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When you purchase a vehicle, you expect it to last a long time and Ford trucks are no different. With proper maintenance, Ford trucks can travel thousands of miles. According to a 2019 study conducted by iSeeCars, the Ford F-150 is one of the top five pickup trucks likely to hit 200,000 miles. To help your Ford truck achieve this milestone, here are five tips you should consider.
1. Check the Truck’s Alignment
If you notice that your truck is pulling to one side or the other, you should check the vehicle’s alignment. You increase the chance of misalignment if you travel over rough roads at high speeds or if you drive aggressively. Driving with your wheels misaligned can cause you to get worse gas mileage and your tires to wear out quicker.
2. Examine the Tire Pressure
Tires that don’t have enough air don’t roll as easily. In return, the vehicles must use more engine power and fuel to make the tires rotate. Checking the tire pressure is one of the easiest tasks to perform. Make sure the tires are inflated to the vehicle’s suggested pressure. You can locate this information inside the driver’s door jam.
3. Get Your Truck Inspected
Think of an inspection as taking your truck in for its checkup. Expert mechanics take a look at your truck and determine if it has any issues. They can also alert you if there are any recalls issued to your truck. Your owner’s manual should state at what specific mileage you should bring in your vehicle.
4. Monitor Oil Consumption
Within your vehicle, oil lubricates the metal parts and makes sure that they don’t wear down and cause damage. Oil also helps to keep the vehicle’s engine running smoothly by collecting dirt particles and preventing them from entering the engine. For 2008 model years or newer, Ford recommends you change the oil every 7,500 miles or six months, whichever comes first. Check your owner’s manual to determine the correct viscosity index for your truck.
Older vehicles tend to consume more oil, and if your vehicle begins to consume more oil than typical, it might leak. If you encounter a leak, you should have it fixed immediately. Even if your vehicle isn’t leaking oil, check the oil level routinely, especially if you’re traveling long distances. Make sure the oil is cool first to get an accurate reading.
5. Top Off Fluid Levels
Although the most important fluid to check is the oil, there are others that you should monitor. The engine coolant keeps the engine from overheating, and you can check the level by opening the cap. Refill as needed with the type of coolant specified in your owner’s manual. Don’t forget about your windshield wiper fluid, especially when driving during the winter since salt can accumulate on the windshield.
If you have any additional questions about how to keep your Ford truck running well, reach out to the experts at Rath Auto Resources. They can help answer any questions you might have so you can make your truck last a long time.
Image via Ford.com
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