7 Cardinal Rules That Keep Your Used Chevy Truck Running Forever
Own a Chevrolet used truck? Then you already know they are almost indestructible.
Almost.
Chevy builds tough trucks, but it takes some tough truck love to make them last almost forever. The key to your Chevy's long life is maintenance, of course.
But what do these "never say die" trucks need to go the distance? The old saying that you get out what you put in is definitely true here.
That's why these 7 diehard rules are a must for keeping your used Chevy truck running into the next millennium.
1. Oil Maintenance
Never, ever miss an oil change. Ever! Used trucks will often need more frequent oil changes than a new one. So, make sure you check your truck's oil levels once a week, preferably before you start driving.
You may find that every now and then you'll need to add a little oil to keep the engine humming along.
2. Tire Rotation
Any used car, truck, or SUV you buy should have relatively new tires. It's your job to keep those tires performing for thousands of miles.
Whether you're constantly on the road or you just drive your truck back and forth to work, tire maintenance is a must!
Checking air pressure and rotating the tires periodically ensures even wear and can extend the life of your tires. Plus, you get a much smoother ride.
3. Balance Tires
When you get your tires rotated, get them balanced, too. Every pothole, bump, or off-road mission can put your tires out of balance, which leads to vibrations while driving.
That can cause increased wear on your suspension as well as uneven tire wear.
4. Wheel Alignment
Is your truck pulling to one side or another? It's time for a wheel alignment. High speed driving and traveling on aggressive roads can take a big toll on your truck's wheel alignment.
To keep the smoothest ride possible, as well as maintaining your truck's balance, get regular wheel alignments! Check your owner's manual for how often you should have a wheel alignment performed.
5. Air Filter Changes
When you neglect to change your truck's air filter, it's hard for it to "breathe." Trucks need fresh air just like people do.
Change your air filter every 15,000-30,000 miles to ensure that nothing is clogging up your engine.
6. Check Lights
It's good to periodically check the interior and exterior lighting of your truck. A dim light can indicate a possible electrical problem.
A burned out exterior light is not only dangerous, you can get a hefty fine, too. Is your glove box stocked with spare fuses?
Having a few fuses on hand can keep you from calling a very expensive tow truck!
7. Check Fluid Levels
Make sure essential fluid levels are kept up. The most important fluid check is your engine oil, followed by the engine coolant.
Lastly, check out your windshield washer fluid.
These seven cardinal rules to used truck longevity are essential. They aren't hard, and they don't take a lot of time. Best of all, dedicated maintenance will keep your Chevy truck love going for years and years.
Looking to buy a quality used or new truck? Stop by Joe Bowman Auto Plaza or visit us online: www.joebowmanautoplaza.com
