Whether you drive a pickup or a heavy-duty truck, keeping your vehicle in top shape is an absolute must for getting a hard job done. Because of this, drivers should be mindful of a few truck service essentials for maintaining their vehicles. Here are a few do’s and don’ts you should follow to keep your truck in good working condition.

Do:

Check and change the oil regularly.

Truck drivers should always follow oil change recommendations listed in their owner’s manual. However, because trucks usually spend a lot of time idling with the engine running, they need oil changes more frequently than with other vehicles—as often as 2,000 to 3,000 miles.

Inspect the suspension when hauling heavy loads.

Regularly hauling heavy loads puts truck suspension systems at a much greater risk of sagging or breaking. In particular, springs and shock absorbers are vulnerable to loose bolts, cracks, or leaks. Have professionals inspect the suspension system every three to six months.

Don’t:

Forget to check the coolant and transmission fluid.

Oil changes are important, but so are the other fluids in your truck. The coolant helps control engine temperatures, while transmission fluid keeps that complex system operating properly. Have professionals check and change these fluids every 25,000 miles.

Neglect tire rotations and brake checks.

Heavy loads put extra pressure on the rear axle, causing those tires to wear faster. The additional weight also increases brake wear. As such, strictly follow manufacturer tire rotation guidelines, and inspect the brakes as part of the tire rotation. At a minimum, take care of these services at every other oil change.

No matter what type of truck service or maintenance you need, you can count on Stephenson Truck Repair. Serving the Lincoln, NE area since 1966, this family-owned and -operated truck body shop works with both gas and diesel-powered vehicles, and they offer 24-hour emergency support. To learn more about their truck services, visit them online or call (402) 466-8532.