Fall Truck Maintenance Tips

Is your truck prepared for the shorter days and colder temperatures of autumn? While the fall may not see the extreme lower temperatures of winter, the change in climate and loss of daylight can have an impact on some of your vehicle’s systems. To ensure that your pickup is in great shape for the colder months to come, it’s a good idea to inspect the following parts and consider replacing or upgrading them.

Headlights

Less daylight means your truck’s headlights will probably get more of a workout in the fall than they did in the summer. If you can’t remember the last time you had them replaced, it’s worth it to swap them out proactively to avoid getting stuck in the dark on a long drive. While you’re at it, consider upgrading to a set of xenon or LED bulbs to enhance your vision and visibility.

Tires

Depending on where you live and the severity of the season, early ice and snow might be part of your autumn experience. Make sure your tires have plenty of tread before taking any long trips in the fall. A balding tire can lead to spinning out and loss of vehicle control. A good rule of thumb for checking your tire’s condition is to place a penny headfirst into the tread. If you can see Lincoln’s entire head, the tire should be replaced.

Battery

Sudden changes in temperature can cause 12-volt batteries to weaken and sometimes fail, which is why it’s always a good idea to get your battery checked out as the weather cools down. If your truck’s battery has difficulty starting your vehicle, swap it out sooner than later. Upgrading to an AGM battery over a traditional wet cell design can prevent premature battery failure. AGM batteries use an absorbent material to hold the acid mixture in suspension, which results in a battery that can withstand extreme temperatures and vibration that would damage a standard battery.

If you have questions about these or any other truck accessories, chat or call our product experts.