10 Steps Every Used Truck Owner Should Take for A Long Lasting Ride
Harrisonburg used truck owners are pretty darn serious about their trucks. And it's no wonder. Trucks are considered to be some of the most durable vehicles on the road. But if you don’t give them the care they need, they won’t stay durable.
That's why we’ve put together 10 essential care tips, some of which are common sense but sometimes overlooked. Following these tips will make sure your truck loves you back mile after mile.
Transmission
If you’re driving a 4 x 4 off road, the transmission is getting seriously taxed. Invest in an oil cooler if your vehicle doesn’t have an auxiliary one. Automatic transmissions tend to overheat more so than manuals when driven off road. Make sure you change the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles.
Differentials
The gears on the front and rear axles are called differentials and allow the wheels to turn at different speeds. A 4 x 4 truck has a complex set of differentials that must have regular lubrication to function properly.
When you change the differential oil, look for milky white discoloration or flakes. These can be signs of contamination that could lead to a more costly repair later on.
Engine
Whether your truck is for urban driving or off-road trails, environmental impurities abound, gradually building up in the engine’s filter. You’ll want to change the engine filter every 20,000 miles to keep feeding the engine plenty of clean air to run its best.
Diesel Trucks: Check Glow Plugs
Diesel engines compress heat to ignite the engine. However, they don’t burn hot on their own. That’s where glow plugs come in. They give your engine that extra push needed to get fuel burning. Check glow plugs regularly, but especially during cold winter months. Your owner’s manual will guide you on how often to replace them.
Lean, Mean, and Clean
A lot of mud and dirt is almost a badge of honor on a truck, but dirt also deteriorates the exterior. Bits of rocks, salt, dirt, and whatever else the environment can throw your way is a detriment. Keep your truck clean to preserve the exterior and its resale value!
Tires: Balance, Rotate, and Align
When it comes to tires, not enough truck owners do their due diligence to keep tires performing to their full potential. Balancing tires ensure your truck suspension has a long life. Regular wheel alignment is another area that truck owners need to pay extra attention.
Rugged terrain can put a hurting on your wheelbase and that shows up in lower gas mileage, poor handling, and reduced tire quality. Remember to keep tires properly inflated and spread the weight of the load evenly.
Underbelly Protection
Your truck’s undercarriage is vulnerable to incremental damage from rock debris, rain, ice, and snow. Over time it wreaks havoc! Protect it from rust, salt and scratches by applying a coat of protective oil.
Bed Liner
A truck bed gets heavy use so protect it from everyday wear and tear with a truck liner. There are many kinds to choose from. Just find the one that’s right from you and ward off the dings that lead to rust!
Garage or Carport
Yes, your truck is a rugged beast but it’s still susceptible to the weather. Store your truck in a garage or carport to further protect it.
Change Oil and Fluids
Change your oil regularly! We know we sound like a broken record, but regular oil changes are crucial to the health of your engine. Also check the levels of three main fluids:
• The engine oil for obvious impurities
• Your coolant fluid. Let your owner’s manual be your guide here
• Your windshield wiper fluid
For Harrisonburg used truck owners, these 10 preventive steps will keep your truck purring well into old age.
When you’re ready to buy a quality used truck, turn to Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. We’ve been helping people just like you for 60+ years to find the truck that fits your lifestyle. Learn more about us on the web.
That's why we’ve put together 10 essential care tips, some of which are common sense but sometimes overlooked. Following these tips will make sure your truck loves you back mile after mile.
Transmission
If you’re driving a 4 x 4 off road, the transmission is getting seriously taxed. Invest in an oil cooler if your vehicle doesn’t have an auxiliary one. Automatic transmissions tend to overheat more so than manuals when driven off road. Make sure you change the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles.
Differentials
The gears on the front and rear axles are called differentials and allow the wheels to turn at different speeds. A 4 x 4 truck has a complex set of differentials that must have regular lubrication to function properly.
When you change the differential oil, look for milky white discoloration or flakes. These can be signs of contamination that could lead to a more costly repair later on.
Engine
Whether your truck is for urban driving or off-road trails, environmental impurities abound, gradually building up in the engine’s filter. You’ll want to change the engine filter every 20,000 miles to keep feeding the engine plenty of clean air to run its best.
Diesel Trucks: Check Glow Plugs
Diesel engines compress heat to ignite the engine. However, they don’t burn hot on their own. That’s where glow plugs come in. They give your engine that extra push needed to get fuel burning. Check glow plugs regularly, but especially during cold winter months. Your owner’s manual will guide you on how often to replace them.
Lean, Mean, and Clean
A lot of mud and dirt is almost a badge of honor on a truck, but dirt also deteriorates the exterior. Bits of rocks, salt, dirt, and whatever else the environment can throw your way is a detriment. Keep your truck clean to preserve the exterior and its resale value!
Tires: Balance, Rotate, and Align
When it comes to tires, not enough truck owners do their due diligence to keep tires performing to their full potential. Balancing tires ensure your truck suspension has a long life. Regular wheel alignment is another area that truck owners need to pay extra attention.
Rugged terrain can put a hurting on your wheelbase and that shows up in lower gas mileage, poor handling, and reduced tire quality. Remember to keep tires properly inflated and spread the weight of the load evenly.
Underbelly Protection
Your truck’s undercarriage is vulnerable to incremental damage from rock debris, rain, ice, and snow. Over time it wreaks havoc! Protect it from rust, salt and scratches by applying a coat of protective oil.
Bed Liner
A truck bed gets heavy use so protect it from everyday wear and tear with a truck liner. There are many kinds to choose from. Just find the one that’s right from you and ward off the dings that lead to rust!
Garage or Carport
Yes, your truck is a rugged beast but it’s still susceptible to the weather. Store your truck in a garage or carport to further protect it.
Change Oil and Fluids
Change your oil regularly! We know we sound like a broken record, but regular oil changes are crucial to the health of your engine. Also check the levels of three main fluids:
• The engine oil for obvious impurities
• Your coolant fluid. Let your owner’s manual be your guide here
• Your windshield wiper fluid
For Harrisonburg used truck owners, these 10 preventive steps will keep your truck purring well into old age.
When you’re ready to buy a quality used truck, turn to Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. We’ve been helping people just like you for 60+ years to find the truck that fits your lifestyle. Learn more about us on the web.
