9 Truck Maintenance Tips For New Owners

Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure your truck is always in good condition, whether new or second-hand. Routine maintenance lets you notice problems before they escalate to worse situations that could cost a lot of money in repairs.

Having a truck that’s in pristine condition should be every truck owner’s primary desire. Routine maintenance is an excellent way to make your vehicle run smoothly and look as if new. Some maintenance practices such as engine oil change, regular cleaning, and lubrication don’t need a professional. However, replacing worn-out parts, checking your braking system, engine maintenance, and repairing electrical problems may need the help of a trained and skilled professional.

That said, here are nine fundamental tips that can help you ensure your truck is working well for all the time you’ll be using it:

• Have a Toolbox

A toolkit in your truck is the number one tip since it can help you perform minor fixes and inspections on your vehicle. And in an emergency, having a toolbox on standby can be a significant advantage. It should contain a flashlight, tire pressure gauge, zip ties, hammer, screwdriver, pliers, and a wrench set.

• Replace Worn Out Parts

It’s natural for your truck’s internal parts to wear out over time, and driving with a worn-out part may compromise your journey. Consider replacing it before you find yourself stuck by the road because of an avoidable circumstance.

However, getting particular spare parts for your truck may not be a walk in the park. You can buy components that regularly wear out in advance so you can use them when needed. It can be expensive, but it can save you a hassle. If you own a 6.6-liter engine truck, getting a 6.6 L combo kit for whatever spare part you need can be a lifesaver. Only be cautious not to overstock or buy unnecessary parts.

• Engine Oil Change

Checking your truck’s oil levels is one of the essential maintenance practices. Oil can become dirty due to constant exposure to dirt and dust from the engine and the environment. Therefore, changing your engine oil cleans out the dirt, grime, and sludge that may have accumulated in the engine over time. Ideally, change your engine oil every 25,000 miles; failure to do this can cause the engine to overheat, slow down its efficiency or stop functioning.

• Check Other Fluid Levels

Aside from changing your engine oil, you must regularly check your truck’s brake fluid, power steering fluid, and engine coolant.

Brake and steering fluids are hydraulic fluids. Hydraulic fluids help move different parts of your truck’s steering and braking system. A routine change of brake and steering fluids can extend the lifespan of the components that make up the braking and steering systems. When driving, a brake system failure can be fatal; such failures rank among the top causes of truck accidents. Hence, replacing them every two years or 30,000 kilometers is crucial.

On the other hand, the engine coolant maintains the engine fluid at a constant freezing and boiling point. Keeping constant temperature helps to prolong the engine’s lifespan, increases its performance, and reduces problems due to adverse temperatures.

• Air Filters

The air filter system prevents particles from crossing the fuel induction system. A clean air filter system decreases fuel consumption and enables efficient engine function. As you continue to use your truck, dust particles accumulate all over the filter system, thus reducing the size of the filter openings. And the continuous accumulation of the particles leads to the formation of a dust cake that clogs the filter system reducing its efficiency.

Therefore, cleaning them regularly by removing them and then washing and drying them would be wise. But if the buildup is too severe, a professional can help you clean and service the filter system to restore efficiency.

• Fuel and Storage Tanks

Always ensure that your fuel and storage tanks don’t have moisture since water-clogged fuel may cause your engine to purr. Contaminated fuel can damage your engine, thus incurring costs for repair. It’d help if you considered removing accumulated water in your engine by contacting your maintenance provider or following your truck’s manufacturer’s manual.

• Electrical Systems

The major components of your truck’s electrical system are the alternator, battery, and motor. The system helps the engine ignite and gives it the power to keep the vehicle working.

All electrical parts of your truck must be checked, ensuring that the wires aren’t loose and worn. Contact your mechanic immediately if you find any electrical faults.

• Tire Replacement And Maintenance

Driving with faulty tires has many potential risks, such as tire busts or loss of control. Worn-out tires affect the overall efficiency of the tires; they reduce friction, affecting your safety as a driver. Overinflated tires can blow or lead to untimely wear. On the other hand, underinflated tires increase your truck’s fuel consumption. So, it’s good to maintain the approved inflation pressure for your vehicle. It’d be best to consider replacing or reassessing your tires after every 100,000-160,000 miles.

• Regularly Clean The Body

Cleaning your truck may not only make your car look good, but it can also preserve your truck’s paint by getting rid of any abrasive sand, salt, dust, or dirt. You can use a paint cleaner to scrub out anything complicated to remove. Cleaning the wheels and the undercarriage is equally essential as other parts of your truck, so don’t forget to clean it.

Conclusion

As a new truck owner, remember that you’ll always reap what you sow. If you spare time to maintain your truck regularly, you’ll be able to use it for many years. Plus, it can save you from significant costs associated with poor maintenance. However, while you can handle the simple maintenance routines, consider leaving the complex ones to expert mechanics.