As much as trucks are loved and praised in the U.S., they're used and abused more than any other vehicle. Far too many don't see the usual maintenance they demand, eventually ending up with bigger, more pressing problems because of it.
That's not to say trucks are totally unloved. Most owners have a solid routine of staying on top of fluids, brakes, and their tires. It's a great start, but it doesn't cover everything. There's a lot more to do if you want to get the most out of your truck, especially if you've been building it up with all sorts of accessories. In fact, aftermarket modifications can increase the need for upkeep or even add to the maintenance process.
To keep that to-do list from getting away from you and turning into a list of major repairs, we're going to talk you through our top 9 most commonly overlooked truck maintenance tasks that you need to work into your routine.
Applying Protective Film
Fluid Film is a product that lays over the surface of components on the underside of your truck. Rather than letting corrosive, nasty chemicals and debris sit on the parts it's protecting, Fluid Film suspends them, preventing contact from ever being made.
While adding protective films to a truck’s undercarriage is a familiar concept, not everyone is actively doing it. Many owners are deterred by the additional step it requires – namely, crawling under a dirty undercarriage, cleaning things up, and then applying an oily product. Still, it's a highly effective solution that can significantly prolong the lifespan of your truck, making the extra effort well worth it.
Maintaining Side Steps
Nerf bars and running boards are taken for granted. Despite how often they’re used, they're rarely given the treatment they deserve. If left neglected, especially in an area like the Rust Belt, it won't be long until that step up suddenly gives out.
Regular cleaning, polishing, and even waxing of side steps is key to getting a long life out of them. Since they bolt directly to the frame, it's also important to make a habit of inspecting the hardware and mounting points for rust. By replacing necessary components and reapplying protective barriers like paint and undercoating to vulnerable areas, you'll keep your truck on the road much longer.
Hitch Upkeep
Hitches have the ever-important job of keeping heavy cargo secured to your truck while you travel down the freeway. The last thing you ever want is for one to fail. Therefore, it's really important to regularly inspect and maintain them.
Receiver hitches, goosenecks, and fifth wheels are all fixed to the vehicle by bolting to the frame. You need to make sure those mounting points are sound and free of damage. If anything looks suspicious, you should replace it well before you attach a load. That said, you should also clean and grease the ball mounts and other key areas regularly to avoid seizing and sudden failures.
Staying On Top of Tool Boxes
Truck tool boxes are another accessory you want to give special attention to from time to time. They're responsible for holding all sorts of gear, and if something goes wrong and they start sliding around, you can be in big trouble.
Most tool boxes don't require drilling, which means they aren't likely to cause corrosion to the truck. That doesn't mean the mounting hardware won't rust or fail, though. It's best to inspect the mounting bolts and replace them when necessary. This is also a great excuse to reorganize that catch-all drawer of a box we're all guilty of creating over time.
Cleaning Under Bed Liner
If you have a bed mat, BedRug, or drop-in bed liner, it’s important to periodically remove them and clean beneath. While these products aim to protect the truck bed, they can inadvertently trap debris, leading to moisture buildup and eventual rust issues. Even if your truck isn't used for heavy hauling, debris like leaves, pine needles, and dirt can still make their way underneath. Depending on how you use your truck, you should make a habit of doing this maintenance once or twice per year.
Tonneau Cover Maintenance
While tonneau covers may not be a structurally critical component, they're a valuable aftermarket upgrade that significantly enhances your truck's utility. Shielding cargo from both theft and bad weather extends your rig’s functionality, making it worth the time to maintain these covers properly.
Routine maintenance of tonneau covers varies by model. A simple roll-up vinyl cover is going to require different care than a retracting model. That means the research on your particular cover is for you to handle. And you should; otherwise, you'll have a dry-rotted cloth that's falling apart or a solid cover with seized bearings that's doing you no good.
Inspecting Steering Components
The dreaded death wobble isn’t exclusive to Jeeps; any vehicle with worn suspension components can experience it. Your truck, especially with a suspension lift and oversized tires, is just as vulnerable. Proactive maintenance is key to avoiding any unwanted surprises.
Death wobble occurs when steering and suspension components are worn out. Every so often, it's worth getting beneath the vehicle and checking that everything is properly greased and in working order. Look out for torn boots and leaky shocks as signs that replacements may be necessary.
Rotating Tires
Speaking of oversized tires, tire rotations are a critical bit of maintenance for every vehicle. However, it's something many truck owners skip because it's such a pain in the neck. Trucks are tall and heavy vehicles that take more effort to lift off the ground, and the tires are no pleasure to work with either. However, even if you keep on top of tire pressure and regular cleanings, you can’t overlook this step.
Truck tires are far more expensive than car tires, especially if you've moved to an oversized set. Neglecting rotations can lead to uneven tire wear, ultimately costing you more money in the long run. To streamline the process, consider combining tire rotations with periodic alignments – and requesting a comprehensive inspection of steering components to help check the previous maintenance task off your list.
Inspecting Exhaust Hangers
Exhaust systems are prone to rotting away on trucks. You don't have to look far to find a truck with its tailpipe dangling low, just waiting to fall off. Not only is this not a great look, but it’s also dangerous and something you really want to be careful to avoid.
Most of the time, when this happens, it's because the exhaust hanger or hanger bushing has failed or popped loose. If you're lucky, you can push the bushing back in place or simply replace it. Sometimes, the hanger rod breaks free due to rust, and you will need to weld it back in place. If the damage is bad enough, you will need to replace whatever it was attached to. If you want to avoid that altogether, moving to an aftermarket stainless exhaust system is a great measure to take.