Diary of a Truck Driver

Keepig the interior of the cab clean is a constant challenge, especially in wet weather altough the dust in the dry times is equally trying.

Constantly blowing out the dust and dirt with compressed air is the best first line defence and I have tryed a plethora of products to clean the various surfaces. Armour-all for the vinyl, Windex for the glass and air freshener all lived in the cubby hole under the seat.

All these products work well but one of the big problems I have, apart from remembering which rag was for which product, was that the Armour-all makes a real mess of the glass with the inevitable over spray.

Recently I read, somewhere, that Mr Sheen was a good product for the cab so I sought it out in the cleaning isle of the local supermarket. I read the directions and it said that it would clean glass as well. I was dubious as I imagined a waxy coating being left behind.

I purchased a can and gave it a go and am very pleased with the results. I’ve now removed the other containers and reduced the rag collection to just one. Apparently it is also an effective degreaser.

I’ve got more room under the seat and more money in my wallet, thanks to Mr Sheen

Rain-X is a product that appears to have been around for quite a long time and which I always considered to be some form of snake oil.

I’ve now tried it and wouldn’t have a vehicle operating without it. The difference in the visability is amazing and the use of intermitent wipers whilst travelling at speed is all but negated.

Even at low speed, in light rain the drops bead in such a way as to enable the driver to see through the rain on the windscreen. I treated only half the windscreen initially and the difference was easy to see.

This one will defnately keep a spot in the tool box. Check it out at www.rainx.com.

In a search for content I thought it may be helpful to review a few products that I use on a daily basis…

First up I thought I’d start with my boots, as a retired Infantryman footwear is an important subject. Previously I had a pair of lace up steel cap boots that I would change out for thongs as quickly as possible. I find heavy boots very claustrophobic for driving especially in the warmer months and they usually require thick socks to be comfortable.

Recently I bought a pair of Oliver slip-on sport shoes, they have a steel toe cap so they conform to OH&S requirements yet they are light and comfortable. Since I bought them I haven’t bothered getting my thongs out and can now wear sport socks which are a lot cooler.

I’ve had a number of questions about these shoes since I started wearing them so I think they could become popular. If you need a pair head down to Alsafe safety industries on Victoria Street, Wetherill Park.