\n<\/p>\n
Why do you love your truck? Is it the durability? Or the ability to haul everything you need for a home improvement project?<\/p>\n
Maybe you like sitting up higher and having four-wheel drive when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Whatever the case may be, you can take a few steps to extend the life of your favorite ride.<\/p>\n
Get the most out of your truck with these maintenance tips.<\/p>\n
When oil turns to sludge, bad things happen to your engine.<\/p>\n
Your oil filter helps remove dust, debris and other contaminants that can build up in your engine. To be on the safe side, change your oil filter every time you change your oil.<\/p>\n
But when should you change your oil? Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or every six months (whichever comes first).<\/p>\n
You might want to check the oil more often if you regularly drive off-road or haul heavy loads.<\/p>\n
You know all about oil, but you should check these fluids, too:<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Rotating your tires helps them wear more evenly, and doing this could extend their life.<\/p>\n Michelin<\/a>\u00a0recommends rotating your truck tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles or every six months. You could do this every time you change your oil.<\/p>\n Tires with low pressure burn more fuel, and they can drain engine power.<\/p>\n Do you know where to find the recommended tire pressure for your truck? You should be able to find it on a sticker inside the door jamb or in your owner\u2019s manual.<\/p>\n It\u2019s easy to check your PSI every week. PSI gauges are cheap, too.<\/p>\n Pay close attention to tire pressure throughout summer and winter.\u00a0Goodyear<\/a>\u00a0says extreme cold can cause tire PSI to drop, while extreme heat can cause PSI to rise.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n What happens when your front end alignment drifts over time? Your tires roll slightly sideways instead of straight. Just like low tire pressure, a misalignment puts more strain on your engine.<\/p>\n That\u2019s why you should check your truck\u2019s alignment at least once every year.<\/p>\n Here are the benefits of washing your truck, courtesy of\u00a0<\/b>Motor Biscuit<\/b><\/a>:<\/b><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n You have to pay closer attention to your health as you age. The same rule applies to your truck.<\/p>\n If you have an older truck, keep a close watch on the following maintenance areas.<\/p>\n There are clear signs your truck needs new brakes (see: screeching, grinding, and a spongy brake pedal). Brake pads last anywhere from 35,000 to 60,000 miles, according to\u00a0Advance Auto Parts<\/a>.<\/p>\n There are calipers and rotors to consider, too. They can become warped as you rack up miles. It\u2019s a good rule of thumb to check all brake components every six months.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Bad shocks and struts can cause uneven tire wear, long stopping distances, and a harsh ride. They present very serious safety hazards, too.<\/p>\n\n
Rotate the Tires<\/b><\/h3>\n
Check Tire Pressure<\/b><\/h3>\n
Check Alignment<\/b><\/h3>\n
Give It a Wash<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Maintenance Tips for Older Trucks<\/b><\/h2>\n
Don\u2019t Ignore Those Squeaky Brakes<\/b><\/h3>\n
Monitor Your Shocks and Struts<\/b><\/h3>\n