How to Keep Your Ford Truck in Top Shape

Car ownership comes with a lot of responsibility. Whether it’s paying the bills on time or keeping up with the recommended service, it’s not all fun and games. One of the most important parts about owning a car comes with the general idea of keeping up with it so that its condition stays in tip-top shape. The better you take care of your car, the more you’ll get out of it, and the longer it will last. Ultimately, the goal is to have a car for a solid amount of years so that you can get your money’s worth.

Now, this is especially true for truck owners. Because trucks can sometimes be three times the size of an economical sedan, there’s a lot more to take into consideration when it comes to care and responsibility for the vehicle. And not many trucks are more iconic than the Ford truck F-series. The Ford truck F-series allowed everyday people the ability to affordably own a hard-working, long-lasting truck with the ability to carry and tow thousands and thousands of pounds. This was a game changer in the car industry, and as time goes on, it still continues to be. In 2019, the Ford F-series truck was the best-selling truck in the United States, leading the competition by more than 200,000 trucks sold ahead of its second place competitor. In total, Ford sold almost 900,000 trucks in 2019 and expects to enter into the millions in 2020. Ford trucks have shaped the car industry in a way that cannot be mistaken.

For all those Ford truck owners out there, we have no doubt that you have a list of maintenance tasks that you constantly complete to make sure that your truck is running smoothly and efficiently. And even better for those who don’t: we’re here to give you a few simple tips that will help keep your Ford truck in top shape.

Simple yet highly effective

Let’s start with the obvious. We’re going to recommend you do something that you probably already do; but, for those that don’t or for those who have been slacking, it’s a necessity. We’re talking about getting your Ford truck serviced. Far too many car owners neglect this simple, yet highly effective task when it comes to car ownership. We often get very busy with our days, failing to find time to go to the doctor’s office when we’re sick, get groceries at the end of a work day, or get our car serviced when the time comes. But, this is such a simple way to keep your Ford truck in top shape. Unless you have the (literal and metaphorical) tools to do it yourself, keeping up with your Ford truck’s service schedule is imperative to its condition.

The typical time period for a car or truck to be serviced is every 10,000 miles or every 6-12 months depending on how much it’s being used. Whether you take it to a Ford dealership or your favorite local car mechanic shop, these guys will be able to spot any possible issues and resolve them quickly. Mechanics who do this on a daily basis are very likely to be able to see anything that might be wrong and help you decide the best and most affordable remedy. If you neglect to get your truck serviced at the necessary mileage points, it will age much faster, the fuel efficiency will deteriorate, and the overall health of the car will begin declining at a much earlier date than otherwise. Take an hour or two out of your week and go get your Ford truck serviced to keep it running smoothly. Doing this service for your car once or twice a year will benefit you in the long run.

Replace parts when necessary

Similar to getting your truck serviced when time comes due, it’s a good idea to pay attention to the parts of your Ford that might need a good cleaning or replacing. There are many parts of a car, specifically the headlights, taillights, and paint, all of which age from sun damage and general use. Other more complex parts, like your engine and suspension, may also need work done with due time, but these are much harder to recognize and are usually spotted when you go in to get your car serviced by a mechanic. If you notice cracks and discoloration and dimming on the surface of your headlights or taillights, consider your options in replacing them. Replacing your Ford truck’s parts when necessary is a sure fire way to keep it running as good as new and without worrying about the safety of its structure. The parts make up the whole, right?

Keep it clean and pay attention

Keeping your Ford truck clean is not only going to make you feel good, it’s going to help you better identify when something goes wrong. Often times, a buildup of dirt on the outside of a car will hide imperfections and possible damage. By keeping both the exterior and interior clean, you’re allowing yourself the ability to spot any scratches, dents, etc. Also, keeping your car clean helps the parts to last longer. Dirt is not only bad for the appearance of your vehicle, but it can also cause damage as it accumulates. To keep your truck from experiencing any unnecessary damage from something as silly as dirt, make sure your Ford truck is cleaned periodically. It’s as simple as that.