Preventive Maintenance Tips for Used Trucks
Preventive Maintenance Tips for Used Trucks
Posted on September 1, 2025
Owning a used truck can be a great choice in Alberta. You save money and still get the strength you need for work, hauling, or road trips. But a used truck also needs more care. With regular attention, you can keep it running well for years. In Lethbridge, where winter can be cold and summers warm, good maintenance makes a big difference.
Give the Engine the Attention it Deserves
The heart of your truck is the engine. It works hard every day, whether you are driving into town or pulling a trailer through the foothills. Used trucks need their oil checked often. Dirty oil can cause parts to wear out faster. Make sure to follow the recommended oil change schedule. In our cold winters, fresh oil helps your truck start more easily. Checking belts and hoses also helps you catch small problems before they grow.
Keep the Brakes Sharp and Reliable
Brakes are not something you want to take chances with. In the city or on country roads, you need them to respond right away. Listen for squeaks or grinding sounds. These can mean brake pads are worn. In wet and icy months, rust can build on brake parts. Regular inspections keep you safer and prevent bigger repairs later.
Look After the Tires that Carry You Everywhere
Your truck’s tires face gravel roads, highway drives, and sometimes deep snow. Check tire pressure often. Low pressure can hurt fuel economy and make driving less safe. In winter, consider switching to winter tires for better grip on icy streets. Watch for uneven wear. It might mean your truck needs a wheel alignment. Good tires help your truck handle better and last longer.
Watch the Fluids That Keep Things Moving
Your truck needs more than just oil to stay healthy. Coolant keeps the engine from overheating in summer and freezing in winter. Transmission fluid helps gears shift smoothly. Brake fluid keeps the brakes working well. Even windshield washer fluid is important in snowy months. These fluids should be checked and topped up as needed.
Keep Rust Away Before it Spreads
Rust can be a truck’s worst enemy. Salt on winter roads makes it worse. Washing your truck often in winter helps protect the paint and metal. Pay attention to the wheel wells, undercarriage, and door edges. A protective coating can help keep rust from starting.
Listen to Your Truck and Catch Problems Early
Your truck will often tell you when something is wrong. A strange noise, a warning light, or even a different feel when driving can be signs. Do not ignore them. A quick check by a mechanic can save you time and money later. Used trucks can be dependable for years if small issues are fixed early.
Visit Lethbridge Truck Town for Expert Care
Preventive maintenance is the key to making your used truck last longer. If you are in Lethbridge, the team at Lethbridge Truck Town can help with everything from oil changes to brake checks. Whether you use your truck for work or weekend adventures in the Rockies, we will help keep it in top shape. Come see us today and give your truck the care it deserves.