In search of truck maintenance tips that truly make a difference in the life of your handy pickup truck? You’ve found them. This guide presents clear, actionable steps to enhance your truck’s durability and performance, ensuring you spend less time in the shop and more on the road.
Truck maintenance tips come easy to us, as truck service technicians with experience working with factory used trucks and custom used trucks alike; truck maintenance services are a core part of our business. From engine care to tire fitting, discover the key practices we cover in our scheduled maintenance visits to optimize your truck’s upkeep right here on this page. Let’s dive in!
Key Pickup Truck Maintenance Key Tips To Remember
- Keep your engine in prime condition with regular oil changes using high-quality products and by monitoring engine coolant to avoid overheating and enhance fuel efficiency.
- Maintain proper tire pressure for safety and fuel efficiency:
- Regularly rotate tires to distribute wear evenly, and check wheel alignment to extend tire life and keep your drives smooth.
- Check your owner’s manual for ideal tire pressure for factory tires
- Check with Summit Trucks for our aftermarket tires’ ideal PSI
- Regularly check and maintain your truck’s vital fluids like power steering, brake, suspension fluid, and windshield washer fluids to ensure responsiveness and avoid potential system failures.
- Check your car battery terminals for corrosion.
- Consider professional service packages, especially if you have a custom truck.
Essential Engine Care
Engines are some of the most expensive things to repair, but thankfully, every great used truck in our inventory has quality builds that go farther and more reliably with preventative engine maintenance.Treating your truck’s engine, which is the core of your vehicle, with proper care is a fundamental aspect of any truck maintenance plan. The consistent replacement of your engine oil with high-quality options is important.
Driving a diesel or turbodiesel? Shell recommends their Rotella T6 Conventional, Rotella T5 Conventional, or Rotella T5 Ultra 10W-30 synthetic blend—the latter being acceptable only for the Ford 3.0L diesel engine among pickup trucks.
Whether you’ve got your synthetic or conventional motor oil, timely oil changes are one of the best measures to safeguard your engine, boost fuel efficiency, and help to avoid expensive repairs in future. It’s key to providing a clean slate that keeps those moving parts humming smoothly.
But engine care isn’t just about oil changes. Have you considered the impact of your driving conditions? Frequent towing, dusty Utahn roads, and even the type of fuel you use can demand a more specialized oil change schedule to keep your engine in tip-top shape.
Preventative Maintenance
Incorporating preventative maintenance tips, such as monitoring your engine coolant, can ensure that your engine performs efficiently no matter the weather. This practice keeps your engine from overheating, ensuring that it performs efficiently no matter the weather. Utah experiences highs of 94 degrees and plunges down to lows of 23 each year, on average.
The owner’s manual is more than just packing for your glovebox; it’s the OEM’s roadmap to your truck’s maintenance requirements. This little book holds the secrets to preventing minor annoyances from turning into major headaches, keeping truck owners’ engines purring for many more miles.
Professional Care
Some preventative maintenance tips are DIY-friendly, but there’s nothing that gives as much peace of mind as letting our professional truck service technicians take over.The benefit of being a used truck service center, maintaining custom trucks and factory builds every day, is exposure; we see every type of truck come into our maintenance bay, and make it a point to learn from maintaining them to a high standard. The owner’s manual is where our seasoned technicians begin, maintaining your truck to an almost custom standard.
Tire Pressure and Maintenance Fundamentals
Another significant component in your truck’s maintenance are your truck’s tires. These contact points are incredibly important, especially if you take your truck off-roading, so keeping them in good shape is non-negotiable for any custom or factory pickup truck owner.
Proper tire maintenance isn’t just about avoiding flats; it’s about fuel efficiency, safety, and extending the life of the treads. Truck maintenance also includes regular tire check-ups and adjustments to ensure optimal performance.
So, what’s the secret to maintaining your tires? It starts with maintaining the right tire pressure: not too high, not too low, but just right. This Goldilocks zone of tire pressures ensures your truck rolls smoothly and efficiently, saving you fuel and repair costs in the long run.
Top Truck Models and Their Ideal Tire Pressures
Ideal tire pressure is something you can monitor and take care of yourself before and after off-roading or long road trips. But our professionals know tire pressure for factory settings and custom aftermarket tires too.From our list of top pickups (checked against J.D. Power’s list), it’s good to know the tire pressure is more or less the same across the board:
- Ford F-150: 35 PSI
- Chevrolet Silverado: 1500 35 PSI
- Ram 1500: 36 PSI
- Toyota Tundra: 35 PSI
- GMC Sierra 1500: 35 PSI
When you opt for our custom truck services, oversized tires for off-roading can change those numbers a bit. Always bring your custom truck to us if you’re not sure what pressure we recommend for tires custom to your truck and your lifestyle!
Tire Rotation and Alignment
And when was the last time you had your tires rotated? Regular tire rotation, around every 5,000 – 8,000 miles or as your manufacturer suggests, can evenly distribute wear and tear, giving your tires a longer and more balanced life.
Remember to check your wheel alignment too; if your truck veers to one side, it’s not only irritating but also an indicator that your tires may get uneven wear patterns that diminish their usefulness and speed the time to replacement. Regularly checking your alignment can save you from uneven wear, keep your steering sharp and your custom trucks aligned for the right balance on or off the road.
Power Steering and Brake Fluid Checks
Both steering and stopping are even more important to the act of driving as accelerating. That’s why keeping an eye on your power steering and brake fluid levels, as well as your windshield washer fluid, is like checking the pulse of your truck.
Power steering fluid keeps your steering system’s functioning, and ignoring it could result in an unwelcome challenge, a heavy steering wheel. To ensure smooth sailing, routinely check the reservoir and top off the fluid as needed.
But what about when it’s time to stop? Your brakes are your best friend when it comes to avoiding a fender bender, and that friendship relies heavily on good quality brake fluid. Over time, brake fluid can become a sponge for moisture, leading to air pockets, and therefore, less responsive brakes and increased stopping distances.
To keep that relationship strong, regularly inspect the brake fluid level and quality, making sure it’s within the safe markers on the reservoir.
Regular inspections of both systems not only keep your truck running smoothly but also prevent the surprise of a steering or brake failure. It’s the peace of mind that comes from knowing every component is working properly, ensuring your journey is as safe as it is enjoyable.
Air Filter Changes
An engine air filter is one of the most important parts of a professional service you get on your pickup truck. Our service technicians have a trained eye to know when your old one has to go.Have you ever considered the quality of air your engine intakes? Just like us, it needs a clean, unobstructed flow to perform at its best. That’s where the humble air filter comes in: a guardian that stands between your engine and the onslaught of dust and debris that comes with the open road.
Keeping your air filter clean means ensuring that your engine can gulp down that fresh air, translating to smoother acceleration and a boost in torque. That’s why one of the best aftermarket truck modifications is a cold air intake!
However, it’s not solely about the intake. Your engine’s emissions are equally important. A clean air filter plays a pivotal role in reducing harmful emissions, helping you leave a lighter footprint on the environment while keeping your engine’s performance optimized.
When to clean and when to replace is a question for some doing DIY truck maintenance. While a mild dusting can be brushed away, if your air filter looks like it’s been through dry and arid off-roading trails, it’s time for a new one. A fresh filter can make a world of difference in your engine’s health and your truck’s overall performance.
Electrical System Inspection
Let’s discuss the electrical system of your truck. This network of wires and circuits is what keeps your dashboard lit up and your cargo mobile. Regular inspections can flag potential issues before they leave you stranded. From the battery connections to the alternator and starter motor, each component needs a clean bill of health to keep the electrical current flowing smoothly.
Have you ever turned the key only to be greeted by silence? Corroded battery connections or an aging battery could be the culprits, leaving you stranded and frustrated. By routinely checking and cleaning these connections, and replacing the battery, when necessary or advised by our service technicians, you ensure that your truck starts up without a hitch every time.
As our truck maintenance technicians can tell you, you shouldn’t overlook the fuses; despite their small size, they have a considerable influence on your truck’s electrical operations. Keeping a spare set within reach means you can quickly swap out a blown fuse and get back on the road with all systems go.
Exterior Cleaning and Protection
Our custom trucks might have aftermarket paint protection, like PPF. In case you don’t have it, a part of our service is prevention of paint corrosion by waxing and sealing!Transitioning from the internals to the aesthetics, it’s time to discuss your truck’s exterior. It’s not just about a parked truck’s curb appeal; regular cleaning is your first line of defense against abrasive dirt that can scratch and damage your paintwork. A deep clean does more than turn heads. It preserves the integrity of your vehicle’s skin, shielding it from the elements and the wear and tear of the road.
But cleaning is just the beginning. Performing maintenance tasks and detailing your truck every six months isn’t overdoing it; it’s about protection and preservation. This includes a thorough polish that not only brings out the shine but also reinforces the paint’s defense against environmental corrosive agents.
And for those who want to go the extra mile, a wax, sealant, or ceramic coating can add an extra layer of armor, safeguarding your truck from water spots and pollutants that threaten its gleaming finish. Regular maintenance isn’t just about what’s under the hood; regular maintenance should include keeping your truck looking as good as it runs.
Following Manufacturer’s Recommendations
While progressing through the maintenance checklist, we mustn’t overlook our guiding compass, the manufacturer’s recommendations. Tucked away in your owner’s manual are the tailored tips and specifics that are designed just for your OEM truck.
This personalized guidance offers insights into the nuances of your truck, from fluid levels to towing capacity, ensuring that you’re giving your vehicle the proper care it deserves.
Choosing the right parts and accessories for your pickup truck can be like navigating a maze, but sticking to the manufacturer’s recommendations can simplify your journey. It’s the difference between taking guesswork detours and driving straight toward efficiency and reduced breakdowns.
In the end, adhering to these guidelines isn’t just rules for the sake of rules; it’s all about ensuring the efficient operation of each part of your truck, including the exteriors, and guaranteeing its reliable performance for many more journeys. It won’t just keep you moving, but it can also help to improve fuel efficiency for truck drivers.
If you’re financing a used truck, solid maintenance tips can keep your truck pushing the envelope and performing well at high mileages. That drives your overall cost of truck ownership way down.
Schedule Your Next Truck Service at Summit Trucks
Some fluid levels might escape your notice. Suspension fluid is one of those things that doesn’t always get checked, but for our aftermarket customers with lengthened suspension, it’s a priority. Don’t leave it to chance!From the roar of the engine to the gleam of the paint, every aspect of truck maintenance we’ve covered is a step towards ensuring your vehicle remains your reliable companion on the road. Remember, truck maintenance is an investment – in safety, performance, and peace of mind.
Professional maintenance takes out the guesswork by providing expert knowledge and precision, ensuring that every aspect of your truck is thoroughly inspected and serviced according to the highest standards. This practice not only saves you time and effort but also guarantees that your vehicle receives the exact care it needs for optimal performance and longevity.
It’s especially important for maintenance on a truck you use for work; your livelihood could depend on catching problems before they get more serious, or preventing them outright.
By following these essential tips, you’re not just maintaining a truck; you’re nurturing a relationship with a machine that powers your recreation and even your livelihood. Keep these pointers top of mind and your truck will keep rolling strong, mile after mile. Contact us to get penciled in for your next service appointment, and feel free to ask our service advisors how the technicians went through everything!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I change my truck’s engine oil?
You should change your truck’s engine oil based on your driving conditions, such as frequent towing or dusty environments. High-quality oils like Shell T4 Conventional, T5 Synthetic Blend, or T6 Full Synthetic for Ford Diesels require regular changes to maintain engine health. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
Why is tire pressure so important for my truck?
Keeping the right tire pressure in your truck is crucial for safety, fuel efficiency, and prolonging tire lifespan. It also helps your truck handle properly and prevents uneven tire wear. Off-roading tire pressure can vary things too. While factory tires fall within a narrow range of PSI, oversized tires for looks or off-roading have their own ideal PSI. Ask us for tire pressure pointers after your next service with us!
How do I know if my truck’s air filter needs cleaning or replacing?
If your truck’s air filter is significantly worn or excessively clogged, it should be replaced for better engine health and performance. Keeping a mildly dirty air filter is ok, but anything beyond that can affect your truck’s efficiency. And don’t forget about the cabin filter! Your engine isn’t the only thing that needs fresh air. Your lungs need it too! Replace a cabin filter at least every 5 years, preferably more often.
What is the importance of suspension fluid maintenance for lifted trucks?
Maintaining suspension fluid in lifted trucks is even more important than factory build for ensuring a smooth and controlled ride, especially when navigating rough terrains in the Rockies. Regularly check and top off the suspension fluid to avoid issues such as reduced shock absorption and uneven tire wear.
Additionally, using high-quality suspension fluid can enhance the performance and longevity of your truck’s suspension system, keeping it in peak condition for all your off-road adventures.
How can I protect my truck’s exterior finish?
To protect your truck’s exterior finish, make sure to regularly clean it, detail it every six months, and consider applying wax, sealant, or ceramic coating. This will help safeguard the paint from environmental damage and keep it looking great. As part of a custom truck modification, you could even apply a PPF with designs you love!
