It’s easy to see the appeal of a pickup. When you get right down to it, not only are these rugged utility vehicles very versatile, but they also provide their drivers and passengers a unique level of comfort, durability, and safety that no other automobile classes can match. However, these advantages come at a price, specifically when it comes to routine maintenance. Apart from the regular fluid and air filter changes, rotation of the tires, and brake inspection, there are a few other areas that will require your attention to ensure that it runs as intended. To this end, here’s everything you need to know to maintain your pickup truck.
Table of Contents
1. Check The Suspension
The suspension of a vehicle is usually something that many car owners tend to take for granted. However, it’s a system that you should never ignore if you own a pickup truck. When you get right down to it, the suspension system is supporting a lot of weight. And if you regularly use your pickup to haul heavy items, it’s bound to wear out much quicker than you might realize, which can lead to a rough ride at best and a potentially unsafe ride at worst. So, make sure that you have the suspension of your truck checked whenever you bring it in for regular maintenance.
2. Make Sure That The Wheels Are Aligned
Road vehicles depend on precise steering to operate safely. And if you’ve ever taken your pickup truck off-road or regularly drive it on roads with poor conditions, there’s a good chance that you can compromise its driving precision due to misaligned wheels. As such, it makes sense to have the wheel alignment of the vehicle checked, especially if it starts drifting or gives off a vague feeling with the steering. Not only will you avoid premature and uneven tire wear by doing so, but you’ll minimize the risks of accidents from happening.
3. Don’t Forget About The Bed
One of the reasons why many prefer pickups over other road vehicles is its ability to haul large and heavy cargo. And if you want to keep it fulfilling its intended purpose, you mustn’t forget to give the bed the attention that it deserves. After all, not only is it exposed to the elements, but it’s also designed to handle large and bulky items. From the addition of a nice tonneau cover to a spray in bedliner from Durabak, making sure that your truck bed is protected is essential to the vehicle’s longevity.
4. Keep The Undercarriage Clean
It’s easy to overlook the undercarriage, but it’s vital to clean it on a regular basis. After all, it’s the part of the truck that gets the most abuse. And if you don’t keep it clean, there’s a good chance that rot and corrosion can set in. And this can lead to potentially costly repairs down the road.
Maintaining a pickup doesn’t always have to be a daunting proposition. And by making sure that you check the suspension, keep the wheels aligned, address any issues with the bed, and clean its undercarriage, you’ll keep your truck performing as safely and efficiently as possible.