5 Ways to Keep Your Used Truck Running Forever
There's nothing like the feel of stepping inside a new or quality used truck and driving it off the lot. It's the best feeling in the world!
The good news is with proper routine truck maintenance, you can keep that good truck feeling for 100,000 miles or more.
If you love your truck as much as you love your partner and kids, then take a look at our 5 simple ways to show some truck love.
Religiously Change the Oil
We can't preach this enough. Clean oil protects and lubricates your truck's engine. Dirty engine oil causes problems.
Because it's easy for oil to become contaminated with dirt, dust, and debris, changing it regularly will help keep the engine running smoothly. Just make sure you use a quality engine oil.
Consult your owner's manual to find what's recommended. Remember, keeping your engine happy will keep it purring for a long, long time!
Brake Fluid Mantra for the Care of Your Used Truck
Automedia.com has a good observation, "Brake fluid is cheap; calipers, hoses and sensors are expensive." You might want to write that down and put it where you can see it every day.
Changing your truck's brake fluid at least once per year is a money saver and life extender. Just like your engine oil, the kind of brake fluid and grease you use is just as important as changing the oil itself.
It keeps you from having to eventually replace more time-consuming, expensive parts. We don't have to tell you what a headache that is!
And, as always, consult your owner's manual to choose the right brake fluid for your vehicle. Adhering to scheduled lubrication will keep your powertrain strong!
Get a Front End Alignment as Needed
A vital part of truck maintenance is keeping the vehicle in alignment. Watch for unnecessary tire wear, a lack of steering control, and worsening gas mileage.
It's a good practice to have our service department check the alignment when you get the oil changed.
Routinely Replace the Coolant
This one is critical. Just ask Auto Trader. They say, "A cooling system failure can result in your engine literally melting down."
Fortunately, replacing coolant is easy to do and it'll save you in the long run. Don't risk it.
Protect Your Tires
Tires naturally lose air. That's why it's important to check them at least once each month. For every 8 pounds a tire is under inflated, the rolling resistance of your tires increases by 5%.
Check the inflation regularly and rotate tires to maintain even tread wear on all four tires. This also extends their life, helps with good gas mileage, and prolongs suspension components by reducing truck vibrations.
Our service department will also inspect the undercarriage, checking for possible problems that could become more costly later.
Another Way to Help Keep Your Truck in Good Shape
Life gets so busy that it's easy to lose track of when you did what. That's why we have a bonus suggestion.
Keep a record of dates of services performed on your truck with an inexpensive booklet. You can buy one at Wal-Mart and store it in the glove compartment for easy retrieval.
If you'll follow these practical tips, both you and your used truck will have many happy miles together!
As a Harrisonburg car dealer of 60 years, Joe Bowman Auto Plaza works diligently to make sure your truck runs smoothly for years to come.
Our certified Chevy technicians are experienced at working on all kinds of trucks, not just Chevrolets.
Stop by and see our immaculate service department!
