Sometimes, bigger is better, and investing in a new truck, either for business or personal reasons, is the right option to help you get from A to B. Whether you’re hauling supplies to and from clients’ required locations, attending an event, or simply out of town for a weekend off-grid, ensuring your truck is in great condition and can handle everything you throw at it is essential.
And this is where smart care tips come into the picture. They’re not always the flashy eye-catching additions that turn heads; they’re the understated options that are perfect for work, for you, and protect your new truck running longer, looking good, and ready to go at any time.
Here are 4 ways to protect your new truck
1. A Solid Base
It’s the surfaces of your truck that are likely going to take the hit on a regular basis, and this is where exterior protection comes into the picture. You’re looking at PPF, the paintwork or ceramic coating to protect your new truck from rust, dents, scratches, and chips, etc. These protections are best carried out as soon as you get your truck, before any other damage is done, to preserve its integrity and keep it looking good.
A spray on truck bed liner should also be an option. Unlike drop-in liners that can scratch or trap debris, spray-on liners cover the bed of the truck with a hardwearing coating that offers greater protection against damage from items placed in the bed or the elements.
Lastly, you should consider underbody protection, too, especially if you live in an area that experiences high levels of inclement weather, regularly drive through rough terrain, go off-road on dirt tracks, etc. Salt, grime, gravel, etc., can all damage the underbody of your truck, and simply locating it can prevent the damage over time.
2. Preventative Maintenance
This is things like servicing, replacing parts before the end of their lifespan, ie, brakes, pads, and wipers, and generally taking care of the small things in your truck. When you let minor repairs and parts that deteriorate over time go past, they are more likely to cause additional damage due to other parts working harder to compensate for the worn parts, causing damage.
On top of this, regular servicing can preserve the functionality of your truck – ideally, you want to get a service every year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
3. Windshield Protection Film or Tint
Windshield protection film is a transparent film applied to windshields that helps protect the structural integrity of the windscreen and gives greater protection against chips and cracks. This is a great idea if you live in an area that has a lot of dirt roads or you park under trees frequently, or experience regular hailstorms, for example.
Window tint can offer protection too, and is ideal for drivers who frequently battle with the blinding sun or need a cooler interior temperature in their truck.
4. Regular Detailing
It’s not just the exterior that can succumb to wear and tear; the interior can, too. And this is where regular valet or detailing services can be your best friend. Regularly cleaning out debris and dirt protects the upholstery and floor in your truck, stops it from looking tired and worn, and removes any lingering odors that could build up.
If you use car seat covers or mats in your truck, this can provide further protection to your interiors and keep things looking fresh and smelling new for as long as possible.
