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Pickup trucks have become more than work vehicles. Today’s pickups are highly advanced cars with hybrid and electric drive technology like the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning. Keeping these modern vehicles safe means moving away from traditional “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” maintenance routines toward informed, all-around interior protection.
Even if you got that creative power technology running in the back of your truck, there is a mundane set of problems that the interior is facing every single day:
- Drinks,
- spilled drinks,
- tool dust
- and UV radiation.
Loading your truck for tough hauling, off-roading or one-of-a-kind trips increases the stress on the cabin’s seats. Thus, securing the cab is the top priority to maintain value and structure.
Reliable Protection for Seats
Seats are what receive the hardest hit. Regular getting in and out, work clothes and the sun wear down the driver’s side bolster of the seat upholstery in record time. Even universal slip-on covers won’t do, because they shift, bunch up and detract from the classy interior.
It is preferable to find an original replacement for the worn-out factory cloth or leather. For example, premium Ford F-150 OEM seat covers are designed to match the pattern of the original factory. Companies like Auto Champ of Texas offer Ford F-150 seat covers for drivers looking to replace worn upholstery and keep their truck’s interior in good condition. They are fitted in place of the old upholstery, conform to the frame’s foam structure, and do not impair the side-impact airbag’s correct operation. Only replacing the damaged panels preserves the rest of the interior and reduces expenditure.
A Barrier Against Dirt and Water
Floor protection is up next. The factory carpet soaks up winter salt, spilled coffee and moisture like a sponge, turning it into a smelly, moldy mess and, eventually, corrosion.
Swap out the generic cloth floor mats for custom-fit floor liners, designed specifically to fit your vehicle’s floor and constructed of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). They have high ridges that securely trap water, sand, and mud, and can be easily washed off with a regular garden hose.
Protection from the Heat and UV Rays
Remember the sun. Extreme heat and UV from the sun will cause dashboard plastic to fade and crack over time. The amount of heat generated on the dashboards of modern trucks with mammoth infotainment screens can also take a toll on sensitive electronics.
High-quality ceramic window tinting or even a basic folding reflective sunshade when parked will bring the temperature of the cab down 15-20 degrees. This prevents the dashboard from fading and substantially relieves the pressure on your climate control system. For electric and hybrid pickups, a cooler cab means less energy from your battery goes toward the AC.
Regular Care
All surfaces still require care, even the most durable. Dust and fine sand particles, acting as abrasives, slowly erode the surface of plastic panels and door cards.
Utilize light microfiber cloths and anti-static cleaning agents. The finest formulations not only eliminate grease and dirt but also leave behind a thin film to ward off the accumulation of dust and prevent the plastic from decaying too quickly. Several easy, practical steps now will ensure your pickup looks pristine, comfortable, and attractive on the pre-owned market for years to come.
