Owning a truck is many people’s dream because of the comfort and convenience it brings. However, it can be very frustrating if it reaches a point where you have to visit the mechanic every day because of certain damages. Apart from being a time-consuming task, it can also be very costly. Depending on the type of truck, it can take several hours or even days to repair and to keep it free of damage.
Luckily, there are a number of ways to help you avoid being a victim of such unfortunate evens. Most of the recommendations given in this article have to do with your discipline as the driver and truck owner. Some of the basic things that you should always consider include your driving style and place of storage. Interested in knowing how to keep your truck safe from unnecessary damages? Read on to find out more.
1.Follow Traffic Rules
It might seem like an obvious thing, but traffic rules are often ignored, especially when one is in a rush to get to wherever they’re going. The truth is that these rules were not only introduced to keep the movement flowing, but to also ensure that everyone using the highway is safe. As such, by being keen on the traffic rules, there are high chances that you won’t end up damaging your truck.
For example, most highways have bumps installed in strategic points. As a driver, it’s important to keep an eye on related traffic signs because hitting these features may severely damage your truck. In addition, you could cause an accident, and the losses will be even more serious.
Therefore, always scan the area as you drive, especially if you’re in a new place. Also, make sure you stick to your lane; otherwise, you might be hit by other vehicles along the way. Remember, even the slightest scratch on your truck can be very costly.
2.Keep It Clean
Another effective way to protect your truck is to ensure that it’s always cleaned, especially after long trips. Of course, washing this vehicle is not all about spraying it with water. You need to understand the basics before embarking on this task to avoid unnecessary damages. For one, there are many types of cleaning agents in the market today, but not all of them are suitable for this particular job. Some of the best types, however, include shampoos and citrus-based soaps.
So, why is it important to use cleaning agents rather than just pouring water on the dirty parts? First, it helps with the removal of debris and stubborn dirt. In fact, some of them don’t require you to use a pressure washer to get rid of the dirt. Another advantage is the fact that they leave your truck’s paintwork sparkling and prevent rapid fading of the original color.
All this work might seem like a formality, but it actually helps in preventing unnecessary damages to your truck. For instance, if, by any chance, the debris get to the moving parts or other crucial areas within the truck, then you might find yourself visiting the mechanic quite often. In addition, dirt on the windscreen can definitely impact your vision. Consequently, you won’t be able to see the road clearly, which is a recipe for accidents.
3.Regular Maintenance
Washing your truck regularly and following traffic rules are some great tips to follow, but also keep in mind that your truck is a machine. As such, it requires regular maintenance by a qualified mechanic. On average, you’re required to carry out a quick inspection after covering about 20,000 miles. These are some of the things you should consider if you’re buying a used truck. Of course, it depends with the model, and you might have to consult the manufacturer’s manual for more information.
Following the necessary procedures will ensure that your vehicle lasts for long. These procedures extend the lifespan of the engine, hence preventing early replacements. In addition, it will prevent frequent breakdowns. Remember, regular maintenance is cheaper than attending to urgent repairs. For instance, if the vehicle breaks down while delivering something to your customers, you’ll not only incur repair costs, but also inconvenience the recipient of the goods you’re carrying.
4.Park In A Safe Place
There are many basic things that you could do to protect your vehicle from damages, but parking is often ignored. One rule that you should always keep in mind is keeping your truck at the back end of the parking lot. The front end of this area is very busy with vehicles coming in and going out. As such, your truck could suffer damages as other drivers try to squeeze through the spaces.
At home, you should ensure that the parking lot has a shade. One of the worst things that could happen to your vehicle is coming into contact with sun rays. It’s not such a big deal if this happens a few times, but storing it in an area where it’s exposed to both sun and rain is a very bad idea. The roof of your truck will slowly start fading as each layer is affected by the extreme conditions.
If, by any chance, you find yourself parking in an area with direct sunlight, you should implement other measures to protect your truck under hot conditions. The most crucial of all is the use of a windshield sun shade. What this does is that it reflects away the UV rays that could have otherwise caused damages.
Conclusion
Trucks are very expensive to buy, but they can get even more costly when damages they’ve sustained. It is, therefore, crucial that you adjust a few habits to ensure that your truck lasts for long. One of the things you should start with is how you drive. Ensure you follow all traffic rules and understand the road perfectly. Also, wash your truck regularly to get rid of any dust and debris that could cause future problems.
Furthermore, don’t forget to carry out regular maintenance so as to avoid severe damages in the future. Lastly, it’s vital that you park your truck in a safe place. Find an area with no busy traffic and has a shade if possible.
