Eight Tips for Keeping Your F-250 in Great Shape for the Long Haul

Here at DePaula Ford, we know that a well-built truck has the potential to last for tens or even hundreds of thousands of miles. That is, if you treat it right. As your go-to place to find a used Ford F-250 for sale in Albany, we’re here not just to set you up with a model that suits your needs but to help you keep it in great shape for years to come. So today, let’s take a look at eight things you can do to help extend the life of your heavy-duty truck. 

#1 – Keep Up With Your Regular Maintenance

Keeping up with oil changes and tire rotations is important for any vehicle, but it’s especially vital for a heavy-duty truck. If you’re going to be out there hauling heavy payloads and towing massive trailers, then you’ll be putting even more stress on your engine, tires, and other systems. Luckily, our service center makes it easy to keep up with your maintenance schedule. You can schedule your service in advance here on our website, making it easy to plan periodic services like oil changes ahead of time so they can’t sneak up on you. And since we have amenities like free Wi-Fi in the waiting area and shuttle service to keep you on the go during longer visits, you won’t feel the urge to put off your visit and risk serious damage.

#2 – Address Any Concerns Right Away

Not all services can be planned months in advance. Sometimes, things happen spontaneously. If you hear a strange noise, smell a burning odor, feel a shudder when you hit the brakes, or notice anything else out of the ordinary, you should get your truck checked out right away. Better to come into the service department and learn that something is no big deal than to roll the dice and end up stranded on the side of I-90. Our factory-trained technicians have seen it all, and will be able to locate and address just about any issue you might be having. The earlier you come in, the more likely that it will be an easy fix. Sometimes problems that start out small can snowball if you ignore them for too long.

#3 – Get an Inspection Before a Big Trip

If you’re just doing your day-to-day driving around Albany, then it’s fine to simply follow your maintenance schedule and address any other problems as they appear. But if you’re planning a big road trip, especially one where you’ll be bringing a heavy trailer along for the ride, it can pay to be proactive. Before you head out on your adventure, bring your F-250 in for a multi-point inspection. We’ll take a look at everything from the brakes and tires to your filters and battery and let you know what’s perfectly fine, what might need service in the not-too-distant future, and what, if anything, should be addressed right away. That way, you can hit the road with peace of mind and enjoy your long haul.

#4 – Stick to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts

A heavy-duty truck is built to handle tough jobs day in and day out. Ford has designed every piece of the F-250 to be strong enough to withstand towing and hauling cargo up to its maximum capacities. But not all parts are created equal. If you replace worn-out parts with new ones that are made by a third party, you might be putting a ticking time bomb into your truck. Some parts are simply lower quality, while others might not be a perfect fit for your particular truck, causing them to wear unevenly and either cause damage to the system as a whole or just give out earlier than you’d like. When you bring your truck to our service center, you can rest assured that any worn parts will be replaced with OEM parts that will fit just right and be ready to take on any job that needs doing.

#5 – Pick the Right Tires for the Job

Tires are the only part of your truck that’s actually in contact with the ground, so it’s worth putting a lot of thought into what tires you use and how you take care of them beyond just getting regular rotations and coming in for a re-alignment if you notice your truck pulling to the left. Here in Albany, drivers can expect cold winters that have a big impact on how dangerous it is to be out on the road. Coming to us for a set of snow tires can help you stay in control and avoid accidents. And if your F-250 is equipped with the Tremor off-road package, you should also make sure you have the right tires for the terrain you’re heading to. We have all kinds of tires available in our parts department, and will ensure you get the exact size and type for your situation.

#6 – Wash It Regularly

Washing your truck isn’t just about making it look shiny—it’s also an important part of proper upkeep. Dirt, debris, and bird droppings can damage not just your paint but the body underneath. And all Albany drivers know how much havoc road salt can cause on a vehicle’s undercarriage. The F-250’s aluminum body is more resistant to corrosion than steel, but it’s not completely invulnerable to the elements, so you have to do your part to keep it safe. Periodic car washes can go a long way toward extending the life of your truck, and you’ll have the added bonus of keeping your truck looking great. A handsome, shiny truck can be a great asset if you use it for business since it can help you make a good first impression with new clients.

#7 – Drive Smart

Some automotive problems are inevitable with time and use, but others can be prevented (or at least stalled) by practicing good driving habits. Whether you’re out on the freeway or driving around downtown Albany, try to keep your accelerating and braking smooth and even, not sudden and jerky. Avoid driving at high speeds, especially for long periods of time. If you park on an incline, remember to engage the parking brake. When it gets cold out, give your engine time to warm up before you drive, especially if your F-250 is powered by diesel. Keeping up these good habits puts less stress on your vehicle’s systems and makes it less likely that parts will wear out before their time.  

#8 – Tow Smart

As you might expect, you need to take extra consideration when towing. Don’t just check the air pressure of your truck’s tires before you head out—check your trailer’s tires, too. Make sure you have the right hitch for your particular trailer, and use safety chains so you have a contingency if anything goes wrong. Check your trailer’s lights before heading out since a bad connection or damaged brake lights put you at a higher risk of getting into an accident.

When you’re out on the road, remember to compensate for the size and weight of your trailer: make wide turns, give yourself the time you need to come to a stop when braking, and don’t ride the brakes when driving downhill. Your F-250 is designed to handle the stress of big towing jobs, but that doesn’t mean you should neglect good technique. The more responsible you are while towing, the longer your truck will stay in good working order so you can tackle your daily challenges.