Your truck is your baby, but have you ever stopped to think about what you could be doing to help it? It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the thought of needing more than just a simple oil change. But there are some things you should be aware of when it comes to trucks.
Here are eight smart ways that will help keep your truck in top shape:
1. Use the Right Type of Oil
Do you know whether your engine needs conventional, synthetic-blend, or fully synthetic oil? If you aren’t sure, make sure to check your owner’s manual before making any changes.
It’s not enough to just check your oil level and change the filter when it is low. These factors are what you should be looking for when deciding on the type of oil you need. Using the wrong type could damage sensitive parts in your engine and void your warranty!
2. Keep Tires Properly Inflated
It doesn’t take long for tires to start losing their treads when they’re not properly inflated. Make it a habit to check tire pressure each time you fill-up with gas so that you don’t end up stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire because it was too late before you knew there was an issue.
To help further prevent this from happening, invest in a tire pressure gauge because just checking the tires with your hands won’t always be accurate.
3. Check Coolant Levels Regularly
Checking your coolant levels is something that should be done every time you get an oil change, but don’t forget about it while you’re driving between oil changes! Get in the habit of checking the coolant reservoir while you are at a gas station or while waiting in line at the drive-thru.
Keeping an eye on this will help avoid overheating, which can cause serious damage to your engine, not to mention that if the fluid runs out, it could leave you stranded somewhere far from home!
4. Don’t Forget About Your Brakes
If you treat your truck like a car, then make sure you also take care of your brakes as a car. When you feel like your brakes could use a change, ask about how much it will cost to replace them.
Regularly checking brake fluid levels and making sure the pads aren’t too worn will ensure your safety when it comes to stopping in an emergency situation.
5. Get Your Truck Serviced Regularly
Your truck needs regular check-ups just like any other vehicle, but it’s even more important with a truck because of the added strain they’re under while moving all that extra weight around!
Take advantage of the free services offered by some dealerships and get your vehicle serviced every six months or 6,000 miles, depending on what is recommended for your make and model. If you can afford it, consider paying for lifetime service agreements which are available through most auto warranty companies these days.
6. Get the Right Parts Replaced
While it may be tempting to roll up your sleeves and try to fix a part yourself, don’t forget that auto parts are an important factor when it comes to the warranty for your vehicle.
For instance, if you want to get your truck glass replaced, then it’s best to go through a dealer or auto glass repair company. This way, you can ensure that the truck glass is replaced with auto glass and not some other type of cheap glass, which can cause your auto warranty to be voided if there’s any damage.
7. Invest in Regular Car Washes
Keeping the outside of your truck looking shiny and new will help avoid rusting, which could lead to bigger mechanical issues as time goes on!
Make sure not only the body but underneath as well is kept clean and free of dirt, dust, road salt, and other elements that could cause damage.
8. Be Careful When Loading Your Truck
Make sure to pay attention when loading your truck, as this can also affect the warranty on your vehicle. Only load cargo in the bed of your truck that has been approved by the manufacturer for that model.
Also, don’t overload your truck or take on too much weight because that can also affect the way your vehicle handles and put it at risk for damage to other parts like axles, suspension, and more.
Taking care of your truck is one of the best ways to ensure its long-lasting performance and value over time! By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to get the most out of your truck and reduce the chances of it malfunctioning due to neglect.
