Your truck is a workhorse and, because of that, it sees more wear-and-tear than a standard passenger vehicle. While they’re built to be durable and withstand the additional stresses they’re put under, trucks operate with various moving parts just like any automobile and moving parts wear out. To make sure they’re performing at their best, we need to complete preventative truck maintenance. Similarly, your Peragon bed cover also requires occasional maintenance to ensure that it is operating smoothly.
What is Truck Maintenance?
While you might occasionally have a visit to the mechanic for broken u-joints or a head gasket, the reality is that the majority of issues with your truck can be prevented through good truck maintenance. Through basic truck maintenance–from tire inflation to engine oil changes–you can significantly prolong the life of your vehicle, increase its performance and ensure that it is running smoothly and safely.
By adhering to a set standard of commercial vehicle maintenance or the truck maintenance schedules outlined in your owners manual, you will ensure that your vehicle is ready for the road and you’re always delivered safely to your destination. You’ll also get to enjoy the smoother operation of both your truck and your truck bed cover.
The Benefits of Personal and Commercial Truck Maintenance
Whether you’re a part of a commercial fleet or an every day commuter, with regular interval maintenance, you know you won’t be stranded on the side of the road, waiting for a maintenance truck.
The benefits of proper truck preventive maintenance include:
- Reliability – Through truck servicing, you can drive comfortably, knowing that your vehicle will reach its destination.
- Reduced repair costs – If you’ve gone through the general maintenance every truck should get, you’ll see a significant decline in the cost and number of repairs that similar vehicles will require.
- Vehicle value retention – By being able to show that you’ve regularly performed the required truck maintenance, you can reap the benefit when it comes time to trade or sell the vehicle.
- Increase to vehicle’s performance – Whether it’s the fuel economy or the truck’s overall lifespan, by making sure that you’ve done the pickup truck maintenance, your vehicle is going to perform better.
The 10 Most Common Truck Maintenance Tasks You Need to Perform
To help you keep your truck running in optimal condition, here are 10 truck maintenance tips to help you out.
1. Tire Inflation
One of the easiest items to check off your truck maintenance list is tire inflation. With the appropriate tire gauge (one specifically for trucks), you want to ensure that all tires have the correct PSI registering. To know the correct PSI, you can refer to the decal on the door jamb or the sidewall of your tires. On the pickup truck the typical range is 30-35psi, however, you’ll want to verify as the optimum psi depends on a variety of factors (size, ply, type).
The optimum psi range indicates the minimum amount of air pressure required to support your trucks payload and towing capacity. Inflated to less than this and you’ll suffer in both fuel economy and performance.
2. Engine Oil
Engine oil is the life-blood of your truck. It’s what keeps all of those moving parts lubricated and operating smoothly. The level and quality of the engine oil should be checked regularly, as it can degrade faster depending on environmental conditions. If you’re towing heavy loads frequently, you should be checking your oil even more often as this causes additional strain on your truck.
We’ve all heard that you should “change your oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles,” but, how often are you really supposed to change your oil? Is it necessary to change the oil in your truck that frequently? The short answer is that engine oil life is impacted by everything from the age and efficiency of your truck, driving conditions and a long list of other factors. Over time and use, the oil becomes contaminated by burned fuel through the combustion process. The filter will keep the oil clean for some time, however, the filter has limited capacity. Many newer trucks can expect upwards of 5,000 miles from a fresh oil and filter change, especially with synthetic, however, staying on top of frequent oil changes is likely the greatest step you can take to ensure the longevity and performance of your vehicle. Ultimately, you should rely on manufacturer’s guidelines to make this decision.
3. Transmission Fluid
The purpose of transmission fluid is to cool and protect your vehicle’s transmission. To make sure that the transmission fluid is always within the acceptable range, it should be checked anytime you check your engine oil. If the transmission fluid dipstick comes out dark or with an acrid odor, then the fluid needs to be replaced. It is typically recommended that transmission fluid be changed every 150,000 miles under normal conditions, however, if you’re towing frequently it can be needed in as little as 30,000 miles. You’ll want to review your vehicle’s owner’s manual and physically check the fluid from time to time to be sure.
4. Coolant
Your coolant levels should be monitored and checked at least twice annually. When you check the coolant, take note only to open the radiator cap after the fluid has cooled down. If you open the lid while the liquid is still hot, you risk injury as the radiator can spray out boiling coolant.
5. Brake and Power-Steering Fluid
Whenever you perform an oil change, you should also make a point to check the brake and power-steering fluid. Since it takes a long time for these fluids to erode, it can be easy to overlook them. It would help if you also kept a lookout for any signs that water has been introduced into the fluid, as this can quickly cause the formation of rust. Brake fluid should typically be changed every 25,000 miles or as needed when the fluid has a cloudy quality during your periodic check.
Like many of the truck maintenance tasks mentioned here, checking brake fluid is even more important on a pickup truck given its frequent use under heavy loading conditions, placing additional stress on your brake system and contributing to potential premature deterioration.
6. Suspension
If you do a lot of heavy duty towing and hauling, signs of wear and sagging can start to appear on your suspension. Many suspension issues can be detected while driving your truck. Pay attention as you drive to listen for any rattles or squeaks as those are often indications of suspension that is wearing out. Worn out suspension can also create a “pull” on your steering wheel as you turn. When you go over bumps or potholes, your truck should have no problem regaining composure and stability. If the truck sways or bounces afterward, your suspension may need maintenance. Neglecting to do periodic checks and routine maintenance on the suspension system of your truck can result in uneven wear of your tire tread as well as poor handling and fuel mileage.
7. Spark Plugs
Spark plug replacement should frequently occur on your truck maintenance checklist if you perform long hauls. When checking the spark plugs, look for any oil that may have slipped past the gaskets. If the plug is moist or blackened, then you may have found an oil leak.
8. Steering
Your steering system (wheel, steering column, lash, linkage) should be inspected when you perform the oil change. You are looking for any missing, loose, damaged, or worn parts. This is because any cracks and damages can severely inhibit your ability to steer the vehicle safely.
At the same time, you should check the truck’s alignment to avoid unnecessary play in your tires.
9. Brakes
Brakes on trucks that haul heavy loads will wear through brake pads extremely fast. You should check your braking system (pads and shoes) for any wear when performing the factory recommended tire rotation.
10. Frame
Every year you should make a point to get under your vehicle to check the frame. Rust, bends, and cracks can easily form on heavy-duty trucks, especially if used in rough road conditions. If the vehicle operates around the coast or areas where salt is regularly used on the roads, then you may need to perform this check more frequently.
Cleaning & Maintaining Your Tonneau Cover
Like many other systems and components on your truck, it is essential that you perform routine maintenance on your Peragon tonneau cover to keep it operating smoothly. Taking care of your truck bed cover and other aftermarket accessories is a kind of maintenance truck owners often forget about. While the build quality and durable materials of our all aluminum truck bed covers helps to reduce the amount of maintenance needed, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Wash the cover like you wash your truck. If you take it through a car wash, be sure to lock it, as the blowers can push it open.
- Maintain an effective coat of wax. This will make it easier to remove snow and ice as well as eliminate water spots and minor blemishes. It will also improve the cover’s ability to shed water, which will improve its water resistance. Be sure to keep wax off of the seals to prevent white film. Do not use automotive waxes containing solvent.
- Wipe the inside of the rails out with a wet rag a couple times per year. Do not lubricate the rails. Use a silicone based spray and apply to a rag. Wipe the sides of the panel seals and panel edges to clean them.
Cold Weather Tips
Occasionally, the seal can freeze against the tailgate. Try rapping on the panel to break it loose from the tailgate. If that doesn’t work, you can try NAPA Sil-Glide available at any NAPA auto parts store. Apply silicone spray or automotive wax to the fuzzy side of the inboard rail seal to repel water and/or reduce the likelihood of ice binding to it.
Lubrication for Smooth Operation
The cover is shipped with no lubrication. We recommend that you apply a small amount of silicone to the hinges prior to installing the cover and periodically thereafter to ensure smooth operation and prevent rust.
- Do not use any lubricant that is identified as a “dry” product. Dry products use solvents that will damage paint. We recommend silicone spray or WD-40.
- Apply the lubricant to the surface of the metal hinges and at the hinge pivot points. Other than this, no lubrication is required.
- Do not put grease or oil in the rail because this will collect dirt and cause problems.
Protect Your Truck with Peragon
Undergoing proper truck maintenance is essential for any truck owner. Your Peragon bed cover should open and close smoothly and with ease. If the cover is binding or you’re feeling any grinding or excessive resistance, something is wrong and you need to make some adjustments to the installation. Feel free to contact our support team for help at any time.
If you’re not already a Peragon customer, we’d love to help you learn more about our tonneau covers and answer any questions you have. If you’re looking for the maximum protection for your truck and cargo, look no further. We offer premium truck bed covers at an incredible value with unparalleled customer service. We look forward to serving you.
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