How to Enjoy the Springtime with Your Pickup Truck

For some people, smaller cars may be easier to drive. However, pickup trucks shine more in the spring—like how the flowers and plants thrive. Despite looking brute and aggressive, pickup trucks are the unsung hero of springtime. They are more dependable, practical, and fun to drive, regardless of the weather condition.

Now that the weather has warmed up, pickup trucks are arguably the best vehicle for the season. For many drivers and passengers alike, spring is an enjoyable period to spend outdoors. To fully enjoy the season, these are how you can make your vehicle ready for springtime.

Truck care and maintenance

Preparing your vehicle for spring may seem like a DIY project since you need to take different precautions. Maintenance helps ensure your vehicle is thoroughly inspected and in good condition for spring. Here’s a list of maintenance work you should check for your truck:

Wash your car

Visiting a carwash or doing it yourself is one of the essential things to do, especially after the winter season. It is crucial to clean the exterior and undercarriage because road salt and other particles can accumulate and linger on the vehicle. These elements cause rust and build-up that may damage the exterior paint job and undercarriage parts. Moreover, if you want to get into spring cleaning, include cleaning the vehicle’s interior. You may find water spots, stains, salt, dust, and other stuff that your shoes tracked in during the wintertime.

Check the battery

Any vehicle driven during winter has worked extra hard, making it easier for the car battery to drain. If you suspect the battery life on your vehicle is low, you have to check the installation date because it should not be older than four years. You may also consult your local mechanic or ask some auto parts retailers if they provide free battery inspection.

Inspect the fluids

You can find different types of fluids in your pickup truck, which all have a particular purpose. The engine oil protects the machine against wear and tear, so keeping it full will help the engine continue to function properly. Brake fluid is another fluid to monitor, as it helps transfer the pressure from the pedal to the wheel. If the brake fluid is insufficient, stopping the vehicle will take more time and effort. Get all the fluids on your pickup truck topped off and filled, as they tend to empty quickly during the colder season.

Replace the wiper blades

One of the simple truck parts typically forgotten until they become a problem are wiper blades. Due to ice and snow, they get worn out during the winter months. So, it is necessary to replace them during springtime, especially when you can never be sure about the weather. Moreover, check the wiper fluid, which helps improve visibility and keeps the windshield clean.

Check under the hood

Another important part of truck maintenance is checking the air filters, belts, and hoses. Check the air filters to see if they are clean and working properly. Since the warm weather is approaching, the air filter helps ensure the vehicle's air conditioning unit works without problems. Changing the air filter can help protect the truck's engine, as they prevent dust and debris from getting into the combustion chambers of the cylinders. They also help reduce gas waste. Do not forget to check the hoses or belts for any sign of damage.

Inspect the tires’ condition

Checking the pressure of your truck tires is one of the things you must do on a regular basis. Even if it isn’t time to replace or you don’t want to change out the tires, checking the pressure and getting them balanced are essential. You must also check the alignment of the wheels to ensure they’re in the proper condition. Inspect the condition of the wheels and tires to see if there are premature wear and tear, like threads showing or cracks. Having a tire blowout in the middle of the road or out on the trails cut the fun short.

Putting upgrades for your truck

Consumer Reports has published a write-up about building a better pickup by putting in some truck accessories. You can indeed improve the functionality of your vehicle if you install some upgrades, such as the following:

Tonneau Cover

Some owners love the open space of their truck bed, so when needed, they can load and haul furniture, sports gear, and other oversized items. However, if the truck bed is open, it is exposed to extreme heat, as well as dirt, water, and other elements. Tonneau covers (also known as truck bed covers) offer a watertight and weatherproof shield to protect the items in your truck bed.

You can choose from many types of truck bed covers that offer security and added style to the vehicle. There are more expensive types, like the roll-away version, which you can connect to the electrical system. You can open and close it, as well as lock and unlock it via a key fob. Most tonneau covers are simple and easy to install, but for the electrified model, you may need a professional to install it.

Bedliner

A bedliner helps protect the truck bed from damage. It also provides a skid-resistant surface that keeps the cargo from shifting and sliding. Even if you do not want to put a tonneau cover, it is important to put some protection onto the surface of the truck bed. Since it can haul everything from plywood, items of various shapes and sizes, to dirt—better to prevent it from getting marred by dents, scratches, and dings. You may choose from a spray-on or drop-in bedliner. Bedliners deter moisture and dirt from accumulating to prevent corrosion from building up. It also offers better traction, which is beneficial when putting things on the truck bed or cleaning it out.

Running Boards

Drivers and passengers may have a hard time riding and alighting the cab due to the high ground clearance of the truck. For many larger pickups, it can also be a long stretch from the ground into the truck’s cab—that’s why putting running boards make it easier for everyone.

You may choose one that can be attached to the frame since they are the sturdiest. Some are made for cosmetic purposes, as they are only attached underneath the body. However, they’re not very durable as the other type.

Running boards made of chrome do not work well with salt spray from winter roads because the metallic finish can rust pretty quickly or peel off. Special running boards are activated when the door is opened and extend out from underneath the body. Compared to other options, that type of running board is relatively expensive.

Locking Toolbox

If you have tools or other stuff that needs organization or a place to store and secure, putting a locking toolbox is what you need. It fits right on the truck bed, across the back of the cab. There are some types that you can move on tracks toward the tailgate to provide easier access.

Enjoy the season

Springtime is a perfect opportunity for some maintenance procedures. Conducting spring maintenance ensures that your vehicle can continue operating at its full capability. Inspecting if there’s any damage that needs repair is essential, especially if the damage occurred over the cruel winter. It is the best time to prepare your pickup truck for the summer ahead.