Spring is the perfect season to take your truck to your auto technician and address the potential consequences caused by road salt, sand, cold temperatures, icy conditions, and more from winter. It’s important to do this before they escalate into serious problems.
Here are eight tips for spring truck maintenance and why it’s important to keep your truck in excellent running condition.
Oil and Filter Change
Regularly changing your oil and filters is important for maintaining a healthy engine. Oil lubricates and cools the engine while collecting impurities. As it ages, however, its effectiveness diminishes. Neglecting to replace engine oil on time can result in the following:
- Poor engine performance
- Increased fuel consumption
- Potentially severe engine damage
- Reduced engine lifespan
Fluid Check
Checking your fluids is another vital step in spring maintenance. Ensure that you inspect the following:
- Power steering fluid
- Brake fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
- Coolant levels
Top off any low fluids and flush or replace them according to your owner’s manual recommendations.
Tire Maintenance
Spring tire maintenance involves replacing winter tires with regular ones (if applicable). What’s more, it’s important to regularly do the following:
- Check tire pressure
- Rotate tires every 5000 miles
- Monitor tread wear
Tires are the only point of contact between your truck and the road, so proper maintenance is crucial.
Wiper Blade Replacement
Winter can be extremely tough on wiper blades. It’s advisable to replace them in spring to prepare for the onset of spring showers and ensure optimal visibility.
Battery Check
Cool temperatures can negatively affect your battery’s performance. Spring is an opportune time to have it tested. At this time, ensure that it is securely mounted with strong connections free of corrosion. Batteries older than five years may require replacement.
Rubber Components
Rubber components such as belts and hoses can harden and become damaged in subzero temperatures. It’s important to inspect all belts and hoses in the spring for any signs of damage. Replacing belts may also necessitate replacing the tensioner and pulleys to prevent belt slippage.
Lighting Check
Thoroughly inspect all exterior and interior lights to ensure road safety. It is particularly important to clean your exterior lights meticulously. Malfunctioning or dirty lights may fail to signal your intentions to fellow motorists, potentially leading to accidents.
Why Is Truck Maintenance So Important?
There are a number of reasons why it’s important to maintain your truck. One reason that may not occur to some people, however, is that of safety. You, as a truck owner, are safer, your passengers are safer, and drivers/pedestrians around you are safer if your truck is operating in tip-top condition. This is particularly applicable where brakes, the horn, headlights, windshield wipers, tires, and more are concerned.
The better you can see while you’re driving, the more capable your truck is of stopping quickly when it needs to. No one wants to be the cause of a personal injury accident.
Despite Proper Maintenance, if You Get in a Truck Accident Consult with Our Expert Legal Team
What are the most important considerations prior to filing a claim for a truck accident? It is important to be aware of the timing aspect because it’s advantageous to take action promptly.
Giving notice of the accident to an attorney and preserving all relevant documents pertaining to the truck, its maintenance, and the driver’s records, is of the utmost importance.
If you find yourself involved in a truck accident, the key step is to reach out to Corradino & Papa, LLC. Call 973-574-1200 or use our online form to contact a representative.