A truck is a very big investment. Taking good care of your truck to increase its longevity should be high in your list of priorities. Obviously your truck will age and show signs of wear and tear, but there are definite steps you can take to increase the life of your truck. Here are just five.
Keeping it clean
Keeping your truck clean will not only make it look great but it will help preserve it in good working order. Keeping your truck free of debris and dirt will help prevent rust on the exterior and preserve the interior. A thorough clean should include the exterior of the cab and trailer as well as the interior of the cab. And for a really sparkling clean, alloy and metal trim should be polished and tyre black applied. Truck drivers may feel tired at the end of a long haul but paying attention to cleaning the truck is important. Some companies like www.amcclean.com.au offer a mobile cleaning service which can help ensure you keep your truck in a good clean condition even if your schedule is hectic.
Changing the oil and the filters
You need to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations for changing oil and filters. It is a good idea to use high performance oil if you want to reduce wear on your engine and improve fuel consumption. Quality is important for an excellent result. Oil filters also differ in quality from an economy range, right through to the best filters on the market. What you buy will depend on your budge. It’s a good idea to buy the best filter you can afford as it will help to prevent contaminants from going through the engine and causing damage. A premium filter will increase the life of your truck.
Keeping it cool
The truck’s cooling system depends on a correct mix of water and coolant to operate properly. It’s important to get this right. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid risking damage to the truck’s engine. Generally a 50/50 mixture is adequate for most trucks, but be sure to check the owner’s manual for correct mixing details.
Check for leaks
Always keep a good eye under the bonnet of your truck for any sign of leaks. Also check under a stationary vehicle to make sure there is no fluid on the ground. It is better to prevent a problem before it happens. Regular checks will ensure your truck is running correctly and save significantly on wear and tear. If you see a puddle under your truck you need to investigate. Leaking coolant will cause your engine to overheat and could end up damaging your motor.
Drive smoothly
How you drive will affect the longevity of your truck. Try to accelerate and slow down as smoothly as you possibly can. This will also give you better fuel economy and increase the life of your brake pads. Good driving habits will also save you from costly repairs to the engine.
