Get Longer Life Out of Your Truck or SUV

Kumho Tire gives car care tips so you can learn how to get longer life out of your truck or SUV with some simple car care tips.

(ARA) – In this economy, not many people are in the market for a new truck. While fewer trucks are being sold, millions are still on the road. Your truck is a big investment and if you can improve its handling, safety and ride you can extend the life of your vehicle.

In addition to keeping up the look of your truck by vacuuming the interior and washing the exterior regularly to keep harmful road deposits from damaging the finish, there are steps you can take to get ensure the truck performs on- and off-road and in any weather:

* Clean the air filter regularly. The air filter in your truck removes particulates before they can enter the engine. Replacing a clogged air filter can improve fuel efficiency by up to 10 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

* Don’t wait until there’s a service light on; take your truck in for regularly scheduled maintenance. A poorly maintained vehicle can negate the warranty, reduce fuel mileage and cut thousands of dollars off the resale price, so skipping your scheduled maintenance can end up costing you much more.

* Change your tires. Trucks are notoriously noisy because of their larger tires, so a little bit of homework and a small investment can mean a much smoother ride. There are two types of truck tires -- all-terrain and all-season. All-terrain tires handle better in the mud, but ride poorly on road and have a short tread life. All-season tires are the most popular choice for trucks. They’re much quieter, have better dry traction and last between 50,000 to 70,000 miles. The new Seasonal All-Terrain (SAT) tires from Kumho Tire USA are an all-season tire with a winter rating and utilize the best technology from both types of tires.

* Don’t idle your truck for long periods of time. Low idling causes oil pressure to drop which is bad for engine life.

* The larger your truck is and the more weight you carry, the more frequently you should change your oil.

For more information on the proper tires for your truck, visit KumhoTireUSA.com.