When a man chooses a vehicle for himself, it is all but natural that he selects a pickup truck. Nothing else is as manly than a pickup truck -whether it is a beat up or brand new, you immediately know it's a man's car. There is no discrimination here, and it is just that guys love their big toys and one of them are pickup trucks.
Why A Pickup?
Besides the distinct size advantage, a pickup truck or an SUV is the most practical investment regarding a vehicle to have. Consider these top reasons for owning a pickup. They support a long list of outdoor activities and can venture out in roads less traveled. This means that it can go on or off the road with ease. Pair that with the more advanced tech in engines today and you have a winner.
Moreover, it can carry your entire kitchen while you are at it. Also, it’s engine technology. It makes the acceleration and the overall system better. Their size and ride height are generally safer to drive.
Studies have shown that heavier vehicles will typically push a lighter car backward during a collision, resulting in less force being acted on the occupants of a larger vehicle. Add this to new safety technologies like airbags, crumple zones, and automatic anti-collision braking. Again, ride height, size and weight are a factor in safety.An example would be if a sedan hits the side of a pickup, its bumper would be well below the heads of the occupants inside the truck. If you reverse that, it would not be good for the occupants of the sedan. Add the relatively higher sitting position of a truck, and a driver will have more view of the surrounding terrain and therefore, better situational awareness.
If you are still not convinced, maybe the lower price of trucks will. Trucks are workhorses, mainly, in the agricultural industry. They are not prone and most probably exempt to tax hike than other vehicles. Trucks are cheaper than a standard SUV but almost as roomy with loads of cargo space. Another thing that stands out is that trucks are tough and extremely durable. A truck will be able to take a beating and can be back for more with the most minimal of repairs, and this brings us to what to expect when doing maintenance on a truck.
Proper Maintenance
An ounce of prevention is so much better than thousands of dollars’ worth of cure. Consistency is key to maintaining any machine and all the more so to a vehicle like a pickup truck. Many people depend on their trucks for work and recreation purposes as well. Aside from actually reading the owner's manual, take a look at some tips, practical and common sense-wise to keep your beloved trucks running for years to come. Parts are readily available everywhere, Ford Motorcraft parts and other brands are convenient and accessible to acquire, even online.
Oil
Oil in a truck is very important, and it is vital to keep it running in the correct viscosity; meaning, how thick the oil is that coats every metal part of the engine to keep it from grinding off each other. It is imperative to follow the operator's manual on how often and what kind of oil to use. Also, pay particular attention to your usage, if in a particular month you have been busy towing or doing long drives, change the oil and filter earlier than is recommended. For the most part, paying strict attention and being consistent on oil changes will prevent most mechanical failures from within the working engine itself.
Other Fluids
Although not as critical as the engine oil itself, other fluids need your attention inside the engine bay as well. You should also routinely check the level indicators of the engine coolant, power steering fluid (if there is any), Brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. The engine coolant is super vital to keeping the engine at its constant standard operating temperature. Overheating is caused by not checking this particular fluid level regularly - if it dips down rapidly, that is a clear indication that there is a leak somewhere and should be tested.
An overheated engine can easily take thousands of dollars in repair bills. Hydraulic Fluids, like the power steering fluid and the brake fluid, is responsible for moving the various parts of the braking system and the steering mechanism of your vehicle. Changing these regularly will benefit the more expensive parts of the braking system and the steering - such as the pumps. Although hotly contested, a flush is recommended every 30,000 to 60,000 miles that your car has traveled. While seemingly trivial, the windshield wiper wash fluid is also an essential part of your car's health and your safety. Use premixed wiper wash fluids to ensure you have a clean windshield for better visual performance. A clean windshield is less prone to damage and adds that extra safety advantage when looking through clear glass.
Tires
Tire rotation is critical not just for practical purposes but for safety as well. Not only that, it is essential to check the condition of your tires regularly. Regularly interchanging the position of tires on its four axes will help even out the tread wear on the tires and as you go along doing this, other parts will be opened up for inspection as well, such as the wheel wells and the braking system. This will allow you to catch any problems that are waiting to happen underneath as well.
An Annual Physical for your Vehicle
This may seem like overkill, but it’s not, take your car in for a regular overall health inspection at least on a yearly basis. A thorough check of all systems will catch any faults before they worsen and nip them in the bud. Picking any safety or mechanical issues early on will save you a lot of headache, money and possibly your life. Putting in time for taking care of your truck will benefit you and your machine for years to come.
