What’s the difference between a car and a truck? With so many vehicles on the road today, it can sometimes be difficult to classify each into a separate category. And once you do, why does it matter?
To start, the main difference between a car and a truck is the intention of the vehicle. Cars are designed to carry people. Trucks are designed for hauling. That’s why the truck bed is a prominent feature. They may look different, but are the rules the same for keeping your truck in good repair?
Mid-size vs full-size pickup trucks – what’s the difference?
In general, there are two separate classes of trucks: mid-size pickup trucks, and full-size pickup trucks. As the name implies, full-size pickups will be larger than their mid-size counterparts, and in general, will have a more powerful engine. But the force of the engine doesn’t equate to performance; both mid-size and full-size can perform equally well.
Where the two separate is with towing and payload capacity. Full-size pickups are larger, have a bigger engine, and a much larger payload than a mid-size. Numbers vary depending on make and model, but most mid-size pickups are designed to haul less than 7,000 pounds, while full-size pickups will carry over 10,000 pounds. Payload capacity is generally around 1,500 pounds of cargo for mid-size, while a full-size is over 2,000 pounds.
With a larger body, full-size pickups will physically have more room inside and offer more luxury than a mid-size. If things like legroom and headroom matter, look to the bigger pickup truck. Bed size is also significantly larger with a full-size pickup. If you regularly carry large items like construction materials, the full-size pickup is often the better choice.
The two are also separated by fuel economy and price. Size matters when it comes to fuel efficiency. Mid-size pickups will always get better fuel economy. And because of their capacity, full-size pickups will always top out higher on the pricing range.
What matters most to keep your truck in good repair
If you rely on your truck to get you from point A to point B, from your home to work, to run general errands, and back home, maintenance is important. If you rely on your truck for heavy hauling, it’s even more important to handle maintenance correctly.
Just like your car, a truck will run only as well as it can, based on the care you give it. What are the most important things you can do to keep your truck in good repair?
Read
Not what you expected for a first care item, right? Yet it’s one of the most important things you can do.
Today’s vehicles are more sophisticated than ever. From oil checks to how often you should replace components of each major system, it’s all located in your owner’s manual.
We get it; that large book they gave you when you purchased your vehicle might be a little daunting. Who knew your vehicle could need a book with so much to say? You just get in and turn the key, right? Chances are you’ve found out very quickly there are certain things you don’t know. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep your owner’s manual in the glove compartment, or in a prominent place on your bookshelf. Refer to it often to stay on top of what needs to be done, and when.
Assess your driving conditions
Do you live in the heart of Denver, rarely driving out of the city limits? Do you live at the end of a dirt road, always bouncing along on your way home? Do you frequently pull toys behind you on your way to camp out for the weekend? Do you head up and down the hill, driving to work and running errands each day?
Depending on the different tasks you perform each day will determine the frequency of your maintenance schedule. Remember, maintenance isn’t based solely on how much you drive. Even leaving your truck sit for weeks – months – can still damage certain parts of your truck. The oil still needs to be changed. Belts and hoses can still wear out. This is where your owner’s manual can come in handy to alert you to when you should schedule your maintenance visits with one of our mechanics.
Oil changes are the first step in preventative maintenance
Think of your oil change as a checkup for your truck. This is one of the easiest things you can do. It’s also one of the most important.
Don’t just drive it into a shop you find along your route for the day. Find a repair shop you can trust, and take it there on a regular basis. When you go in for doctor visits, you find someone you can trust, someone you build a rapport with. It’s the same for your vehicle. If you continuously bring your truck into the same location, you can work together to ensure your vehicle is always in its best condition.
Tend to the tires
Right after oil changes, paying attention to your tires should be next on your list of to-do’s.
Check your tire pressure on a regular basis. Consider rotating your tires regularly as well too, so the tires can wear evenly while you drive. The front tires are typically the ones that will see the most wear. Rotating them not only will give you more life out of the tires, but it can also give you a smoother ride.
While the tires are being rotated, a mechanic can also check for alignment issues. When you have them balanced, you ensure the weight of the tire is equally distributed around the axle. Every bump you hit in the road can lead to unbalanced tires. This reduces the smoothness of the ride, and also puts undue wear on your tires.
If you notice your truck pulling in either direction as you drive, it’s a signal it needs a wheel alignment. Trucks are more likely than cars to need frequent alignments, especially if you do a lot of driving over rough roads, off-roading, or driving on construction sites. Scheduling regular alignments can extend the life of your tires, increase the gas mileage you receive, and reduce poor handling on the road.
How do you keep your truck in good repair?
When was your last maintenance visit?
The more you use your truck for pulling and hauling, or simply riding over rough roads on your way to work, it’s important to keep it working at its best. When you have a concern, stop by. We’ll evaluate the condition of your vehicle, and help you get it back on the road in no time.