Pickup Truck Upkeep 101

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Better maintenance of your pickup truck can fetch you a higher sale price. Motorist has some tips to help you keep your pickup in as close to a like-new condition as possible!

The pickup is one of the most popular body styles among Thais. They are favoured for their cargo capacity, affordability and versatility. No wonder then, that they have a large user base.

However, even though they are known for their durability and strength, owners should still consistently take care of, and maintain their pickups to keep them in good condition and ensure a long lifespan.

Things to Do When Owning a Pickup Car

1. Clean your car regularly

Using your car extensively without regular cleaning can lead to the buildup of dirt and grime, making it difficult to clean and potentially causing scratches during the cleaning process. Therefore, it is advisable to clean your car regularly to keep it looking shiny and new.

2. Check and change fluids in the car as needed

The fluids inside the car have the important role of maintaining the proper operating conditions for the engine. Mechanical damage can ensue if they are not kept at the appropriate levels. If they are not at appropriate levels, it can potentially damage the engine.

3. Replace the air filter as necessary to prolong the engine's lifespan and improve acceleration and fuel efficiency

Clean air is not only important for us, but also for the engine. Therefore, it is necessary to have an air filter to trap and filter out dust particles from entering the engine combustion chamber. Typically, air filters have a lifespan of around 20,000 to 40,000 kilometres (may vary depending on the vehicle model), or they can be replaced as needed if excessive dust accumulation is observed.

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4. Check and maintain tire pressure regularly

It is important to inflate the tires to the correct pressure, neither too high nor too low, as it can affect driving performance. It is recommended to check the tire pressure at least 1-2 times, as normal tire pressure tends to decrease by about 2-3 pounds per square inch (PSI) per month. Additionally, overloading the vehicle can cause abnormal wear and tear on the tires, leading to accelerated deterioration.

5. Check the electrical system

The electrical system is equally important. If there is any minor abnormality, it should be addressed immediately to prevent further complications. For example, insufficient lighting can increase the risk of accidents. It is also advisable to have spare fuses available for emergency situations.

6. Check the vehicle's condition according to intervals and guidelines

Every part of the vehicle has a lifespan and undergoes wear and tear over time. If you neglect to regularly inspect and check the vehicle's condition, you may not be aware of any abnormalities. For example, the tires should be checked every 6 months or every 5,000 kilometres.

7. Follow the vehicle's owner's manual for maintenance

Each car model and individual vehicle may have different maintenance requirements in certain areas. It is important to study and understand your vehicle's owner's manual to help you take proper care of your car. Neglecting to follow the recommended maintenance procedures may result in faster wear and tear on the vehicle than necessary.

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8. Limit the speed to not exceed 88 kilometres per hour or follow the recommended speed limit for each car model

9. Avoid parking in areas prone to easily causing scratches or damages

10. Do not accelerate the engine immediately upon starting the car. Allow approximately 10-20 minutes before driving

11. Avoid driving too fast in extremely hot or cold weather conditions

12. Avoid frequent and abrupt braking as it can cause the tires to wear out faster

13. Avoid continuously turning the steering wheel in one direction until it reaches its maximum limit

14. Avoid leaving the car parked for an extended period without any activity, as it can lead to battery drain and engine issues due to the drying out of internal fluids

15. Avoid parking the car under direct sunlight. It is recommended to use a car cover to prevent rapid fading of the paint and the formation of fine scratches

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16. Avoid overloading the vehicle with a weight exceeding 1,100 kilograms

17. Preserve the car's paint and reduce the occurrence of scratches by applying wax coating

18. When inflating the tires, observe if there is moisture around the pump area, as it can potentially damage the tires

19. If the car has traveled approximately 48,000 - 64,000 kilometers, consider replacing the spark plugs

20. Regularly top up the car's coolant with clean water to prevent accumulation of dirt and debris

If anyone has additional car care tips, they are welcome to comment and share. However, if you want to sell your car at a good price, you should sell it through Motorist!

Read More: How to Calculate Car Depreciation Value by Yourself

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