In the market for a car? How about looking at a truck instead? 

In 2021, 3.3 million cars were purchased compared with 11.6 light trucks. 

Yes, Americans love their trucks. And here in Colorado, they’ve become the workhorse of the Front Range. They aren’t just for ranch or farm work anymore. Instead, people use trucks to take advantage of all the Rockies have to offer. Whether you want to ski, bike, or hike, there’s a place to do it here. 

Of course, if you give your truck a little TLC, you can expect it to last even longer. With the proper maintenance strategies, trucks can easily make it a decade or longer without significant problems. 

How to extend the life of your truck

Trucks are a popular and practical choice for many people, whether for work or personal use. However, like any vehicle, they require regular maintenance and care to keep them running smoothly and extend their lifespan. 

Keep up with regular maintenance

If you want your truck to be in good working condition throughout its lifespan, it’s as easy as ensuring you stick with a regular maintenance routine. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, which includes oil changes, tire rotations, and other services. These routine maintenance tasks help keep your truck running efficiently and can help prevent larger problems from occurring.

Inspect your tires regularly

Proper tire maintenance is crucial for the safety and performance of your truck. Check the tire pressure regularly and keep the tires inflated to the recommended pressure. Also, check for uneven tire wear, which can indicate a problem with your suspension or alignment. Have your tires balanced and rotated from time to time to ensure a long lifespan. 

Take care of your brakes

Brake maintenance is essential for the safety and performance of your truck. Have your brakes checked regularly, and replace the pads or shoes as needed. Check the brake fluid level frequently and top it off if necessary.

Keep an eye on your fluid levels

Make sure to check fluid levels regularly, including oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid. Low fluid levels can lead to serious problems, so it’s important to keep them topped off as well.

Protect your truck from the elements

Trucks are built for tougher conditions. But that doesn’t mean you can’t give it a little TLC when it’s not being driven. Wash and wax your truck regularly to help protect the paint and prevent rust. Also, keep your truck covered or in the garage when not in use to protect it from the elements.

Avoid overloading your truck

Yes, it’s a truck. But you should never push the weight limits. Don’t exceed the weight capacity of your truck, as doing so can put extra strain on the suspension and other components. Load it up when you’re headed out for a weekend of fun. Yet be sure to put everything away when you come back home – no reason to weigh it down when it’s unnecessary. 

Drive carefully

Depending on the type of truck you buy, it might seem only natural it’ll take a little abuse. Four-wheeling, construction work, and heading out to the ranch may all be in a day’s work. Still, avoid aggressive driving, such as hard braking and acceleration, as it can put extra strain on your truck’s components. Additionally, try to avoid rough terrain whenever possible, as it can cause damage to your truck.

With proper maintenance, how long will your truck last?

Should you buy a new truck, or stick with the one you have? Looking at the price tag of modern vehicles may have you falling in love with your current vehicle. Trucks often last longer than cars because they’re built to last. With proper care and maintenance, you can have many years left. Here are some steps you can take to get a better understanding of your vehicle’s condition:

Check the odometer

The first thing you should do is check the odometer reading to see how many miles the truck has been driven. If you’re the original owner, you know how hard you’ve been on your vehicle. You can also look at the details and get a pretty good idea of the care.

Look for visible signs of wear and tear

Pay attention to any visible signs of wear and tear on the truck, such as rust or dents. These can indicate the vehicle’s overall condition and may suggest that it has been well cared for. You can’t hide neglect, especially as a truck ages. 

Check the tires

Take a look at the tires to see if they are worn or need to be replaced. Worn tires can be a sign of poor maintenance or a lot of driving, and they can also impact the overall performance and safety of the truck. 

Check the fluids

Check all of the fluid levels, including the oil, transmission fluid, and coolant. Low fluid levels or dirty fluids can be a sign of a problem, such as a leak or a faulty component.

Check for any warning lights

If you notice any warning lights on the dashboard, it’s essential to have them checked out as soon as possible. These lights can indicate issues with the engine, transmission, or other systems that could affect the performance and reliability of the truck.

Have a mechanic perform a thorough inspection

If you’re not confident in your ability to assess your truck’s condition, it’s a good idea to have a mechanic perform a thorough inspection. A mechanic can identify potential issues and provide you with a detailed report on the vehicle’s condition. This is one reason why having a mechanic you know and trust is good. They’ll give a thorough inspection and will make recommendations to help keep your truck in the best condition. 

With proper maintenance, your truck will last for years

People buy trucks for a variety of reasons. For some, they’ve learned that trucks last longer than cars. What ultimately determines the lifespan of your vehicle is the care and maintenance you provide it throughout the life of the vehicle. 

When was the last time you brought your truck in for inspection?