose: Tonneau covers enhance vehicle appearance; they may reduce wind resistance and can provide some level of security to open areas, depending on design.

Maintenance Tips/Suggestions: Although it's best to check with the manufacturer of the tonneau cover for specifics since designs vary, here are some general guidelines.

Inspect the cover regularly for signs of damage, loosening and debris. If the cover shows signs of looseness, damage or pulling, some basic adjustments may correct this before the problem gets worse and results in major damage.

Regular cleaning of your tonneau cover is important to its longevity, that's why it's always best to start with a thorough washing of your vehicle's exterior. To avoid the effects of the sun, always clean your vehicle and your tonneau cover in the shade.

To clean a vinyl cover, apply quality vinyl cleaner with a white, all-cotton, terrycloth towel to the entire cover. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label of the cleaner for best results. For areas with stubborn dirt imbedded into the texture of the vinyl, apply the cleaner to a soft, nylon-bristled brush and scrub gently. Once you're finished applying the cleaner, wait a few minutes and then wipe the treated area with a second towel. Never use strong chemicals like solvents or bleach as they may damage or discolor the cover. Also, avoid using abrasive cleaning pads as they can scratch and “open up” the vinyl, accelerating wear and creating a more porous surface for dirt to stick. If needed, clean the cover a second time if it's extremely dirty. Apply a vinyl protector when finished.

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