Tips to Keep you Truck Ready to Roll Year-Round

So you’ve just bought a new truck, and you’re wondering how you can keep it in shape so that it lasts you a long time. Luckily there are several things to you can do to keep your truck in great working order. Let’s discuss a few truck maintenance tips.

Oil Changes

A routine oil change is one of the best things you can do for your truck. Your truck’s engine needs clean oil to stay lubricated and protected. When the oil gets dusty, dirty, or filled with debris, it can prevent the engine from functioning properly and can even cause serious damage. You should consult your owner’s manual to see how often the oil should be changed and what type of oil is best for the engine. You should also make sure that the air filter is changed regularly as clean air is just as important for your truck as clean oil. 

Tire Rotation

It’s a good idea to have your truck’s tires rotated whenever you take it in for an oil change. Regular rotation not only helps reduce wear and tear, but it also ensures that the tires wear evenly. When your tires are unevenly worn, it can put an unnecessary burden on your truck’s suspension. Plus, even tires make your ride more comfortable.

Fluid Checks

Motor oil isn’t the only fluid your truck needs in order to function properly. You should regularly check the levels for your truck’s engine coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. The proper amount of engine coolant keeps your engine from overheating, which can cause engine malfunction and damage. Power steering fluid reduces wear and tear on the system’s components, like the power steering pump and rack.

While windshield wiper fluid may not seem that important, it’s essential to keeping your windshield clean, which actually makes it less susceptible to damage. Brake fluid is responsible for keeping the components of your truck’s braking system working properly. Without it, your truck would not be able to stop when you apply the brakes.

Regular Inspections

Just as it’s important for you to go to the doctor for an annual checkup, it’s important to take your truck in for regular inspection. During an inspection, everything, from your truck’s battery to the spark plugs to the brake pads, is inspected for wear and tear and replaced if necessary. Routine inspections can catch problems before they get worse and end up costing you more money.

Regular Cleaning

Keeping your truck clean is just as essential as maintenance. Dust and dirt can cause your truck’s exterior paint to wear away. If you live in a region where it snows, road salt can cause even more damage. The same is true if you live near the ocean or any other body of salt water.

Hopefully, you find these tips to be helpful. By keeping track of your truck’s maintenance and staying aware of possible issues, you can enjoy your truck for several years to come and hopefully save some money as well.

 

Image via Dealeron

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