These simple steps will keep your truck running smoothly for a long time.
If you’re the sort of person who needs their truck every day for personal or business purposes, then you know you need to take good care of it. We’ve put together a list of simple tips that will let you easily lengthen the life of your beloved truck. Here’s the list:
1.Oil Change
This is what will keep your truck’s engine running smoothly for a long time. It is recommended that you get the oil changed every 7,500 miles or every six months, whichever comes first if your truck is under 12 years old. If it is older, then change your oil filter along with the oil as mentioned above.
2.Tire Rotation
Rotating your tires every six months ensures that the tires wear out in an even manner. Otherwise your front tires are likely to wear out quicker than the rear tires. Rotating them will extend their life and give your truck a smoother ride.
3.Balance Your Tires
Whenever you rotate your tires or have to change them, ensure you get them balanced as well. This will help the weight to be distributed evenly around the axle and reduce vibrations on the road. It will also reduce suspension wear and uneven tire wear.
4.Tire Alignment
If you notice that your truck is pulling more to one side than the other, then your tires may be out of alignment. Again, when you rotate your tires, get the alignment checked as well.
5.Light Check
Lights are part of some basic parts you should check every month. It doesn’t require much time and can indicate if there’s a bigger issue lurking beneath the surface. Dim lights could mean an electrical problem. Non-working lights are just unsafe and could lead to a big fine.
6.Check Your Fluids
Your truck needs fluids to run smoothly. The first thing you should check when the engine is cool is the oil. Next check coolant levels and refill if required. After that, check the windshield washer fluid and top it up if required.
7.Breathe Free
Your truck appreciates fresh air just as much as you do. So change the air filters every 15,000 miles or more often if there’s a lot of dirt where you usually drive. A clean air filter helps your engine last longer and help it run more efficiently as well.
8.Watch the Conditions
Be mindful about what your truck goes through every day. This will give you an idea about how it needs to be maintained. Speak to a trusted mechanic to understand the best way to maintain your truck and keep it in great condition for a long time.
9.Inspection Time
Remember that trusted mechanic we mentioned? Bring your truck into the shop from time to time or if you realize it isn’t performing as well as it used to. Ask for a full check-up and fix whatever is needed. A well-maintained truck is a safe truck and one that will always get you home.
10.Read
Everything you need to know about your truck is covered in its owner’s manual. Take some time and flip through it and you’ll find a wealth of information on how best to maintain it, which oil is recommended, what tires you should install and what pressure works best. And the better you understand your truck, the better it’ll serve you.
