Hardly can you imagine a more versatile vehicle than a light truck. Whether you are a business owner or an independent contractor, need to control and maintain a sufficient property or transport some equipment or small cargo from time to time, owning a light truck will definitely make your life easier and your work much more efficient.
Yes, a light truck is the ultimate “working stiff,” but just like any other hard-working vehicle, especially the one that mainly goes through rural terrain, it may require some special treatment from time to time.
In this article, we shall talk about the 5 things every truck owner should remember to preserve its value and condition and ensure their working horse is always ready for service.
Pay attention to the exterior
A truck may not seem to be the case when the exterior of a vehicle is crucial. That is why many truck owners neglect car wash for a very long time and don’t pay attention to some scratches and dents on the vehicle’s body.
However, keeping an eye on the exterior of your truck is one of the golden maintenance rules for every owner. Hardly can you imagine any other vehicle that would go off-road that often, drive in such harsh conditions, taking sufficient workload during every ride.
Yes, this is what those light trucks are made for, and yours will inevitably get dirty when you drive through mud, gravel, and debris. But at the same time, by washing your vehicle regularly and taking care of the exterior, you will instantly imagine any signs of rust, corrosion, or other damage and take care of them before they grow into something much more serious and costly.
Change oil and other fluids regularly
It may seem like very trivial advice, relevant for any vehicle. And it is.
However, talking about trucks, we should remember that the workload on the engine, in this case, is much higher than in the case of any other car. Yes, your light truck has a much stronger engine than any urban sedan, but it only means that the oil and other fluids meant to lubricate its parts and prevent damage also work much harder.
The frequency of oil changes for a truck depends on many factors, just like with any other car. You can find the exact numbers and recommendations in the owner’s manual. However, make sure to at least check the oil every time you refuel.
Don’t forget to rotate the tires
Tire rotation is another essential maintenance routine for any type of vehicle. Normally, you would be recommended to rotate tires in your car every 6 months or 6,000-8,000 miles.
But, as we have already mentioned, a truck will probably drive off-road, at least sometimes, go through grovel, debris, and other unforgiving surfaces. You should also consider the workload of such vehicles, cargo transportation, towing, etc.
Therefore, light truck tires should be rotated at least every 5,000-7,000 miles or even sooner, depending on where and how you drive.
Check the breaks
The condition of the brakes is one of the vital safety factors for any car. Therefore, you should check them regularly and address professional expertise every time you suspect that the brakes need replacement.
A truck is the type of vehicle where the workload on brakes is particularly high, especially if you use it for towing boats, campers, or carrying heavy loads.
Generally, mechanics and manufacturers say that the brake pads on your light truck will serve somewhere around 50,000 miles. However, it is best to ask for a brake check-up every time you do an oil change or come for any other routine maintenance.
Find a reliable body shop
Your truck is more than just a vehicle. It is your partner, your friend, someone who helps your business or household grow and remain prosperous. That is why it is vital to find a place where qualified mechanics will take good care of your working horse and ensure it stays safe, efficient, and as capable as the day you got it.
If you live in Montana’s Greater Flathead Valley area, in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls and Polson, make sure to check out one of the branches of OHS Body Shop. Here you will find a team of qualified professionals who will treat your truck with all the attention and respect, provide routine maintenance procedures or make any necessary urgent repairs to make sure that your “working stiff” will serve you faithfully for many years.
