Pickup truck lovers know their vehicles perform double duty, work and recreation. Because pickup trucks serve multiple purposes, it’s important to pay close attention to their maintenance needs.

While they might seem simple, or even obvious, these 5 pickup truck maintenance tips are the foundation for keeping your truck running well into old age.

Engine Oil and Filter

Engine oil can easily become contaminated. That’s why it’s important to routinely check it for dirt, dust, and other debris. A clean engine is a happy engine.

The same is true with your oil filter. It needs clean air to function at peak performance. Dust, dirt, and debris slows down the engine’s performance and efficiency.

Check your owner’s manual for the recommended truck maintenance schedule and follow it religiously!

Check Those Other Fluid Levels, Too

Engine oil isn’t the only oil that keeps your truck purring. Engine coolant keeps your engine at its optimal temperature winter or summer. This fluid is another essential to keeping your engine running happily. Check it regularly.

Power steering fluid, a hydraulic fluid, is responsible for the various moving components of the steering system. It also will help prolong the life of more expensive power system parts. For example, the power steering rack and power steering pump.

If you think changing the windshield washer fluid is optional, think again. The same culprits that gunk up your engine oil and other fluids also can get into your washer fluid.

Checking this fluid regularly means you keep a cleaner windshield, and that means a windshield less prone to damage.

Tire Rotation

Keeping the tread wear running even on your tires not only extends the life of your tires, it helps to improve gas mileage. Tire rotation also prolongs the life of the suspension components by reducing unnecessary vibration.

Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, our service department will also look at the undercarriage components to see if there are any other potential problems. Catching them early on prevents more costly repairs down the road.

Keep Your Exterior Clean

It always feels great to drive a clean truck. But a clean exterior is more than just esthetics. It also helps to protect the paint and removes any abrasive dust or dirt.

Winter exterior cleaning is especially important because of the road salts the highway department puts down when it snows. One big important tip: when you wash the exterior of your truck, don’t forget to wash the undercarriage. It collects dirt and debris, too.

Truck Inspection

Give your truck a physical annually. Let your mechanic check it for any potential problems. An annual inspection can help prevent any possible bigger problems later on.

And yes, it may be a bit of a hassle to take your truck for a routine inspection. But a little bit of proactive maintenance means less trouble later on.

If you want some good solid pickup truck maintenance, turn to the Chevy certified technicians at Joe Bowman’s service department. Our pros work on all kinds of vehicles every day.

They can partner with you to keep your truck running a long time.

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Here at our Harrisonburg, VA car lot, we recommend getting your used and new car regularly serviced. It’s the best way to keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come. But there are some practical DIY car tips that save you money and can possibly even save your life should you have an accident. Check out our list below.

Vinegar & Water De-Icer Prep

This simple and safe de-icing solution is a great winter tip. If you’re expecting ice, mix two to three parts apple cider vinegar to one-part water. Spray it on windshields the night before. The vinegar’s acidity will prevent ice from forming. You won’t have to worry about de-icing your car the next morning!

Do You Have A RoadSide Hero?

This handy gadget is a 9-in-1 multi-function lifesaving tool! If you’ve ever been in an accident, you know how devastating it can be. The RoadSide Hero functions as a glass breaker, hammer, belt/rope cutter, mounting magnet, compass, solar panel, flashlight/emergency light/strobe, and power bank. Everyone should have it.

Toothpaste Headlight Cleaner

Keep headlights shining bright but without a lot of expense or time. Use a rag, some toothpaste, and some water and simply wipe down your headlights. Watch the grime come off!

Roadside Emergency Kit

Along with the RoadSide Hero, make sure you have an emergency kit. It’s one of those things you hope you never need but are very glad to have it when you do. Plus, it will give you plenty of peace of mind on long road trips.

Nail Polish Chipped Window Repair

A quick, temporary fix for a chip out of your windshield is to use nail polish. It serves as a sealant to keep the chip from spreading to a full crack. Just get your vehicle to a window repair shop quickly.

Clean Air Vents with Foam Brush

Air vents can get very dusty and dirty. An easy, cheap cleaning solution is to buy a foam brush to reach further into the slats for a deep clean! Wal-Mart or Amazon will have them.

Olive Oil Leather Shiner

It seems the uses for olive oil keep growing. Using a very small amount, rub it on a microfiber cloth and move it in circular motions. Make it a practice to do this every 2-3 months for soft, shiny leather seats. At Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we want you to enjoy your new or quality used car for as long as possible.

When you’re ready to buy a new car or a used one, we’re here to help. Learn more about us on our website!

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Here’s a sobering thought. Every year, 38,000 Americans die in car crashes. Makes you want to tug on your seat belt a little tighter, doesn’t it?

While you want to stay safe on the road adhering to traffic laws and watching out for the other guy (you never know what he or she might do!), it’s also important to feel comfortable.

Fortunately, Chevrolet has you covered on both fronts. There are five big reasons to choose a Chevy. Plus, our Harrisonburg dealership has a good selection of new cars under $25,000 and that speaks to our third reason to choose a Chevy! Read on.

1-Chevrolet Brand is Safe

Road safety is Chevy’s #1 priority and it’s yours as well when you’re ready to buy. The good news is the Chevrolet brand is known for safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2014 awarded seven Chevy vehicles with the highest safety score possible.

Since that time, Chevrolet has maintained those safety features. Not only that, they used them as the foundation on which to build more safety features.

Today, you’ll find a wide array of safety features with your new vehicle that will quickly become indispensable features.

•    Rear view cameras—This feature fills in the “blind spot” every driver has when on the road. With it you can see animals, kids, and other cars you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to see.

•    Forward Collision Alerts—While the rear view camera lets you see what you can’t see behind you, the forward collision alert performs the same function in front of you.

•    Anti-Skid Technology and Alerts—Most Chevy vehicles have this feature in place. This prevents the vehicle from locking up during braking maintaining traction with the road surface.

There are a variety of other features in place such as airbags and daytime running lights. Check the vehicle you’re interested in to learn exactly what safety features are offered.

And if you’re looking to buy a used car for your teen, look no further than the Chevrolet Malibu. They’re not only safe, which you’ll love, they’re sporty. And your teen will love that, too.

2-Wide Variety of Makes and Models

Most of us like to look at a selection of vehicles before we buy. With compact cars, SUV’s, trucks, vans, hybrids and electric, you get a great selection with a brand you trust. Not only that, but you’ll have a full range of options.

Make your choice based on the size of your family, your lifestyle, and the features you want on the vehicle.

3-Chevy New Cars are Affordable

Chevy has a great price range of vehicles from which to choose. After all, when you purchase a vehicle you’re making a financial investment, but you’re also making a personal investment.

This is the vehicle you’ll live with for years. So, it’s important you love it along with the car payment you make. Both have to fit together nicely.

Joe Bowman Auto Plaza’s financing department has a large network of lenders we work with. We’ll find rates and terms that meet your needs. And with our simple interest loans, you can pay ahead on your car loan without penalty!

4-Solid Reputation of Trust

When you’re buying a car, new or used, you’re not just buying a vehicle. You’re also buying the reputation of the brand and dealership.

Chevrolet has won a huge number of awards over the years because of the features and benefits of the vehicles they engineer.

That’s why the Chevrolet reputation is highly regarded. We’re particularly proud that in 2019 the brand won the most dependable car award for the fourth year in a row.

But equally important is the reputation of the dealer. Just like Chevrolet, Joe Bowman Auto Plaza has an excellent reputation. With 60+ years serving our community of Harrisonburg, VA, we have a staff that’s dedicated to helping you find the vehicle that fits your lifestyle.

5-Environmentally Friendly

With hybrid and electric vehicles, Chevrolet is committed to reducing oil usage and the toxic load on the environment.

In 2018, the Chevy Bolt was recognized as one of the most eco-friendly vehicles on the market.

When you’re ready to buy a new car or a used one, turn with confidence to the pros at Joe Bowman Chevy. Our experienced staff will get you into the vehicle that fits your lifestyle and that you love.

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There’s a study from AAA that found more detergent additives makes a significant quality difference in the gas you buy. That’s why AAA is recommending that drivers should buy Top Tier fuel because of its life-extending benefits.

But what exactly is top tier gasoline?

Not a grade of gasoline, Top Tier is more a performance standard in gasoline which is backed by major automakers, including General Motors.

But to understand how good this gas is let’s back up to the 1990’s. That’s when the Environmental Protection Agency required minimum levels of detergents in gasoline.

Some auto manufacturers didn’t think the standards were high enough. So, a core group of automakers created a fuel program for optimal vehicle performance.

Today, these automakers all recommend Top Tier gasoline:

•    General Motors
•    BMW
•    Audi
•    Mercedes-Benz
•    Fiat Chrysler
•    Toyota
•    Honda

What are the Benefits of Top Tier Gasoline?

According to AAA, if you use gas that doesn’t have an enhanced additive package for a long period of time, it can lead to a reduction in fuel economy by 2%-4%.

It also increases emissions and the driving experience is lessened. Consumer Reports, another proponent of Top Tier gas had this to say:

“Given the technological trend toward more sophisticated engines, we think the EPA should consider raising the minimum detergent standards to ensure all drivers benefit from the type of performance and longevity promised by Top Tier fuels.’“
All Gas is Not the Same

As we said, Top Tier is not an octane grade. It’s fuel that has added a detergent package to it increasing the quality of the gas and the benefits to your vehicle. With a cleaner engine, your car or truck’s performance is preserved.

What’s the Cost of Top Tier Gasoline?

The price increase for making your vehicle last longer is about three cents more per gallon. If your car holds 12 gallons of gas, that’s an addition 36 cents to keep your vehicle in peak performance.

Where Can You Buy Top Tier?

According to Clark.com, here’s the list:
•    76
•    ARCO
•    Aloha
•    Amoco
•    Beacon
•    BP
•    Break Time C Stores
•    Breakaway
•    CITGO
•    Cenex
•    Chevron
•    Conoco
•    Costco Wholesale
•    CountryMark
•    CountryMark PLUS
•    Diamond Shamrock
•    Express Mart
•    Exxon
•    HFN – Hawaii Fueling Network
•    Fast Fuel
•    Harmons Fuel Stop
•    Hele
•    Holiday
•    Irving Oil
•    Kirkland Signature Gasoline
•    Kwik Star
•    Kwik Trip
•    MFA Oil
•    Marathon
•    Metro Petro
•    Mobil
•    Ohana Fuels
•    Phillips 66
•    QT
•    QuikTrip
•    Ranger
•    Ranger Fuel
•    Ranger Mustang
•    Ranger Stallion
•    Ranger Thoroughbred
•    Reeders
•    Road Ranger
•    Shamrock
•    Shell
•    Simonson Station Stores
•    Sinclair
•    Sunoco
•    Texaco
•    Tobacco Outlet Plus Grocery
•    Valero
•    Value America
•    WOW
•    Win Win

Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza we strongly support the use of Top Tier gasoline. Our Chevy certified mechanics see a big difference with vehicles that use this additive enriched gasoline.

We hope you’ll consider using it, too, to keep your vehicle happy for years to come!

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When buying a used car, there seems to be two ways consumers gauge the worth, the number of miles and the vehicle’s age. Both of these factors also affect pricing.

For example, a car that’s eight years will carry a lower price tag than one that’s two years old. And a car with 100,000 miles is usually less costly than one with only 20,000 miles.

But what if the vehicle is two years old and has 100,000 miles on it? Or, a vehicle is 7 years old and only has 15,000 miles on it?

Which should cause you more consideration before buying? Here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we sell lots of used cars, trucks, and SUV’s. We’ve been doing it for 60+ years.

Here’s our take on it.

Mileage

A car’s odometer tells the story of much life it has lived. So mileage should be a big consideration before purchasing. A car with 60,000 miles is more valuable than one that has 160,000 miles.

You also have to consider the parts on the vehicle, engine parts, suspension components, and so on. These parts don’t have an infinite life span; it’s important to take that in consideration.

You want to be careful, but you also want the full story. A car that has all city miles will have way more wear and tear than one that has all highway miles. That’s because stop and go traffic is a lot harder on a vehicle than smooth sailing highway miles.

However, there is a caveat. Joe Bowman Chevy sells both low mileage and high mileage vehicles, and our customers are very happy with both. Why is that?

There is a hidden factor that you should always consider when buying a used car. That is, a car may have higher mileage, but the owner took meticulous care of the vehicle. They took care of every problem or issue that came up and performed maintenance according to the manufacturer’s schedule.

A vehicle that has received that kind of care is likely to last longer than one owned by someone who doesn’t regularly perform maintenance or address issues as they arose.

That’s why you should have the whole picture before deciding to buy. If the better maintained car has higher mileage, it’s a better buy than one that hasn’t received good care.

Age

Age is an important consideration. Sometimes it’s even more of a consideration than mileage. Here’s why.

A car that’s 15 years old and has 30,000 miles on it may sound appealing but consider this. The owner didn’t drive it much, so did they do much maintenance on it? How about repairing items that broke?

Older cars with low gas mileage have rubber parts that don’t age well if the vehicle isn’t run regularly. A car that’s 7 years old might be more of a concern than one that’s a decade old but has received regular maintenance.

Our View

Age and mileage aren’t the issue so much as how the vehicle has been maintained. It just depends on the kind of car it is, the type of owner, and how much maintenance the vehicle received.

With every used car we sell here at Joe Bowman, we have either a 30-day or 90-day warranty, depending on mileage and age.

Buying a used car is stress-free with our Harrisonburg car dealership. That’s because we are a Carfax dealership; the large majority of our used vehicles come with a Carfax used car history report.

When you’re ready, we can help you find the car you want!

Stop by our Harrisonburg dealership or learn more about us online at our website.

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If you’re thinking about buying a used truck, you already know there’s more to consider than when buying a used car.

Think about it.

Pickups were made to live a workhorse lifestyle. So, what exactly should you look for? Here are three areas to consider.

Towing and Hauling

The first thing you want to consider when you’re in the used truck market is what was the truck used for? Was it used to tow and haul on a regular basis?

If the truck you’re looking at spent half its life hooked up to a trailer, there may be excessive wear on the mechanical components.

If you’re buying privately, ask the owner for a list of work receipts performed on the vehicle by their mechanic. This should tell you something about the vehicle’s history.

If you’re buying from Joe Bowman, the large majority of our vehicles are Carfax certified. Many of them one owner. We can print out the history so that you can take a closer, more in-depth look.

What’s more, we offer either 30-day or 90-day warranty on all of our vehicles, depending on mileage. We don’t want one sale from you; we want a customer for life!

And we offer service after the sale. Customers who buy from us get priority scheduling in our service department. If two people want the same appointment time and one bought the vehicle from us, that person gets top priority.

Additionally, we offer a courtesy vehicle while your vehicle is in the shop.

Off-Road Uses

While there are many trucks that lead a pampered city life, others are true workhorses, an integral part on farms, in the fields, or for commercial purposes.

If the truck was used for the latter, heavy use can cause heavier wear on a truck’s suspension, chassis, etc. You’ll want to check to see the actual wear and tear.

To do that, examine the vehicle closely. Do you see a lot of scrapes, bent parts on the underside of the truck, scratches? If so, it may have had a rough road life.

That certainly doesn’t mean you should avoid buying the truck, you’ll just want to get a mechanic to examine it first.

Trucks Used Commercially

Some trucks are bought for use in a commercial business. These trucks perform many tasks from hauling heavy goods and serious debris to just driving the foreman around.

You’ll want to review these vehicles carefully. Some businesses take good care of their vehicles, others don’t. Unless you’re buying that vehicle from Joe Bowman Chevy, we recommend you take the truck to a mechanic for closer inspection.

Buying a used truck takes a bit more work because trucks are used for a wide variety of tasks. At our Harrisonburg, VA dealership, we’ll provide you with the needed details so that you know what you need to feel comfortable buying from us.

And we’ll help you with financing so you can get in that pickup and start a beautiful relationship that will last for years to come.

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Who isn’t excited to get behind the wheel of a new car? It’s exhilarating! But what can you do to keep your car running like you just drove it off the lot?

You’ve probably heard that you need to break it in gently. Or, that new cars are ready for a big work out right from the git-go.

It is true that decades ago new vehicles did need to be slowly and systematically broken in. This was to let the engine settle into to its full capacity.

Well, new cars do need some breaking in but it’s really minor. For starters, it’s important to let the engine loosen up with some easy driving initially.

Find some time to drive it around the neighborhood a bit before you tax it on the freeway.

And no, idling is not a proper warmup. Drive. Your. Car. You want to try and keep this practice for the first 1,000 miles, if possible.

Stop and Go New Car Care Tip

Stop and go traffic finally has a purpose! Use that time to help smooth out the rough edges of your brakes. Frequent stops are excellent for that. Again, the first 1,000 miles is a good measurement for how long to do this.

About your brakes…normal driving conditions help to evenly wear the brakes. But riding your brakes and high speed stops, these aren’t good for a new vehicle.

What about driving your new car fast?  The days of driving a brand new vehicle at 55 MPH are gone. Use the passing lane yes, but don’t test the maximum speed of the car to an unreasonable amount.

You want to make sure you feel comfortable with your new car to drive it faster. Know and understand what each of the controls do before you put the pedal to the metal.

The Reason for an Early Oil Change

Lastly, change the oil after the warm up period of 1,000 miles. While many vehicles are calibrated to have the oil changed after 6,000 miles, you’re likely to find metallic flakes in the oil once it’s removed. That’s a natural and necessary occurrence to wearing down the brakes’ rough edges.

And as always, schedule regular maintenance. At Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, our talented Chevy certified technicians can keep your vehicle in “like new” condition.

With new car care, keep your vehicle purring well into old age. Want to learn more about us? Visit us on our website. Or stop in at our Harrisonburg dealership.

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When you buy a new or used car, the goal is always to keep the vehicle in great condition for as long as possible. Whether you decide to re-sell it later or trade it in for another vehicle, you want the vehicle to retain value.

Although here at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, our service department sees problems that could easily have been avoided if the vehicle had been properly serviced. Here’s what to do to keep your vehicle humming along for years to come.

Inspect Your Vehicle Regularly

Your owner’s manual contains everything you need to know to keep your car healthy. Get acquainted with it and refer to it regularly.

Learn the Different Warning Lights

New cars today have sophisticated sensors and warning systems that let you know immediately when something is not working.

Do you know what each of these lights is signaling when they are activated?

•    Check engine light
•    Service engine light
•    Electrical fault light
•    Brake warning light
•    ABS warning light
•    Coolant warning light
•    Oil warning light


These system lights are your partners in keeping your vehicle safe. Get to know them!

Tire Maintenance

This is another biggie. A simple check of your tire pressure will save you at the gas pump. Not to mention how well your vehicle handles and the comfort of your ride.

Some vehicles have tire pressure monitoring systems already installed. If so, you can check this off your list! Some smart gadgets connect with mobile devices to alert you of a change in tire pressure. Otherwise, make it habit to check your tires on a regular basis.

One aspect an app can’t check is tire tread depth. The good news is tire manufacturers do integrate tread wear bars into the tire which gives you an unmistakable visual for when to get new ones.

Do get tires rotated on a regular basis. The rule of thumb for tire rotation is every 5,000 miles to keep your car’s fuel economy robust. Not to mention, to keep you safe on the road.

Wheel balancing, tire rotation and alignment are essential for good used car health!

Enjoying good fuel economy is another reason to keep an eye on tire pressure. Under inflated or over inflated tires wreaks havoc on gas mileage. Nobody wants that.

Check Your Drive Belts

Drive belts take power from the engine so that other mechanical parts of the vehicle will run smoothly.

When drive belts are worn, any of these systems can be affected:

•    Alternator
•    AC compressor
•    Power steering pump
•    Air and water pumps

Because drive belts are generally made from rubber, they take a lot of wear even with normal use. Over time, they will degrade. It’s important to check them to make sure none of the belts is faulty.

Check Oil Levels

Without the proper amount of engine oil, your vehicle can’t and won’t run properly. In fact, it’s detrimental to the vehicle.

The car’s engine has a lot of moving parts that create friction and heat. Hence, a good brand of car oil is critical for a properly functioning vehicle.

Do check the oil regularly. Just make sure you’re doing the check on level ground for an accurate read.

Coolant Levels

While your car’s oil reduces friction between its moving parts, you need a coolant to prevent the engine from overheating.

That’s where your radiator comes in. It must have radiator fluid in its reservoir to get rid of the heat generated by the motor.  Keep your car happy with periodic checks.

Replace Engine Air Filter

If your vehicle experiences mediocre gas mileage, unusual sounds that come from the engine, or significantly reduced horsepower, check your engine’s air filter.

It runs efficiently on a mixture of air and fuel. If dirt, debris, or any other contaminant gets sucked in, it will compromise your engine’s operation.

If you do a lot of around town driving, stop and go driving, there’s a greater risk that your air filter will accumulate dust and dirt. That doesn’t mean you avoid driving in town, just check your air filter a little more often!

Replace Your Spark Plugs

Lack of acceleration, rough idling, and trouble starting your vehicle are all signs of malfunctioning spark plugs.

Usually, spark plug replacement occurs every 30,000 miles if it is a standard copper spark plug. If your vehicle has the more advanced iridium plug, these can last up to 100,000 miles.

The point is to listen to your vehicle. If you suspect spark plugs, they really aren’t difficult to replace.

Stick to the Octane Rating Recommended by the Manufacturer

Four words here: Read your owner’s manual. Too many car owners think a higher octane will yield better gas mileage.

It will if you’re a race car driver. Sports cars and race cars have engines that run on very high compression ratios. Without the higher octane gas, they “knock.” That’s why a higher octane gas is essential for them.

Since your car is made for public highways, simply stick with the octane rating recommended by the manufacturer.

Battery Maintenance

Just because your battery is maintenance free doesn’t mean you can skip basic maintenance. It takes less than a minute to check your battery terminal and clean the contacts as needed.

Check to make sure there’s no corrosion or mineral buildup. If you do find either of these, get a brush designed to clean battery terminals. Rubbing off the buildup will help prolong the life of your battery and lower the cost of car maintenance.

Check Your Signal Light Bulbs

Signal lights are crucial to safe driving. It’s how other drivers know what direction you’re planning to take. A blown light bulb should never be overlooked.

Most of these steps can be done in a few minutes; they are that simple and easy to do. If, however, you feel more comfortable having a professional look over your vehicle, set up an appointment with our service pros.

Our certified Chevy mechanics can work on all makes and models of vehicles. Take advantage of their expertise because regular car maintenance is the secret sauce for keeping your vehicle running smoothly for years to come!

Check out our website to learn more about us.

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The pandemic has created special challenges for all of us. Whether you’re running a business or running to the store for groceries, we’ve never lived through times like these!

We’re glad to say that there is one thing that hasn’t changed. If you want to buy a new Chevrolet, you can still safely do that with our Shop. Click. Drive program
It allows you to:

•    Shop any time of the day or night, 24/7
•    Shop from home—no need to come to the dealership
•    Watch informative videos

All the information you need to know is conveniently in one place on our website. Simply browse our inventory. Once you’ve found the vehicle you want to buy, click the “Start Buying Process“ button.

Here you can enter your zip code, then view and select local offers.

Yes, You Can Calculate Your Payment, Too

Shop. Click. Drive also allows you to estimate your trade in value, if it’s applicable, and any available GM earnings.

Then use the payment calculator to explore your purchase options. You can also personalize your vehicle purchase by adding on any GM accessories that appeal to you, choose a protection plan, and begin your financial application.

Review our checklist of what items are needed for your purchase. Everything is laid out very clearly. There are no surprises and there’s no obligation to buy until you sign the agreement.

And it’s all done online.

Finalize and Pick Up the Keys (Or We Can Take It To You)

As part of keeping you and our staff safe, you have the option of having us deliver the vehicle to your home. If you’re comfortable with coming in to our Harrisonburg, VA dealership, then you can pick up the keys there.

It’s a simple, innovative way to buy your next new Chevy. And you can do it safely from the comfort of your own home.

At Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, we strive for the best customer experience possible all the time. Why would that change during the pandemic?

Let the Shop. Click. Drive program work for you and buy the car of your dreams online!

Learn more about us here.

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Trucks give you a freedom that cars can’t. That’s why people love them! Off road use, four wheel drive, hauling ability, an enviable view….What’s not to love?

To keep your vehicle running smoothly, there are numerous small maintenance tasks to do. However, for this post, we want to focus on truck maintenance tips involving fluids and lubrications. If these aren’t cared for properly, your pickup truck won’t live a long healthy life.

Heavy duty tasks like towing and hauling add a lot of wear and tear to a truck. So how can you make that wear and tear less?

Make sure your fluids are clean. This will greatly reduce how much wear a vehicle incurs.

Naturally, you always want to check the owner’s manual and follow the recommendations for fluid and filter changes. This is especially true if you have a new truck.
If a fluid level is low, get into the habit of checking all the lines and the components that flow to and from the line to see if there’s a leak.

And remember, you want to check fluids on a level ground.

The Big Purpose of Engine Oil

Engine oil was made to keep your engine happy, and that means cooling and protecting it.

Driving in rough and dusty conditions? That will cut your oil life in half. So check the oil at least once each month.

While mileage and vehicle usage are the best ways to tell when you need an oil change, keep the following pointers in mind as well.

For fluids that have dipstick, check the level of fluid as well as the color. If the color is black, it probably needs changing. Change the oil filter at the same time the oil is replaced.

A Good Way to Check Your Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid cools the transmission while also protecting it. Check it when you check your engine oil.

A good way to do that is to put your truck in park with the engine idling. Different vehicles have different transmission fluid intervals, and some even say the fluid can last a lifetime.

Do yourself a favor, check it anyway, and change the transmission filter regularly too.

Coolant

You want to check your coolants at least once before the change of seasons. It’s also a good idea to check it before a long trip or when the truck is going to be worked hard.

Change the coolant between 15,000 and 100,000 miles.

Power Steering and Brake Fluid

While both power steering and brake fluid last a long time, it’s best to check them at every oil change. Moisture and heat can affect the quality. Water can cause rust while heat will degrade the fluid’s quality.

Hardware Checkups: Essential to Your Truck Maintenance Checklist

For regular, lightweight truck use, the hardware on your vehicle will last the life of the vehicle. If, however, you use the truck for hauling and towing, you’ll want to inspect the suspension, spark plugs, steering, brakes, frame and air filter regularly.

How to make your truck last forever starts with paying attention to the little things under the hood. These truck maintenance tips will save you beaucoup money in the long run.

And your truck will bless you with a long, trouble-free life!

Turn to the service pros at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. Our certified Chevy technicians work on all makes and models. We can help keep your truck running smoothly well into old age!

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