There’s a reason why there are over 700,000 mechanics in the United States. We rely on these professionals to help us get our vehicles back on the road.
That being said, no one likes dropping a lot of money on expensive truck repairs. That’s why you must take proper care of your vehicle. Otherwise, when it needs repairs they’re going to be expensive.
Luckily, in this article, we’ll be going over seven truck maintenance tips. That way, you can make sure that you get the most out of your truck in terms of performance and lifespan. Let’s get started!
1. Check the Oil and Filter Frequently
Your car uses clean oil to make sure that the truck’s engine stays lubricated and safe during operation. However, over time this oil gets contaminated by things like dust and other debris from the engine.
This, in turn, prevents the engine from operating properly. So, how often should you change it? Well, it depends on the type of truck. You should consult your owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends.
However, every six months is usually a pretty good bet (unless you drive a lot more than normal).
And, while you’re checking the oil don’t forget about the filter. This provides a stream of clean air to the engine so make sure it’s not clogged with debris.
2. Don’t Forget About Other Fluid Levels
The engine oil is far from the only type of fluid that your truck needs to operate. Notably, you should also regularly check your coolant, windshield wiper fluid, and hydraulic fluid levels.
Coolant is important for regulating the temperature of your engine. Without it, you will likely overheat or your engine will freeze over. Windshield wiper fluid keeps dust and debris off your windshield.
And, hydraulic fluid controls the effectiveness of your power steering and brake system. It also prolongs their life. Without hydraulic fluid, your power steering and brakes will go bad much more quickly.
And these are typically some of the more expensive parts to replace depending on what truck your drive. Every time you go in for an oil check you should also check these fluid levels.
3. Pick the Right Tires
Sadly, there is no right answer to the question, What’s the best tire for my truck? That’s because the answer depends on what you use your truck for.
For example, if you mainly use your truck for off-road driving, then you should look for large tires with a lot of defined tread. These types of tires will help you navigate bumpy terrain without damaging your shock components.
However, remember that these types of off-road tires are bad in terms of performance and gas mileage when you hit the highway.
So, if you use your truck mainly for work that involves driving on paved roads, then look for freeway tires.
4. Clean the Exterior of the Truck
There’s no denying that a shiny, washed truck looks better than one that’s covered in dirt or mud. However, aesthetic considerations aren’t the only reason that you should regularly clean the exterior of your vehicle.
Abrasive dust and dirt can damage the paint of your car. Worse still is bird droppings. When left uncleaned on your car the acidic nature of these dropping can burn away at the paint.
While it’s more fun to clean a truck in summer, winter is the most important time. This is the season when road salt and sand build up around the paint which causes the most damage.
So, bring it to your garage for a hose down. Or, take it to a car wash. And, don’t forget to scrub down the undercarriage too.
5. Rotate Your Tires
Tire rotation is the process of repositioning tires so they’re in another position on your vehicle. There are some practical reasons why you should include this in your vehicle maintenance routine.
It improves the lifespan of your tires, decreases your gas mileage, and reduces the amount of vibration on your vehicle’s suspension system.
However, it also gives your mechanic a valuable opportunity to look at your truck’s undercarriage. This is important because if they can catch any potential problems early on, then it can save you thousands of dollars in repairs.
6. Get Your Truck Inspected Often
You should think of a truck inspection as an annual physical. Even if nothing seems wrong with your body, you should still get checked up. That way, the doctor can detect any potential problems early on and treat them more efficiently.
The same goes for your truck care. It can feel inconvenient, especially when nothing seems wrong, but it’s a vital part of maintenance.
If you wait for something to go wrong to take your truck to the mechanic, it’s going to be expensive and potentially unfixable. So, bite the bullet and take it in once a year for an inspection.
7. Consider Adding Protective Accessories
There are truly an endless variety of truck accessories that you can add to your vehicle. Some of these provide you with more space or other helpful features.
However, some of them can protect your vehicle and prolong the life of your truck. For example, tuners can improve your overall engine performance. And bumpers can protect your truck from damage if you’re rear-ended.
If you want to learn more about the types of accessories you can add to your truck, then click here.
Appreciate These Truck Maintenance Tips? Keep Reading
We hope this article helped you learn some important truck maintenance tips. It’s important to not rely on your memory when it comes to truck maintenance. This will just cause you to forget something important.
Instead, set weekly or monthly maintenance reminders. That way, you make a routine out of it.
Did you learn something from this article? If you want more educational content, then keep exploring our website.
