Trusted Tips for Maintaining Old Ford Trucks

There are few things better than the beauty of a classic Ford pickup truck.

And if you have one or several old Ford trucks, we know that you want to do everything possible to keep your iconic F150 looking its best.

Luckily for you, there are tons of truck maintenance tips that will keep your Ford pickup in great shape for years to come.

Even better?

You can do some of them on your own.

Ready to learn the basics of F150 maintenance?

This post will break down the most important things that you need to know.

1. Rotate Your Tires Often

One of the most important steps you can take if you want to extend the life of your old Ford trucks?

Make sure that you rotate your tires every time that you change your oil.

But why does it matter?

Because rotation helps your tires to develop an even wear. It’s especially key to focus on the front two tires, as on your Ford, those are the two that get worn out the fastest.

If you’re ready to enjoy a smoother and more comfortable ride, rotation also helps with that.

Most of all, it will lower the overall weight on the suspension of your truck, which can be notoriously increased by uneven tires. Plus, when you rotate your tires, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to evaluate the overall alignment of your car.

2. Do an Oil Treatment Under the Body

Another way to keep your old Ford f150 feeling young?

You need to make sure that you’re using oil treatments on your car to prevent it from rusting. Especially if you have an older model, you know that rust and corrosion is something you need to pay particular attention to.

We’re not just talking about changing your oil here, though of course, that’s important, too.

Instead, invest in an oil treatment that you can run up underneath your car, as well as inside the individual parts of the body. Think of this as the equivalent of a deep hair conditioning mask for your Ford.

While you’re there, check out the overall fluid levels of your Ford.

Make sure that you have enough engine oil in the car, but also evaluate the oil’s overall quality.

You’ll need to look out for a strong gasoline smell, which indicates that it’s time to switch things up. You can do this on your own or take it into a professional.

Also, take a look at the engine coolant on your truck, which stops it from overheating and getting damaged.

Don’t neglect the windshield wiper fluid levels, too. We always suggest that you have some extra wiper fluid in your car, especially if you’re driving it in rainy or snowy conditions.

3. Change the Engine’s Filter

Can’t remember the last time that you changed the engine filter of your old Ford F150?

You might be surprised to learn that you’ll need to switch it out between every 15,000 to 30,000 miles (more often if you drive on snowy or dusty roads).

The engine’s filter is designed to prevent things like chemicals, dust, dirt, and even smaller twigs and leaves from harming your engine.

So, it’s essential that you swap it out.

Doing so will extend the life of your engine, but will also make it much more efficient.

4. Maintain Your Pipes and Mufflers

This entry on our list of truck maintenance tips may be a bit more complicated, but trust us when we tell you that it can seriously pay off.

If you’re looking for the best way to keep your muffler in good working order for a long time, you might be surprised by just how effective drilling a hole in it can be.

For best results, you should aim to drill a hole that’s about 1/8 of an inch wide, so that the muffler and pipes can drain more effectively.

When it comes to the placement of these holes?

Put them as close to the lowest part of your system as possible.

This will help to prevent any steel from getting worn down by the acidity in the exhaust.

5. Make Regular Inspections Standard

Of course, not all truck maintenance tips can be done on your own.

While some problems will be especially obvious to you, will they impact how well your car drives?

Others may be much tougher for a naked and untrained eye to figure out.

A professional will take a look at your batteries, the brake pads, and even the interior of the car. They’ll tell you which parts can be saved, and which ones need to be replaced.

Remember, an annual inspection isn’t just about keeping your Ford pickup going for a few more years.

You’ll also get the kind of information and repairs that you need to keep yourself and your family safe on the road.

Need More Tips on How to Make Your Old Ford Trucks Last Longer Than Ever?

We hope that this post has helped you to know exactly what you need to do now in order to keep your old Ford trucks on the road for years to come.

Make sure you check the oil, drill holes in your muffler when needed, and of course, take it into the shop once a year for an inspection.

Looking for even more advice about how to take proper care of your Ford F150 pickup truck?

We can help.

Check out our owner’s manual and maintenance guide to help.

Then, be sure to use our website to understand how to maintain other models of cars. Our blog is also a great place to turn to for more general car repair tips.