Whether you’re hauling, towing, or driving through rough terrain, heavy-duty trucks are meant to bear quite of bit of stress and strain. However, like any vehicle, they need regular care and someone to pay attention to warning signs that some part isn’t functioning properly. Neglecting your truck’s needs may make the investment not worth it. Follow some of the best ways to maintain a heavy-duty truck to help your truck last longer.
Brake Care
Brake failure is common and can cause serious injury in the event of an accident. Be sure to have them inspected at every oil change. Wearing brake parts need replacing regularly. Check your pressure gauge to ensure that it is at the proper PSI before hauling anything large.
Engine Tests
Avoid engine and
drivetrain problems as much as possible. These issues are serious, and you will not be able to drive if either of these fails. Watch for smoking, loss of oil pressure, or decreased power. Any odd sounds or vibrations are an indication that you may be about to experience issues that could affect many components.
Body Issues
Body maintenance such as watching for paint chips or washing your truck regularly may seem cosmetic, but these small imperfections could lead to larger issues. To keep your truck in its best shape, maintain large paint chips before rusting occurs, avoid driving through large puddles, and wash your truck regularly—especially after snow, sleet, or rain. Many forms of precipitation carry pollutants that can eat through the clear coat on your truck and leave the body vulnerable.
Replace Parts
Stock up on parts that you know you’ll need. This way, you can address issues as soon as possible before they create larger issues for you. Many parts offer lifetime warranties. Manufactures eventually stop making parts for older truck models, so having the parts you need for potential problems is a good idea.
Maintain Lubrication
Lubrication is essential. Keeping the suspension, steering, and drivetrain zerks properly greased will help you avoid premature wear and failures. You should also spray door locks with a water-displacement product in colder weather to protect the locks from moisture causing rust.
These are a few of the best ways to maintain a heavy-duty truck. Additionally, you should keep up with your fluids such as oil, transmission, anti-freeze, and even windshield wiper fluid. Also, avoid short trips and extended idling. Engine temperature and the starting and stopping effect performance and capability over time. All maintenance plays a part in your truck’s overall health and durability.
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