You depend on your truck day in and day out to get the job done. Regular maintenance and care will keep your beloved truck in peak shape for as long as possible. Here are three easy things you should be doing to keep your truck in tip-top shape.
If you haven’t already, add these steps to your maintenance routine.
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Regular Upkeep and Maintenance
It’s important to have regularly scheduled maintenance at a mechanic’s shop, as well as regularly changing the oil, rotating the tires, and more. Regular maintenance feels like a no-brainer, but between work, family, and the rest of life, it can sometimes accidentally fall by the wayside. Fortunately, most of these items are relatively inexpensive and straightforward, so an investment in upkeep now will yield rewards in the long run in terms of ensuring that your truck lasts as long as possible and stays in in good shape.
Change your oil and oil filter on a regular basis. We recommend changing your oil every 7,500 miles or six months, whichever comes first. You can do this on your own rather than at a shop, but make sure to pick out the right oil for your needs. There are dozens of different kinds of oil on the market. Double-check your owner’s manual to make sure you’re getting an oil with the right viscosity index for your truck. In addition to a regular oil change, you’ll also want to ensure that your tires are inflated properly, check your fluid levels, check your radiator, and rotate your tires to ensure even wear on a regular basis.
Much of this you can do by yourself if you’re so inclined. Nevertheless, it’s still helpful to have a technician take a look at your truck on a regular basis. They can help spot issues early and prevent unnecessary wear.
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Drive Smarter
Bad driving habits can cause increased wear and tear on your truck. Things like aggressive tailgating, quick starts, and abrupt braking can affect the life of your truck’s engine, sensors, hoses, and brakes. Whenever possible, instead of driving aggressively, sit back, relax, and maintain a reasonable distance from the vehicles around you on the road.
City driving can be tough, especially with a crew cab or a long bed, but try to keep up with the general flow of traffic and maintain plenty of following distance. Your nerves and your truck will both thank you!
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Keep It Clean
Cleaning your truck can feel like a luxury or merely a cosmetic issue, but cold weather, grime accumulated from the road, and more can damage the body of your truck over time. Giving it a wash on a regular basis, even if that just means running it through a hands-free car wash or hosing it down, is not a bad idea.
Similarly, waxing on a fairly regular basis will keep a protective topcoat on your truck, which in turn protects the paint.
To find your next truck, stop by and check out our wide selection at Tom O’Brien Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Dealer in Greenwood.
Image via Flickr by Jill Carlson under use of CC BY 2.0
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