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The winter cold is slowly lifting, and many are beginning to see winter’s end in sight. As warmer weather rolls in, it’s the perfect time to give your diesel truck a spring tune-up.
There are plenty of ways to prepare your truck for spring. You can clean off the crud from that harsh winter weather, focus on much-needed repairs, or catch up on your maintenance schedule.
There’s lots to do, and we’ll help you get started.
Cleaning your exterior is an easy place to start. Road salt and mud have likely made their way onto your undercarriage and paint job. If left there, that build-up of grime can lead to corrosion.
Wash underneath your vehicle and check for corrosion. You can give your exterior a protective wax layer that will last through spring and summer. While checking your undercarriage you may re-grease any rusty parts or add a rust protector if necessary
Exterior maintenance extends to your tires. You can check your tire pressure and tread wear, then examine your sidewalls for any damage those rough winter roads may have caused.
If your ride is rough or your truck pulls to one side, rotate your tires and check your alignment. You can also check your brakes for wear or corrosion during tire rotation.
Windshield wipers are easy to forget. Wiper blades can take a beating from ice and snow, which causes them to crack or get an abnormal shape.
If you ignore your wiper blades, they may become damaged and fail when needed. If you haven’t replaced your windshield wipers in a while, consider replacing them before the upcoming rainy season.
Look under your hood and inspect all your visible engine parts. This includes your belts, hoses, the air filter, and fluid levels. If lousy winter weather has left your engine bay covered with dirt, you may consider cleaning your engine.
Your coolant system works hard year-round under warm and cold temperatures. This makes it especially important to check it in the spring. Check your coolant levels and inspect the condition of your radiator, including all the radiator hoses.
You might not have considered it, but your truck batteries are also vulnerable to winter cold. Low temperatures cause your battery to drain faster, and wet weather can lead to corrosion.
You can use a multimeter to check your battery charge. Don’t have a multimeter? Your local auto parts store will check it for you.
Clean corrosion off of your battery posts and make sure everything is tightly connected. Check the dates on your batteries as well. If your batteries are older than four years, you should consider buying new ones.
Even if your batteries are relatively recent, you may consider replacing them if you notice your truck doesn’t start as quickly or smoothly as it used to. When replacing batteries, both batteries should always be replaced at the same time.
In most regions, winter lasts three to four months. There’s a strong chance you will need an oil change by the time winter is over. How frequently you change your oil depends on your driving habits and the oil you use.
Even if you don’t drive a lot during winter, the moisture in the air can affect the condition of your oil. If you live in an area with especially frigid temperatures, consider changing your oil weight to prepare for warmer weather.
Spring cleaning is the perfect time to clean out your truck’s interior. Shake off your floor mats and clean the excess dirt off your carpet. Cleaning your interior gives you a chance to check your seals. Look at the seals around your floor, doors, and windows for any wear or leaking.
These are more reminders as opposed to maintenance tips. Keeping your engine well-tuned will get you the most use out of your diesel truck. People mainly buy diesel trucks for their power and their fuel economy, and both these features rely on a well-maintained engine.
And remember to drive smart. Drive at a steady speed and don’t drive aggressively. Safe, consistent driving habits are crucial to good fuel economy and a well-functioning engine.
Diesel truck owners can trust ProSource Diesel for reliable and hard-to-find diesel engine parts. We carry Powerstroke parts, Cummins parts, and Duramax parts for your favorite rig. We have everything you need to get your truck ready for spring, plus ways to keep it running in top form year-round.
