A Beginner’s Guide to Truck Maintenance

The best way to keep your truck running smoothly and out of the repair shop is with regular maintenance. However, with so many tasks to take care of, it can be hard to keep up with preventative maintenance. We've created this brief guide to help you keep track of everything. If you uncover an issue with your vehicle, visit the experts at Palmer Trucks. Keep reading to learn more, and if you’re looking for a quality truck for sale, get in touch with us at one of our 13 dealerships located in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois. Our friendly staff will be happy to show you what we have available right now.

Check the Owner’s Manual

First and foremost, the best thing you can do is to read your owner’s manual. It will have all the details you need to take care of your truck, including any specific maintenance guidelines, as well as service scheduling. There are a lot of problems that can be solved with a quick look at the owner’s manual, saving you the time and energy of calling a professional. You can also use the manual to write down whatever maintenance you perform, as well as any repairs you make. This information will be useful if you choose to sell your vehicle down the road.

Oil Change

Regular change is important for your commuter vehicle and it's important for your truck, too. Try to aim for inspecting the oil level and quality before each trip. This will help you gauge the overall engine health and more easily spot changes. Frequent oil checks are especially important if you are using a new vehicle or a model that recently underwent serious repairs. 

Inspect the Radiator

The radiator plays a key role in ensuring that your engine does not overheat. Make sure that your radiator has enough fluid before each trip and top it off if needed. If you spot any leaks, contact the service department here at Palmer Trucks to schedule an appointment with our expert mechanics so we can get your truck checked over.

Suspension

This is one element of your truck that can be easy to look over, but it’s important to keep it in peak condition. A healthy suspension extends the life of your truck by eliminating vibration that can otherwise cause problems over the long term. The suspension system also makes you much more comfortable as you drive.

Brakes

Stay up-to-date with any brake maintenance and get them regularly checked by a professional. As you drive, stay alert for vibrations or odd sounds when you apply the brakes. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, bring your rig in for an inspection as soon as possible.

When you take care of your truck with proper maintenance, it will serve you well for years to come. If you need any assistance with your heavy vehicle, stop by and see us at Palmer Trucks. We also offer a wide range of high-quality trucks for sale. We have 12 dealerships across Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois, so stop by your nearest location today!