How long do trucks last?
In today’s blog post, we will answer the following question: How long do trucks last? We will discuss what influences the lifespan of trucks and how to extend their useful time.
How long do trucks last?
Trucks are expected to last more than 100,000 miles given the proper maintenance and storage. One of the most important details to understand the great utility of a vehicle of this magnitude is its duration.
Trucks, in the most optimal cases, can last 10 years, but their useful life usually begins to decline from the sixth or seventh, although spare parts for them may be needed sooner, it all depends on the use.
What influences the lifespan of trucks?
Spare parts for trucks are many, as this type of vehicle consists of a huge number of parts that conventional vehicles do not have because they are not necessary for the operation of another type of car that does not carry heavy loads. It is common that what fails the most in a cargo truck has to do with the parts of the vehicle that are used the most: tires, compressors, engines, among others.
Brake failures are not frequent, since this type of vehicle has a robust resistance that prevents this type of failure, however, it is always good to prevent this type of problem, and there are also industrial parts for repair or repair. extension of its useful life.
With good treatment and with the correct and timely corrections, the truck can enjoy a fairly respectable life. It is important to pay attention to the distances that the truck will travel and the parts of the vehicle that may require more attention.
How to extend the lifespan of a truck?
Nowadays, truck owners are keeping their vehicles longer before selling and changing them, in part because of car loans and the majority of longer repayment plans. Therefore, it is more important than ever to maintain your vehicle properly so that it lasts longer and you avoid the heaviest repairs.
Here are our 10 relatively simple tips to extend the life of your truck:
- Make the right repairs at the right time: Whether you’ve noticed your truck pulling to one side or hear a slight hum when you turn on the air conditioning, these little butt issues can become very serious when left out. Fix them as soon as possible to avoid new (much) more expensive problems. It’s a bit like the flu, the sooner you treat yourself the better!
- Oil changes: We’re not inventing anything by telling you that oil is essential to keep your engine running smoothly. When the oil levels are low or the oil is old and dirty, it increases the friction between the metal parts which will eventually cause wear to the engine. It is imperative when changing your truck, make it a habit to change the oil regularly according to the schedule recommended in the manufacturer’s manual.
When changing the oil, it is strongly recommended (not to say mandatory) to replace the oil filter. The role of the oil filter is to filter out dirt and oil particles, particles that could cause significant damage to your engine. Oil filters are generally inexpensive, ranging from $ 5 to $ 20 on average, depending on the model of your vehicle.
- Periodically check the rest of your fluids: Oil is not the only fluid that optimizes the performance of your truck. The good performance of your vehicle also depends on the transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and finally coolant. From time to time, these fluids need to be changed or upgraded.
- Change the air filter regularly: The air filter (not to be confused with the cabin filter) is there to protect your engine from dirt and impurities entering it. More generally, it is responsible for the good quality of the air-fuel mixture within the engine. In other words: it is very important! There are several indicators that allow you to detect a bad air filter, but thetwo2 main ones are: dark smoke escaping and/or a lack of power when accelerating.
- Don’t ignore tire pressure: Good tire pressure improves driving comfort. Tires that are under inflated from recommended pressure levels will dramatically reduce your gas mileage and your vehicle’s stability. You will find these indications either on the side of each tire, on the inside of the driver’s side door or simply in your manufacturer’s manual. So remember to check the pressure of your tires.
We recommend that you check your truck’s tire pressure at least once a month and especially if you are going to make a long trip, such as going on vacation. In order to check your tire pressure, you can use a tire pressure gauge (or pressure gauge) for an exact measurement or just take a closer look at your tires to see if they are showing any noticeable signs of wear.
- Keep your vehicle clean: And yes, you don’t hear it often, but yet the dust and debris that is piled up on and inside your vehicle can cause accelerating wear and tear on your body. And besides, it’s not very pretty. Wash and wax your truck regularly to keep the exterior paintwork intact, and use cleaning products suitable for the interior of your vehicle to protect it, which will prevent problems such as cracked leather or scratches, for example.
- Park your vehicle in the shade! The sun is another enemy of your car’s body that is often overlooked. Park your car in the shade or in covered places to avoid rapid degradation. It will even prevent problems like bleaching your interior fabrics.
- Drive with a hot engine: One of the biggest causes of engine damage is forcing the truck to drive while the engine is still cold. Start your truck and take a few minutes (and especially in winter) before setting off to make sure your engine is warm and properly lubricated.
- Drive responsibly: Abrupt stops and starts, high speeds and tight turns will not do your car any favours and put a strain on vital parts of your vehicle. This is the case with your clutch, for example. When you are stopped at a stop sign or in front of a traffic light, do not use your clutch as a means of stopping the truck. Use your brake pedal to apply your brake pads (that’s their role after all!) In order to rest your clutch and that it can maintain constant pressure.
- Get to know your vehicle. This last piece of advice is practically applicable for all makes and models of trucks, but your vehicle may need special attention. Take the time to read your service manual and follow the maintenance schedules and advice it recommends.
The bottom line
As we have already outlined throughout the article, getting a truck to extend its useful life will depend on how you drive and that you carry out proper maintenance. Some practices that you do on a daily basis may be reducing your truck’s life expectancy considerably.
When considering used truck mileage, don’t take it at face value. Review the history of the vehicle, whose it is, where it has been driven, how it has been driven and how well it has been maintained over the years.
Do you have any questions or comments on the content? Feel free to share them!
FAQ on How long do trucks last?
What maintenance is given to a truck?
Here is are a few basic maintenance tips for your truck:
- Change your engine oil and filter regularly. Oil helps lubricate and protect your truck’s engine.
- Check the other fluids.
- Rotate your tires.
- Clean the exterior of your truck.
- Take your truck to technical checks.
How long does a truck last?
The useful life of a vehicle is around 12 years on average. It can last more or less, depending on what care and maintenance you are giving to the vehicle.
What is the lifespan of a cargo truck?
A cargo truck can have a very long lifespan, for a total of 20 years of useful life, as long as it is properly maintained.
What is considered high mileage for a truck?
Any number over 300,000 miles is considered high mileage for a truck. Still, depending on the model and manufacturer, your truck can last way longer than that.
When to stop repairing the car?
After 10 years, you can stop repairing a car. Hopefully, your old repaired vehicle will be as reliable and safe as a new one. But since a car is only guaranteed for about 10 years nowadays, proper care and maintenance is the key to a lasting relationship with your vehicle!
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