Whether you just bought a new pickup truck or have had one for a long time, routine vehicle maintenance is critical to keeping it in top shape. Regular maintenance will allow you to spot problems early before they turn into major issues that drain your bank account.

We at Supreme Suspensions recognize that many pickup truck drivers rely on their vehicles not just for transportation but also for work and recreation. For that reason, here are some of the most essential tips for maintaining your lifted truck!

Routinely Change the Engine Oil and Filter

Clean oil lubricates and protects your truck’s engine. Dust, dirt, and debris from the engine and environment can steadily contaminate the engine oil. When this happens, the engine cannot perform its duties correctly.

Always consult your owner's manual to determine how often you should change your oil. For example, for 2008 and newer vehicles, Ford advises changing the oil every 7,500 miles or six months, whichever comes first. Ford recommends changing the oil of 2007 and older truck models every 5,000 miles or six months, again, whichever comes first.

If you routinely tow or carry large loads, drive at low speeds for long periods, drive in dusty conditions, drive off-road frequently, or use E85 fuel more than 50 percent of the time, Ford suggests changing the oil more frequently.

Your truck, like its oil, needs clean air to run properly. Replace the oil filter regularly to eliminate any dust or debris that could cause the engine to lose efficiency. The most important aspects of a proper truck maintenance routine are oil and filter changes.

Check Your Other Fluid Levels

You should also check the engine coolant, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, engine oil, and brake fluid on a regular basis.

Engine coolant keeps a constant boiling and freezing point for engine fluids. Maintaining an ideal temperature for the engine is critical for its performance and for avoiding difficulties caused by high temperatures.

Steering fluid enables the power steering system. This means it manipulates your steering system's numerous components. Changing the power steering fluid can help extend the life of more expensive power-steering components like the power-steering pump and rack.

Changing the windshield washer fluid is a crucial aspect of routine truck maintenance, even if it may not seem like a huge problem. Dust and stains on your windshield can quickly accumulate, making visibility difficult. Changing the windshield washer fluid regularly is not only a good idea, but it also preserves your windshield. A clean windshield is less likely to get scratched.

Your truck's brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid, just like the power steering fluid. Brake fluid collects moisture from the air over time, leading it to malfunction. This is why your brake fluid should be replenished with new fluid.

Rotate Your Tires

It's critical to rotate your tires to ensure that all four of your truck's tires have the same amount of treadwear. Rotating your tires will help them last longer. Decreasing vibrations can help improve gas mileage and extend the life of your vehicle's suspension components.

When you get your tires rotated, the technician will inspect all the other components of your vehicle's undercarriage. This will help them detect any more issues before they become serious and costly. Besides this, if your lift kit or wheel spacers were installed incorrectly, tire wear would be evident when rotating your tires. Make sure you do a visual inspection every time you rotate your tires to ensure they are wearing evenly!

Get Your Wheels Aligned

Alignment is also one of those things that you must do to maintain your truck’s condition. When you go off-roading, you will most likely experience a lot of pothole traversal. Over time, these drastic bumps and knocks can misalign your wheels, which may force your vehicle to pull to the left or right. It may also cause uneven tire wear and noisy steering. If you leave your wheels misaligned, the problem will only get worse and may lead to costly damage to your wheels or body. As such, it is essential that you get your wheels aligned as part of your yearly or semi-yearly checkup.

Clean the Exterior

Cleaning the outside of your truck will do more than make it look good. It also protects your truck's paint by removing abrasive debris or dust.

In regions where it snows, cleaning the exterior of your truck is especially vital during the winter months. Sand and salt from the roadways can quickly accumulate on your truck's paint, causing it to deteriorate.

Don't forget to clean your truck's undercarriage. It's equally as crucial as the rest of your truck's components and deserves just as much attention as the rest of the vehicle!

Get Your Truck Inspected

A truck inspection is like an annual physical examination for your vehicle. An expert examines your truck for flaws. It's critical to identify any mechanical or safety issues as soon as possible. Getting your truck inspected can be inconvenient, but it's an important component of maintaining your vehicle.

Replace Windshield Wipers

If your wipers aren't performing as well as they used to, don't ignore the issue. During heavy rain or a snowstorm, damaged or worn-out blades might impair visibility. One method to help keep your automobile safe is to know how to inspect and change your wiper blades on a regular basis.

Have Your Brakes Checked

Mechanics should also regularly inspect brake pads. Listen for any braking noises while driving, as well as any trembling or vibrating from the brake pedal. If you have any issues, contact a service center right away.

Review Your Car Insurance

It's a good idea to assess your insurance coverage, just like you would with your car. This can assist you in ensuring that your policy's coverages, limitations, and deductibles are current and appropriate for your present position.

"You get out what you put in," as the phrase goes. This is also true when it comes to truck maintenance. You will get many more years out of your truck if you take the time to care for it. If you have enjoyed our recap of some of the most essential tips for maintaining your lifted truck, be sure to check out supreme suspension today! We offer a wide range of lift kits and 4x4 recovery kits to ensure you are never left on the side of the road!