Four ways to extend the life of pick-up trucks

Posted By: adminPosted date: February 19, 2025In: Automotive Blog, Automotive News, General Motoring News, Trucks

A pick-up truck can be your trusty workhorse or your ticket to an amazing road trip adventure. Either way, it is very important to keep it in as good a condition as possible. This is so that you can get the most use out of it for a long time. Plus, when you come to sell your vehicle, you can get a higher price for used pick-up trucks if you have kept them in a better condition.

Whether you choose to buy new or used pick-up trucks, there are several things you can do to ensure that you get as long a working life as possible out of them. Here are four simple ways to get started.

Keep up with routine maintenance

Many of us are guilty of neglecting our pick-up trucks. Especially if we are busy with work or unsure how to do the various maintenance tasks. However, it is vital to carry out checks regularly to make sure that all is running smoothly. Key areas to check and pay attention to include:

Oil changes: this should be done every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. It helps to lubricate the engine and reduce friction and build-up of heat
Windscreen washer: this keeps the windscreen clean and free from debris, making you a safer driver and the glass shinier for longer
Coolant, brake fluid etc: keep an eye on all other fluids and top them up as required. This helps the various systems keep working at optimal level and stops unexpected breakdowns.
Tyres: check that you have got well-maintained tyres fitted on your pick-up trucks that are safe and appropriate for the season. This is especially important in winter. Check tyre pressures regularly too.

Don’t ignore warning signs

Look out for signs that pick-up trucks might be in need of some care and attention. These can take the form of leaking fluids or wet patches underneath a parked vehicle. Other warning signs include strange noises or unusual rattles. Always have these checked straight away by a garage specialising in pick-up trucks. Don’t leave them to get worse.

Modern pick-up trucks also have a plethora of warning lights and alarms. These are activated to come on when the system detects that something is not right. Again, do not leave these warning signs unattended for too long. A garage will be able to help find and fix the problem that is associated with the light or alarm. In fact, if anything about your ride doesn’t feel right, it is always wise to take pick-up trucks for a check-over sooner, rather than later to help extend their lifespan.

Never make substandard repairs

It can be tempting to choose cheaper repair options to save money up front. However, this can often result in a worse financial outcome further down the line. Not using genuine parts intended for your pick-up trucks make and model, for example, can lead to incompatibilities and further damage. Going with an unqualified mechanic can result in poor work and possibly unsafe repairs. Unskilled DIY attempts can make pickup trucks’ warranties invalid.

Pick-up trucks represent a significant investment in money and business time. It makes sense, therefore, to repair them in the best way possible. This will help get yourself back on the road and back in business more quickly. Again, you will be able to get a higher resale price for used pick-up trucks that have been repaired skilfully. Also, second-hand buyers will prefer to see genuine, authorised parts installed, rather than cheaper or patently unsuitable alternatives.

Drive with care and attention

It’s all very well looking after pick-up trucks and keeping them clean and well-maintained. It is also vital to ensure that you do your bit to prolong their lives as the driver – and/or passenger. Drive responsibly, taking care to avoid speeding and other dangerous behaviour. The fewer accidents, dings and scrapes you have, the longer your pick-up trucks will last. This brings other advantages around lower insurance premiums and less time spent off-road, waiting for repairs.

As a driver or passenger, treat the interior with respect. Don’t leave messy food wrappers or dirty tools lying around. Keep the cab clean and avoid damaging the seats, carpets or trim with staining liquids or sharp objects. Always park with care and never overload pick-up trucks, as this can affect the chassis.