maintenance Archives

A truck is a significant investment, and that means keeping it running for as long as possible, is the most sensible approach. The good news is you can find some savvy ways to protect your truck and ensure it has the longest life span, all in the post below.

truck, cars, vehicles, maintenance, driving, repair

Picture sourced at Pixabay – License CC0

Respect your suspension

When your family car is a truck, a topic you can find my post on at http://www.going-dad.com/2018/09/30/could-your-next-family-car-actually-be-a-truck/, good suspension is an essential. Unfortunately, it also tends to be one of the areas that sees the most wear and tear over time, and a weak and faulty suspension can be incredibly dangerous.

With that in mind, it is well with the time and effort to do everything you can to protect the suspension in your truck. One way of doing this is to make sure you regularly rotate your tires. Otherwise, they can end up wearing unevenly and so add extra strain to your suspension.

When rotating your truck’s tires it is also a smart move to make sure they are properly balanced as well, as this can also help alleviate any undue strain on your truck’s suspension. Of course, another option is to enlist the help of a truck specialist like the one you will find at https://tcsupfitting.com/heavy-duty-truck-upgrades/ and get them to upgrade your trucks’ suspension for you. Thereby ensuring it is as robust and long-lasting as possible and offers the most comfortable ride.

Change your oil

Sure, it’s straightforward but you may be surprised at just how much difference putting the right oil in your car truck makes. Indeed, as oil is designed to keep your engine lubricated and running smoothly, choosing the one that is best suited to your vehicle is vital.

With that in mind, be sure to look for oils that are engineered to promote long life, something you can read all about at https://auto.howstuffworks.com/how-to-choose-the-right-oil-for-your-car-or-truck2.htm. Make sure you change your oil regularly too, consult your owner’s manual to find the correct duration between changes. In older trucks, you will need to change the filter at the same time as the oil too if you want to ensure efficiency and longevity!

Keep an eye open for problems with your lights

If you want to make sure that your truck lasts for as long as possible, it’s also a very smart idea to keep an eye on the way your lights and electrics are functioning. The reason being that dimming lights can signal an electrical fault that needs further attention to keep your truck on the road.

Always be aware of driving conditions (and adjust your maintenance accordingly)

Finally, if you want to keep your truck in tip-top shape for as long as possible you will need to stay aware of the conditions you are driving in, as well as what you are putting your vehicle through.

For example, if you are hauling heavier loads most of the time, you can expect more wear and tear on your tires and suspension. However, if you find yourself off-roading then your suspension and your air filters will need the most attention to ensure your truck continues to run for the longest time possible.

The roofs on our homes are often neglected. As we don’t always look at them, we often forget that they’re there. However, the roof is an essential part of any house as it keeps the elements out and protects what’s inside the home. So, it must be looked after. Without it, the home, and everything in it, would be extremely exposed. Luckily, as homeowners we can do a few things to keep our roofs in tip-top condition to ensure they are doing as they should.

Inspect it

As with anything else in the home, to maintain it, you need to look at it. Roof inspections are no different. An annual roof inspection will identify if any roofing concerns need to be attended to. This is something that homeowners can do, but sometimes, it’s best to have a professional come out to look as they know exactly what to look for. The best roofing contractor northern va has to offer will be able to take one look at a roof and pinpoint any issues to determine if the roof needs any work. Although this can be done annually, it’s also wise to have the roof inspected after any harsh weather like storms, twisters, or hurricanes.

Clean it

Roofs need cleaning. Over time, there can be a build-up of grime. This can come from weather debris, the seasons changing, or mother nature in the form of moss and ivy. Again, this can be done annually, and it’s probably best to do it in the springtime, removing the autumn and winter debris. By cleaning the roof, you are protecting it from damage later on. Most of the time, when debris collects on the roof, it’s usually in the form of leaves, moss, and general sludge. All of these hold water, which can cause dampness in the roof. Ultimately, this could lead to water damage and result in a hole. As there’s usually a loft space between the roof and the last ceiling of the house, such damage often goes unnoticed until it becomes a major problem, requiring the services of a company like Protegrity Restoration to rectify the water damage that’s occurred and a roofing company to either replace or repair the roof. Additionally, cleaning the roof can also deter any pests from making a home there. Pests also won’t be able to burrow into the house as there will be no holes for them.

Replace damaged shingles

Shingles can get damaged for all kinds of reasons. Most of the time, they’re just old and weathered, which causes them to break. When they break, they can cause cracks in the whole roof, or they can fall off completely, leaving part of the roof exposed. When that part of the roof is exposed, it’s more likely to get holes, or the damage can spread as the elements can get under the shingles and lift them. Not only this, but it looks unappealing too and can negatively impact curb appeal and resale value of a property. Replacing damaged shingles as soon as they’re noticed is important to keep the integrity of a roof.

Maintain the gutters

Gutters filter water from the roof, down the side of a home, and into drains. This stops water from pooling on the roof and causing water damage. However, over time, gutters can get blocked with all kinds of debris. Leaves and moss can fall from the roof, plus other kinds of waste can get trapped in there too. There have even been occasions where birds have made nests near gutter piping and sticks, and twigs have gotten stuck. Removing this debris will ensure water doesn’t pool on the roof causing water damage. It’s also important to ensure there are no cracks in the gutter that could lead to leaks elsewhere. If cleaning your gutters on your own sounds daunting (because it is!), let businesses like Clean Pro Gutter Cleaning Seattle do the dirty work for you. Then you get quality-cleaned gutters and extra time to do something else that you enjoy.

Sometimes it’s best to get a professional to come and inspect a roof as well as make any repairs. This ensures everything is done properly and the roof is well looked after. A well-maintained roof should last for at least 15 years, however one that is not maintained may need a roof replacement sooner.