Pickup trucks are built tough—they’re powerful, reliable, and ready for anything from hauling lumber to towing trailers. But they’re not exactly known for being easy on gas. Whether you’re commuting to work or heading out on a weekend adventure, fuel costs can add up fast. The good news? There are a handful of smart, easy changes you can make to squeeze more miles out of every gallon. Here are some of our favorite fuel efficiency hacks for pickup truck owners.

1. Lighten the Load

Pickup trucks are made to carry heavy stuff—but that doesn’t mean you need to drive around with a full bed all the time. Extra weight forces your engine to work harder, which burns more fuel. Take a few minutes to clean out unnecessary tools, gear, or equipment. You might be surprised how much a lighter load can help your MPG.

2. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

This one’s simple but often overlooked. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, which means your truck needs more power (and fuel) to keep moving. Check your tire pressure at least once a month and keep them at the recommended PSI listed in your owner’s manual. Properly inflated tires don’t just improve fuel efficiency—they also help your tires last longer and improve handling.

3. Ease Off the Gas Pedal

We get it – there’s something satisfying about stomping on the gas pedal and hearing your engine roar. But aggressive driving habits like rapid acceleration and hard braking are gas guzzlers. Try accelerating smoothly and keeping a consistent speed. Using cruise control on the highway is another great way to avoid unnecessary fuel burn.

4. Ditch the Lift (If You Don’t Need It)

Suspension lifts look cool and give your truck off-road capabilities, but they can be a drag on fuel economy. Literally. Lifting your truck increases aerodynamic drag and adds weight, which both lower MPG. If you’re not using your lift kit for off-roading or job site terrain, it might be worth reconsidering.

5. Use the Right Motor Oil

It’s not just about getting oil changes on time—it’s about using the right oil. High-quality, low-viscosity synthetic oils reduce friction in your engine, helping it run more efficiently. Always check your manufacturer’s recommendation before switching oils, and consider asking your mechanic about fuel-saving options.

6. Keep Your Truck Maintained

A well-maintained truck is a fuel-efficient truck. Dirty air filters, old spark plugs, and clogged fuel injectors can all reduce your engine’s efficiency. Regular tune-ups, filter replacements, and fuel system cleanings can go a long way in improving gas mileage.

7. Watch Your Aerodynamics

Believe it or not, your truck’s shape has a big impact on fuel efficiency—especially at highway speeds. Remove roof racks or aftermarket accessories when you’re not using them. Even a bed cover can help reduce drag and improve MPG.

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to sacrifice performance or power to get better fuel economy from your pickup. A few simple tweaks to how you drive and maintain your truck can save you serious money over time. Want even more efficiency? Talk to a truck customization expert about performance upgrades that can boost power and MPG.

Ready to get the most out of your truck? Let Trick Trucks help you customize it for peak performance.

Get Your Dream Truck with Professional Customization from Trick Trucks!

If you’re ready to explore the exciting world of truck customization, contact Trick Trucks today at 1 (866) 60-TRICK (87425). Our team of experts will guide you through the customization process, helping you transform your truck into the ultimate expression of your style and passion. Don’t wait any longer—call us today and unleash the true potential of your truck!

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The Best Leveling Kits for Offroading

When you want a bit more adventure in your life, you go offroading. But when you put your truck under that kind of pressure, you need to be prepared — especially if you are trying to show out with oversized tires and rims. Here is a short list of the best leveling kits for offroading.

Superlift Lift Kit

If you are looking for a lift kit that leaves your steering and handling intact, then the Superlift is the kit for you. You still get all of the great-looking features of the best lifts in the world without any of the changes that normally accompany mods of this sort. Superlift makes plenty of room for oversized tires and rims as well, so you can look your best in your offroading adventures.

Daystar Comfort Ride Lift and Leveling Kit

The Daystar Comfort Ride Lift and Leveling Kit features a powerful Polyurethane infrastructure that gives you a lift of up to three inches while providing a really smooth ride that is fit for a king (of the road). You can actually customize the amount of lift that you want on the fly with a torsion key system as well. If this is your first kit, however, you may need a bit of professional help getting it on the right way.

ProRYDE LIFTmachine Leveling Kit

It is spelled funny, but the performance backs it up. The ProRYDE LIFTmachine Leveling Kit comes with a Helix drive infrastructure that gives you the power of customization after installation. You can get up to 35-inch wheels, and installation is a breeze as well — you do not need to take off any of your OEM equipment to complete the process. For ease of installation, the ride is incredibly smooth as well.

ReadyLift Leveling Kit

The ReadyLift Leveling Kit is another easy installation that does not require any considerable restructuring of your factory equipment. What’s more, you get a cost-effective lift that works well with oversized tires and rims without overextending your ball joints or side swapping.

Belltech Lowering and Lifting Strut

The Belltech Lowering and Lifting Strut is the kit you are looking for if you have already lowered your truck. If you are looking for an extra two inches in either direction, you can get it with this kit in place. You also get a custom fit that may be a bit more difficult to install but is well worth the extra effort. This kit is known for its superior handling and performance, and it has a lifetime warranty as well.

The experts at Trick Trucks want to help you get the perfect leveling kit for your offroading truck. We have been matching kits to trucks for years, and we definitely have the experience to get you the look and feel you want without giving up on quality. Give us a call at 1-866-60-TRICK (87425) or just fill out the easy form directly on our website. We are ready to get you ready for the road!

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Here are some helpful suggestions on taking care of your vehicle this Fall:

Brakes

Brakes are a very important item on any vehicle. These need to be routinely checked out only as an integral part to our cars, but for our safety as well. You should never have to question whether you have quality brakes on your vehicle, just in case they are needed to slow down or to avoid an accident. 

Battery

The battery is one of the core parts to a vehicle working properly. A good idea is for every so often to check the battery connections to make sure they are unharmed and working properly. Look around the area as well to make sure it is clean and there is no corrosion. Also be wary when charging the battery, it can actually shorten the life of it if you overcharge it.

Wipers and Blades

Windshield wipers and your defrosters are what you need in order to see through your windshield properly in the wintertime. Make sure you have a good set of wiper blades on them to work efficiently. If there are any tears or rips, consider replacing them. It is also important for the defrosters and heat to work properly. Keeping the car warmed up and heat flowing well is beneficial. 

Need a few parts to get your vehicle fall or winter ready? Trick Trucks and Cars is a factory authorized dealer in Maryland. Our professional team is ready to help with anything you need with your car, truck, or SUV.

Head over to our website to check out the list of brands of parts we carry, and while you’re there, take a look at all the different ways we can customize your vehicle!

The post Let’s Get Your Vehicle Ready For Fall appeared first on Trick Trucks.

Choose the complete carpet kit. 

Many truck drivers choose carpet bed liners due to their soft and comfortable material. The material is easy on the feet and knees, which is extremely important when repeatedly climbing in and out of the bed to move cargo. This will help individuals avoid common injury, bruises, or strains that are consistent with owning a truck.

To get the most out of your bed liner, opt for the complete kit, which includes bed mat, tailgate mat, and side walls. In addition to protecting the truck passengers, carpet bed liners are meant to protect both the truck and cargo. The carpet-like material creates a skid-resistant surface that helps prevent cargo from sliding or shifting during transportation. 

Rather than just covering the bed floor, the complete kit will offer total coverage and minimize damages to your truck. The thick carpet-like material will prevent dents or scratches when moving, loading, and unloading cargo.

Always give it a good clean. 

Similar to interior carpeting, exterior carpet bed liners can stain and dirty easily. The best part about these bed liners is that they are custom fit, which makes them easy to install and remove. 

When cleaning your carpet bed liner, start by removing all the items from your truck bed and sweeping away rocks, sticks, and dirt. After removing the bed liner, treat noticeable stains by scrubbing the area with an automotive degreaser or an all-purpose automotive cleaning gel.  

Once you have successfully scrubbed the stains, use a high-power pressure washer to finish cleaning the bed liner. You can also use the pressure washer to clean the bed of your truck before re-installing the bed liner. Make sure both the bed and liner are completely dry before placing the liner back in place – this will help prevent mold or mildew from growing. 

Watch for rips and tears.

Compared to spray-on bed liners, drop-in carpet bed liners are more susceptible to rips and tears over time. It is important for truck owners to keep an eye out for any bed liner damage. Carpet bed liners are completely water-resistant, but any cracks will allow moisture to get underneath the liner and damage the truck. If left untreated, the moisture will cause the truck bed to corrode and rust. 

Trick Trucks Has the Answers to All Your Vehicle Care Questions

If you want to upgrade your vehicle, then come to see us at Trick Trucks. We are happy to make sure your truck is in great condition and is looking fresh all year round. We have over forty years of experience, so there is nothing we haven’t seen. Give us a call at 1-866-60-TRICK or visit us online. Follow us on Facebook, Flickr, and Twitter to keep up with our newest projects and to gain inspiration for your next one.

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Pack essentials. 

No matter where you are going or staying, the most important rule for road trips and camping is packing all the essentials, plus extra. 

This includes all the basic essentials, such as water, sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, first aid kits, Swiss army knife, maps, flash lights, basic toiletries, and sun/bug protection. If you would prefer to add some “glamorous” amenities to your camping experience, consider bringing phone chargers, speakers, chairs, fire starter, utensils, and dishes. 

Pre-plan meals.

Before hitting the road, it is important to plan your campfire-friendly meals ahead of time. If you are looking for low-maintenance ideas, pack some hot dogs, beans, and potatoes. 

By pre-planning and prepping, you can make more intricate meals that are just as easy to cook over the campfire. This includes bringing already skewed kabobs, pizza, stir-fry, and even casseroles. 

Keep it clean. 

Camping in your truck is only half the fun. The other half is going hiking, swimming, biking, canoeing, and all the other activities in the area. Do your best to keep the interior space of your truck clean by keeping dirty clothes and equipment away. Not only will this prevent illness, but also prevent insects and other creatures from finding their way into your truck. 

Store dirty clothes in sealed bags and place muddy shoes on trash bags or tarps outside. A broom or handheld vacuum is perfect for getting rid of dust, dirt, and gravel in the vehicle. 

Bring activities. 

The best part about going camping is getting away from our busy lives and living in the moment with the people we care about most. 

While hiking and swimming are both great activities, camping provides people with the rare opportunity to sit back, relax, and have some good old-fashioned fun. This means bringing board games, playing cards, frisbee, books, and crafts.

Prepare for poor weather conditions. 

You know what they say – Mother Nature is full of surprises. Even if you pick the best weekend in the whole year to go camping, you still might get stuck in a downpour. 

If you plan on sleeping in the bed of your truck, be sure to pack a waterproof tent just in case. Practice putting up the tent over the truck so you are prepared when the time comes. If possible, make sure your sleeping bags and other equipment are water resistant as well.

Trick Trucks Has the Answers to All Your Road Trip/ Camping Questions

If you want to upgrade your vehicle, then come to see us at Trick Trucks. We are happy to make sure your truck is in great condition and is looking fresh all year round. We have over forty years of experience, so there is nothing we haven’t seen. Give us a call at 1-866-60-TRICK or visit us online. Follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube to keep up with our newest projects and to gain inspiration for your next one.

The post 5 Tips For Truck Camping appeared first on Trick Trucks.

New Exhausts

Does your truck need something new? Installing a new exhaust system is an easy way to improve your vehicle’s performance. This way, you can give your truck even more horsepower, which can make all the difference if you’re going off-roading and don’t want to get stuck on a hill in the woods. You can also add new mufflers to help cut down on the noise your truck makes. Although the exhaust manifold you have now might be good enough, you shouldn’t need to settle.

Cold-Air Intakes

Now that fall is here, and winter’s on the horizon, you’ll start stepping outside into cold air more often. While it sounds odd to put more cold air into your truck, bear with us. A new cold-air intake will make your truck more powerful and improve its efficiency since it will draw the cold air from outside and pull it into the engine. When there’s more oxygen in your engine, you can use more gas and give your truck more power.

Engine Tuners

Your engine probably needs some tuning, too. By adding new components such as chips, modules, and programmers, you can optimize your truck’s engine. They do this by improving your overall fuel efficiency, but ultimately it has to do with how far you drive and how fast you drive. If you push your truck to its limit every time, you’re going to wear out your engine even more quickly.

Truck Tune-Up

It’s probably high time you went in for a physical. Think about this way: you need to see your doctor every so often, and your truck does too. However, in your truck’s case, it’s called a tune-up. Whether you drive a car or truck, make sure it gets regular maintenance. The roads out there can be harsh on your tires, rims, and engines. You need to keep your truck running as smoothly as possible because you don’t want to break down when it’s dark and cold out.

Trick Trucks Has the Answers to All Your Vehicle Maintenance Questions

If you want to upgrade your vehicle, then come to see us at Trick Trucks. We are happy to make sure your truck is in great condition and is looking fresh all year round. We have over forty years of experience, so there is nothing we haven’t seen. Give us a call at 1-866-60-TRICK or visit us online. Follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube to keep up with our newest projects and to gain inspiration for your next one.

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March is almost here, and although it is bound to be cool, the early spring is a great time for a road trip. Besides, it’s not likely to reach summer-levels of heat yet. But maybe your current truck isn’t up for the trip, and you need a new vehicle. When you’re ready to trade in your current truck, here are some tips to help you do it.

Getting Started

Even if you plan on selling your truck, you want to make sure it looks beautiful. No one will take a chance on a truck if it looks neglected, even if it isn’t. The first impression decides many opportunities in life. First impressions are so powerful it can be hard to change someone’s mind after the fact. The more impressive your truck looks, the better your chances of selling it. Likewise, trading your truck in is a similar process. Wherever you go to trade in your current truck for a newer model, make sure everything is in order.

Collect All Your Paperwork

Throughout your truck ownership, you collected various pieces of paperwork. From the registration tags to the title of the vehicle, these documents prove the vehicle belongs to you. But when it’s time to sell it or trade it in, you need to ensure you have all the documents.

Did you make a note of when your truck was serviced – how long ago was the last time? What was done? These are important questions to answer since a vehicle’s history goes a long way towards determining the value of your truck. Keep track of when the last time you bought new tires was. Don’t forget to keep the owner’s manual and any warranty information that may come in handy.

Complete an Inspection

You’ll also need to get your truck inspected. Also, if you plan on selling or trading in your car, all of these tips still apply. During the inspection, the engine can be tuned up, and diagnosed with any lingering problems you were unable to address before. The inspection can also reveal major problems with the vehicle that might prevent it being sold or accepted by dealers who might not want to pay for further repairs.

Make Sure It’s Well-Cleaned

Make sure your truck is clean and detailed. If you’re short on time or don’t know how to do this properly, then it’s best to leave it to professionals. The shinier your truck is, the more eye-catching it will be!

Vehicle Advice and More from Trick Tricks

Does your ride need servicing or some new accessories? Trick Trucks is happy to service your vehicle and make sure your truck is in great shape all year long! With over forty years of experience servicing trucks, we have the expertise and equipment you need. Contact Trick Trucks online or by calling 1-866-60-TRICK.  Follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.

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When you have a brand new car or used car, you are probably dealing with unsightly license plate frames advertising the business that you purchased from (or that the previous owner was a “Princess”). If you want to get rid of the license plate frames on your car once and for all, here are some simple steps to doing so.

Check the Law

Different states and municipalities have different laws governing license plate frames. In some areas, they are illegal if they block any part of the plate, including registration stickers. In some states, license plate frames are legal but license plate covers are not, even if they are clear and simply adding extra protection. Before you get started on removing or replacing your license plate frames, make sure you research the legal aspects.

Gather Your Supplies

Purchase 2-4 nylon plugs (black or white), 1 package of color touch-up paint to match the color of your car, a piece of scrap wood, liquid nails, an electric drill with a 5/16” drill bit, and a razor blade or knife.

Get the Job Done

Follow the following quick steps to remove your license plate frames:

1. If your bracket is attached with screws or bolts, use the appropriate screwdriver or socket wrench to get them off and remove the bracket.
2. If your bracket is attached with a rivet, you will need to drill it out using a 1/8” drill bit in the center of the rivet. Once it is pushed all the way through, the rivets will disconnect and you can remove the bracket.
3. Clean the area with a wet rag.
4. If you want to repair the holes in your car, widen the holes so that they are 5/16” and big enough to fit the plugs. Bore out the existing hole. Paint the nylon plugs to match the color of your car, using multiple coats and letting them completely dry in between.
5. Put the nylon plugs in. That’s all!

For All of Your Truck Needs

Does your truck need servicing before the chill of winter weather sets in? Trick Trucks is happy to service your vehicle and make sure your truck is in great shape for the Christmas season! With over forty years of experience servicing trucks, we have the expertise and equipment you need. Contact Trick Trucks online or by calling 1-866-60-TRICK. To find out more about our services and trucks, follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.

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Consider this a follow up to a post we had from a few weeks ago. Whatever the weather is like, some basic equipment is always good to have. Even if this year’s winter is on track to be the driest in recent memory with almost no snow, it is still good to be prepared. Rain might come more often than snow, but you’ll still want to be ready. Let Trick Trucks & Cars help you get ready with these great services, and some handy tips:

Install a Snowplow on Your Truck

Although it may seem intimidating to install, a snowplow is a staple piece of equipment for winter time. You often see plows mounted on regular pickup trucks, not to mention plow trucks designed for this exact purpose. It is one of the basic items we offer, though. Why wait for your street or neighborhood to be plowed out when the snows come? You can do it yourself and not have to rely on the county or the city. After all, they may not prioritize the area in which you live, and you’ve got places to go, things to do, and people to help.

Check Your Tires on Your Truck

Tires are important parts of your vehicles already, but in winter and in summer they become lifesavers. At the gas station, look for an air pump station, preferably for free. If you haven’t already, you should double check the proper inflation level for your tires, as cold air can deflate them faster. Do note that in warmer weather your tires don’t need to be as heavily inflated. In any sort of conditions, make sure they aren’t worn or damaged in any way. But if you need tires, come to us. We’ve got tire and wheel packages that’ll be sure to fit your needs.

Consider Trailer Hitches on Your Truck

As spring and summer approach, you’ll want to spend more leisure time outside, somewhere in the great outdoors. You could be roaming America’s highways on a cross country road trip, RV in tow. Or you might be out on the water to catch some fresh fish. Either way, consider a trailer hitch. Whichever your pleasure, we have a wide variety of trailer hitches to choose from.

Keep On Trucking with Trick Trucks

Looking to get your truck ready for your next road trip? Trick Trucks is here to help. With over forty years of experience servicing trucks, we have the expertise and equipment you need. Contact Trick Trucks online or by calling 1-866-60-TRICK. To find out more about our services and trucks, follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.

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Are you gearing up to buy a new vehicle this holiday season? You might already be dreading the process of dealing with a car salesman. That said, most car salesmen are not the sleazy guys you see portrayed on TV that will do anything to get a payout. If you know what to expect and how to deal with a salesperson, the car buying process can be much less intimidating than you might expect. Here are a few tips to consider.

Come Prepared

Whenever you’re going into a vehicle buying situation, the best thing you can do is come prepared with information. Understand what type of vehicle you’re looking for, what features you need, and what your budget is. Are you looking for a new or used car. Keep in mind that if you buy used the salesperson is more likely to offer add-ons like extended warranties and roadside assistance services.

Provide Only as Much Information As You Have to

Salespeople want to learn as much about a customer as possible in order to tailor their sales tactics to your situation. Provide the least amount of information as you can get away with. If you just totaled your car and need to buy a car this same day, they don’t need to know that. A sense of urgency will give salespeople additional bargaining power.

Use a Buddy System

If you can, don’t go alone when you’re shopping for a vehicle. Take a spouse or a close friend or relative with you. You will feel more vulnerable and under greater pressure if you do this process alone, and may end up rushing into a decision. Being accompanied by another person is likely to also make the salesperson more forthright.

Be Courteous

Salespeople are, in fact, still people. They will enjoy working with you more if you are polite and respective. If you have an abrasive attitude, the salesperson is less likely to cooperate. While this won’t necessarily prevent you from buying something you don’t need, it will make negotiations much smoother and less frustrating for both parties.

Leave Your Enthusiasm at Home

While you might be incredibly excited to make a new vehicle purchase, showing that excitement to salespeople just puts dollar signs in their eyes. Even if you’ve found the perfect car or truck for you and it has everything you wanted, don’t let on. Ask for more information about the vehicle and give the impression that you are still looking at other vehicles.

Trucking Accessories from Trick Trucks

Looking to get your truck ready for your next road trip? Trick Trucks is here to help. With over forty years of experience servicing trucks, we have the expertise and equipment you need. Contact Trick Trucks online or by calling 1-866-60-TRICK. To find out more about our services and trucks, follow us on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube.

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