Do it yourself truck washing is a little more complicated than DIY car washing. That's because you have to have a suitable place and suitable tools.

Mike has washed commercial motor vehicles many times. So, we'll share some tips to help you save money.

Disclaimer: this page does not cover wash outs that are typically used by tankers or animal haulers. We leave those types of jobs to professionals. Also, we cover commercial truck washes separately.

If it is possible for you to create water pressure (to "pressure wash" your truck), that could be advantageous for getting bug guts or road salt off your tractor.

Some brushes may have a place to connect a hose. When you're shopping for such a brush, look to see if there is a way to turn off the water temporarily so that you can suds up the truck.

Some drivers also like to use "aluminum brighteners" on their tire rims. The times we have added the brightener onto the order for a commercial truck wash, it gave that extra sparkle to the clean truck.

Money saving tip: There is a trade-off between using name brand versus generic products. A name brand vehicle washing soap may be best while a generic sponge and bucket might work very well.

Never use a product that is not specifically made for washing vehicles as it may strip the paint or do other damage to your truck's finish. For example, soaps designed to clean clothes or wash dishes are not formulated for car or truck washing. Once your paint job is ruined, you'll be forced to make a decision regarding repainting.

Be careful about climbing ladders -- or onto your tractor -- to access high places with shorter handled brushes. You don't want to slip and fall. (Imaginary headlines like this might flash through your mind: "Man Washing Truck Falls, Breaks Leg.")

Think twice about a do it yourself truck washing if you are in a windy and dusty area as the truck may pick up as much dirt (or more) than you washed off.

If possible, wipe down or dry the wet surfaces of your truck before you get out on the road again. You can use a clean, dry, cloth towel for wiping; we recommend staying away from using paper towels for this purpose as they might leave lint.

Also, don't attempt to clean your truck in the fuel bay at a truck stop. Some truck stops actually post signs to this effect, but it should be a matter of common courtesy not to block a place where other drivers may be waiting for fuel. Cleaning your truck's headlights, windshield and mirrors while in a bay is one thing; washing your whole tractor is another. Be kind. One day, someone may return the favor to you.

If you as a professional truck driver are skilled in saving money, please share your knowledge to help other truckers in the worldwide trucking community. You can even earn money in so doing.