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.