Wash detergents handle road film. They do not handle a fifth wheel packed with years of grease, a frame misted in hydraulic fluid, or tar slung up a fender. That’s degreaser territory — and the water-vs-solvent choice decides whether the job works.
Water-based: the workhorse
A heavy-duty water-based degreaser like LZR-113 emulsifies grease, oil, and hydraulic residue so it rinses away — strong enough for engines, chassis, equipment, and shop floors, while staying compatible with automatic wash processes and standard drainage practice. For the large majority of degreasing tickets, water-based is the right answer and the easier one to handle, store, and rinse.
Solvent-based: the specialist
Some soils laugh at emulsification: tar, asphalt overspray, adhesive residue, heavy petroleum buildup baked onto working equipment. Those hydrocarbon soils want a solvent that dissolves them outright — the job LZR-114 Solvent Based Degreaser exists for, typically as spot treatment before the main wash rather than a bath.
Handle both like a professional
Degreasers are working chemistry: follow the SDS, respect dilution and dwell, mind what enters the drain — oil/water separation exists for a reason, and workplace chemical-handling basics from OSHA apply in every bay.
Sell it as a service
Fifth-wheel and chassis degreasing are premium add-on tickets fleets happily schedule. Slot the products into your chemical program with dilutions set, and the service prices like the specialty it is.
Go Deeper
