Trucks need maintenance to keep them running right and ready to go when you need them. Heavy trucks are no different. In fact, depending on what you use your truck for, it may need specific care or more frequent service than a car or light truck.

General Vehicle Inspection

If you have a heavy-duty truck, you are likely using it for towing and hauling loads. It is important that you know everything is working properly before you head down the road, so taking the time to do a visual inspection of the truck is a good way to find a problem before you have a breakdown. In fact, finding the problem early will allow you to address the problem and avoid the breakdown before it happens. 

Check the tires for damage and wear, open the hood and check the hoses, belts, and battery for wear or damage that could be a problem, and check all your fluids, including the oil, antifreeze, and transmission fluid. The 5 minutes spent checking things now can save you hours later if something breaks while you are on the road. 

Oil and Filter Changes

One of the most critical maintenance items on any vehicle is changing the engine and oil filter on the vehicle. The oil lubricates all the moving parts inside the engine and if it is old, thin, and dirty, it will not work effectively. Friction will build up and generate heat in the reciprocating assembly and eventually, something will break. 

Check the level and condition of the oil regularly and make sure you change the oil according to the manufacturer's service schedule or more often if you are working the truck hard. In some situations, you may benefit from switching to synthetic oil to increase the durability and heat resistance of the oil. Talk with your service center about that option to see what they recommend for your situation. 

Air Filters

Another key component of any vehicle is the air filter. A clogged air filter will reduce the air coming into the engine and reduce the power that the truck has. Check the air filter regularly. If it is dirty, replace it with a new filter. There are filters on the market that you can clean and reuse, but the paper filter that came with your truck is a better option because the airflow is calibrated for that filter. 

If you take the filter out and hold it up to the light, you should be able to see some light through it, but if you can't, it is time to change the filter.  Use a good quality filter that meets or exceeds the quality of the stock filter for the best performance. Meet with a truck repair professional to discuss your options.

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