With diligent GMC truck maintenance, you’ll save on the cost of repairs and replacements, keeping each component in good working order for longer. This can make a sizable difference to your personal finances or profit margins if you’re running a business. The truck maintenance tips laid out below will keep both your pickup and wallet in great condition for longer.
Check and Change Fluids
Almost all major truck components depend on oil or fluid to stay healthy. Keep a close eye on all essential fluids, topping them up or flushing as required. First and foremost, make sure your motor oil is always fresh enough to fully lubricate the engine. The coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and differential fluid also need regular checks and occasional changes.
Keep Tire Pressure at Optimal PSI
Your truck’s tires undergo a great deal of strain, maintaining traction no matter the terrain, cargo weight, or journey distance. Tire air pressure can gradually lessen over time. Prevent this by checking tire pressure once a month, adding or releasing air to keep the PSI at the precise level stipulated in your owner’s manual.
Rotate and Align Your Tires
Your tires will also need to be swapped around twice a year or more: a process that prevents excessively uneven tread wear. Your tires will also slowly become misaligned, more rapidly if you often use rougher, bumpier tracks with more potholes. Have the alignment of your tires measured twice a year and corrected when necessary.
Replace Clogged Air Filters
The engine’s air filter keeps dust, dirt, bugs, and other pollutants out of the engine while letting in fresh oxygen for the combustion process. This filter will slowly clog up with caught debris. Periodically check its condition; you’ll usually need to replace it once per year. The same goes for your cabin air filter.
Maintain the Trailer Coupling Device
If you regularly tow trailers, keep the fifth-wheel platform in good condition with regular inspections. Make adjustments to it as required, greasing it and cleaning away any accumulated dirt.
Have Your Brakes Inspected
Your brakes keep you safe and contribute to overall vehicle handling. It’s important to have a professional inspect your brakes once or twice a year, a process that involves raising the truck to remove each wheel and brake mechanism, so each part can be examined and replaced if required.
Test the Battery and Alternator
Your truck needs a reliable supply of electricity for the starter, spark plugs, and many other electrical components. Have your battery, alternator, and entire electrical system inspected and tested once a year and also before particularly long, strenuous drives.
Visit Hansen Motor Co in Brigham City, UT, today to have your truck inspected and serviced by experienced technicians. We have over 58 years of experience helping truck drivers like you stay safe on the road with better-performing, longer-lasting pickups.
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