Fall weather comes with its own set of circumstances that you have to be prepared for when you’re on the road. Prepare your truck for the change in weather by following these suggestions.

Maintain Your Levels

Maintain the levels and condition of your oil and antifreeze. At the start of the season, check the status of your oil. It’s a good idea to do so before the temperatures get too cold as the harshness can put more stress on your engine. Around the same time, you should also check your antifreeze to ensure that it will operate as it should, preventing your engine from overheating, the buildup of scale, and corrosion.   

Gas Up

When the temperatures begin to dip, you should always keep a higher level of fuel in your gas tank. A fuller tank will make it easier for your car to start in the morning after it’s been sitting in the cold air overnight. Even with a quarter tank of gas in your tank, you may begin to experience problems when trying to start up your car. Therefore, it’s always the best practice, especially before any forecasted rain or snow, to head to the gas station and then fill up your tank.

Check Your Vehicle

As you know, many components are working together to keep your vehicle running. With that in mind, make sure that you have them checked to ensure that they are all operating as they should. This includes your heater, defroster, wiper blades, and other functions essential to safe driving in the fall and into the winter. You should also double check the condition of your brakes as the change in weather can put more pressure on them, considering you’ll need more time to stop on wet roads.    

Keep Supplies

It’s better to have something and not need it than to need it and not have it. Thus, preparation is always better than hindsight. There’s a list of supplies that you should keep in your car in the fall and winter. Start by keeping a set of gloves, hats, some scarves, and an emergency blanket in the trunk of your car. In the event of a breakdown, you’ll be able to stay relatively warm. You should also keep a flashlight, jumper cables, a spare tire and jack, and even nonperishable snacks.  

Trick Trucks Has the Answers to All Your 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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Vehicle storage space is one of the top considerations for many people when they are purchasing a new car or truck. When you run out of space on the inside or need to transport particularly large items, the roof becomes the next usable storage area that many people go to; however,  you should see if your ride is ready for a roof rack.

Get to Know Your Roof

Not all vehicle roofs are made the same way. Before you purchase and install a roof rack you should learn what type of roof your vehicle has. Having this information will give you what you need to know about the kinds of parts and equipment that will be necessary to install your roof rack. All vehicle roofs are capable of supporting a roof rack; it’s just a matter of learning what type you’ll need to be able to expand your loading capabilities.

Bare Roof

A bare roof is described as one that features no accessories or other equipment like half rails. A bare roof means that you’ll need to build your roof rack from the ground up. It will require all the necessary equipment to build the rack, including feet, crossbars, and other parts.

Half Rails

If you’re starting with half rails or side rails mounted above the doors on each side of your ride, then you’re halfway through the roof rack installation process. Half rails run parallel to your car’s roof and require the addition of crossbars which means you can take full advantage of the expanded storage space.

Full Rails

Full rails include side rails and crossbars. Many crossover vehicles and sport utility vehicles come with factory-installed full rails. At this point, you can look for complementary roof rack accessories, including additional mounting hardware or clamps to keep your bags and other cargo secure during your trip.

Channel System

A channel system consists of anchors for a roof rack. On some vehicles, they take the place of half rails and make for quick and easy installation of a full roof rack kit. It’s easy to miss the anchors, so be sure to inspect your roof to see if it is bare or if you already have anchors in place.

Trick Trucks Has the Answers to All Your 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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Surviving the winter isn’t always the easiest task, especially when it comes to making sure your truck remains in good shape. One vital part of protecting your truck is ensuring you have the best tonneau covers for your truck. So how can you take proper care of these essential accessories? Here are some tips to help you get started.

Performing Visual Inspections

First of all, you’ll want to make sure there aren’t any problems with your tonneau covers. Perform regular inspections just by looking at them closely. If you see odd bumps, or they feel loose, something might be wrong. A small problem could become an expensive headache later on, so if something seems unusual, get it fixed as soon as you can. When it comes to your vehicle, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Avoid playing the waiting game.

Securing Mounts

Next, make sure all of the attachments are in good working order. Whether these attachments are mounts or other connectors, you should ensure that they are firmly secured to your truck. If the tonneau cover you use comes loose when you don’t realize it, it could be blown away by the wind while your truck sits in your driveway, or come flying off while you travel down the highway.

Checking the Rails

The third step in the maintenance process is to check on the condition of the rails. The rails have to work correctly so that the cover can slide open and closed more easily. But if you discover that the rails and covers are sticking together or jamming – not surprising given the freezing temperatures and the frost, ice, and snow we’re experiencing – you can use some lubricating solution to unstick the rails.

Cleaning Tonneau Covers

Along with cleaning the rails, you’ll have to clean the tonneau covers themselves as well. All you need for this step of the process is some water and some soap. However, if your tonneau cover is made from vinyl, you might need special cleaner meant for that material. Using this cleaner can help prevent the vinyl from fading and looking less than beautiful. Once it’s time to dry the tonneau covers off, a cloth or some sponges will be all the tools to wipe them down.

‘Tis the Season for New Accessories From Trick Tricks

Does your car or truck 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. 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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The harsh and unpredictable winter weather can present many challenges for cars and trucks. While modern vehicles are designed to take on bad weather, there are still some tips and tricks you can use to make sure your vehicle is ready to handle anything. Read on below to learn more about winterizing trucks and cars.  

Replace Or Refill All Fluids

Whether you are a DIY expert or take your car in to get looked at by a professional mechanic, it’s important to check key fluid levels before the winter sets in. Take a close look at your coolant, oil, and wiper fluid. Make sure everything is as it needs to be before you end up in a cold weather pickle.

Take A Close Look At Your Tires

Tires that have low air pressure or are incredibly worn can be very dangerous on wintry roads. Make sure your tires have a safe air pressure and are fit to handle the inclement weather ahead. If you live in an area where heavy snowfall is common, you may want to invest in snow tires for optimum safety.

The Benefits of Snow Tires

Trucks and cars with the right tires are safer and far easier to handle in snowy conditions. In fact, many car and vehicle manufacturers suggest changing out all four of your tires for snow tires during the winter for your safety and the safety of other drivers. If you do not swap all four tires, mismatched tires can actually cause issues for your vehicle down the road. While you can choose all-season tires for convenience sake, these do not offer all of the benefits of genuine now tires.

The Cold Weather Takes a Toll On Your Battery

While engines can be notoriously finicky about starting up during the cold winter weather, they aren’t the only parts of cars and trucks that struggle in the cold. Frigid temperatures actually reduce the capacity of your battery, meaning you should keep a close eye on it. An inspection will tell you whether or not your car is winter ready.

Truck 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.

The post Tips For Winterizing Your Truck appeared first on Trick Trucks.

We covered how you can prepare your truck for winter, but there is a lot to do before summer as well. Extreme weather of any kind is going to pose a challenge for your rig, but when you’re adequately prepared, you won’t have any trouble. So, are you ready to learn more about how you can get your truck ready for the summer? Let’s do this!

Make sure your AC is up to scuff.

One of the most enjoyed commodities in the summer is the air conditioning. Whether you’re riding to work, stuck in traffic, or on your way to the beach, you will be glad you checked in with your AC system. You should give it a test long before it gets hot outside so that you can take it to get repaired before you need it. Trust us, there is nothing worse than sitting in traffic in 100-degree weather without AC.

Perform normal maintenance.

Getting your tires rotated, oil changed, and making sure your truck is in working order is a summer preparation essential. When the weather heats up, you will definitely want everything to be in working order. Extreme heat, just like extreme cold, can have a serious effect on your truck’s electrical systems. You need to give them a little check in to make sure they’re all up to speed. This includes everything from the battery to the coolant hoses. You should also check in with your anti-freeze just in case.

Give your truck a nice scrub.

Washing your car may not seem like maintenance, but it absolutely is. Making sure that there isn’t any grime, dirt, or debris on your truck is going to help it last longer. While you’re washing it, you should take special care to look for any items that may need repair so that you can make the necessary fixes. Happy Summer!

Trick Trucks can help set you up for summer!

If you want to know more about tires, lift kits, hitches or our other services, please contact Trick Trucks today by calling 1-866-60 TRICK or click here! We have been working with trucks and their drivers since 1974, and we have all of the answers and accessories you need. No matter what your truck questions are, we can help you get what you need. We’re truck experts.  We also invite you to explore our other Exterior Truck Accessories while you’re here.

The post Preparing your Truck for Summer appeared first on Trick Trucks.

We covered how you can prepare your truck for winter, but there is a lot to do before summer as well. Extreme weather of any kind is going to pose a challenge for your rig, but when you’re adequately prepared, you won’t have any trouble. So, are you ready to learn more about how you can get your truck ready for the summer? Let’s do this!

Make sure your AC is up to scuff.

One of the most enjoyed commodities in the summer is the air conditioning. Whether you’re riding to work, stuck in traffic, or on your way to the beach, you will be glad you checked in with your AC system. You should give it a test long before it gets hot outside so that you can take it to get repaired before you need it. Trust us, there is nothing worse than sitting in traffic in 100-degree weather without AC.

Perform normal maintenance.

Getting your tires rotated, oil changed, and making sure your truck is in working order is a summer preparation essential. When the weather heats up, you will definitely want everything to be in working order. Extreme heat, just like extreme cold, can have a serious effect on your truck’s electrical systems. You need to give them a little check in to make sure they’re all up to speed. This includes everything from the battery to the coolant hoses. You should also check in with your anti-freeze just in case.

Give your truck a nice scrub.

Washing your car may not seem like maintenance, but it absolutely is. Making sure that there isn’t any grime, dirt, or debris on your truck is going to help it last longer. While you’re washing it, you should take special care to look for any items that may need repair so that you can make the necessary fixes. Happy Summer!

Trick Trucks can help set you up for summer!

If you want to know more about tires, lift kits, hitches or our other services, please contact Trick Trucks today by calling 1-866-60 TRICK or click here! We have been working with trucks and their drivers since 1974, and we have all of the answers and accessories you need. No matter what your truck questions are, we can help you get what you need. We’re truck experts.  We also invite you to explore our other Exterior Truck Accessories while you’re here.

The post Preparing your Truck for Summer appeared first on Trick Trucks.

Exterior Maintenance

The salt that is used to melt snow on the roads is great for winter drivers, but can be a real monster when it comes to your truck. Salt can do serious damage to your paint job, and causes corrosion. Make sure to give your truck a thorough cleaning during the spring time, paying special attention to the undercarriage to make sure you don’t miss any potential sources of rust. This is also a great time to wax your car, so your summertime cleanings will be a much easier process.

Your windshield wipers work overtime in the winter, making sure that heavy snowfall doesn’t impede your view. Salty spray back from the roads gets all over them, and sometimes they even freeze to your windshield. Make sure to replace old wipers, or clean your existing ones so that you don’t run into problems when the first downpour hits.

Tires need maintenance more than once every year, but in preparation for spring, make sure that yours are in top shape. Replace them or rotate them as needed, and make sure that your tire pressure is at the right level to save you gas and keep your tires rolling for longer.

Mechanical Maintenance

A good way to remember to get your oil changed is to schedule it for the beginning of each season. Spring is no exception. Make sure to have your oil changed and have them check to make sure that your other fluids are topped off to good levels.

A winter full of starting under extreme conditions can be very tough on a car battery, so it is important that you check to make sure your battery still has plenty of juice left in it.

Spring is the perfect time to make sure your brakes are in good working order. Fully functioning brakes are of vital importance when it comes to your safety, and they can take a beating during the winter thanks to icy streets. Have your brakes checked out so that you don’t find yourself in a scary summer situation.

Trick Trucks

If you need more information about installing a remote start system, please contact Trick Trucks today by calling 1-866-60 TRICK or click here! We also invite you to explore our many Exterior Truck Accessories while you’re here.

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The Blind Sides

The places a driver can’t see are called “blind zones”.  They exist on every vehicle, from motorcycles to tractor trailers.  They originally prompted the advent of mirrors, which are now standard on all vehicles.  Mirrors help a lot while driving at road speeds where they can help prevent merging accidents, but they can only help so much when reversing out of tightly-packed shopping mall spaces or in neighborhoods with active children.  Trucks and other large vehicles suffer even more greatly from this than sedans due to extended rear compartments or other design features.  For these types of vehicles, objects or young people within an average of 27 feet of the very rear of the car are at risk for injury because drivers simply cannot see them with head-checks or mirrors.  This is a very dangerous situation in locations where children of a young age regularly run around.

Seeing the Signs

Thankfully, new innovations in motor vehicle technology are always on the horizon.  As such, a new answer to a problem as old as trucks themselves is now available: rear-view backup cameras.  Many car companies have already played numerous commercials on television for this advent, touting increased safety for the driver and anyone or anything unfortunate enough to sit behind the vehicle at the time it reverses.  The science backs up the claims, too.  The average reduction of blind zones for trucks and SUVs in one study was an astounding 90 percent—cutting the blind zone from 27 feet to 2.7 feet, or less than a meter.  The cameras project a motion image onto a screen in the dashboard of the vehicle, where the driver can see it safely and comfortably.  Along with backup cameras, parking sensors can help drivers by providing an audible notation of nearby obstacles They can cut down blind zones by an extra two or three percent, just for that extra edge of safety.

See the Difference

Trick Trucks can provide you with more details on backup cameras and installation.  Call 1-800-60 TRICK or, to visit our website, click here!  Also, please feel free to investigate our selection of Exterior Truck Accessories while you visit.

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Unless you are a cast member of the History Channel show Ice Road Truckers, you are probably not an expert at driving trucks in snow and other icy conditions. And while spring is just a few weeks away, the East Coast has been bombarded by snow recently. In fact, it is snowing right now in Maryland. Are you prepared to drive in the snow and icy conditions?

According to the Federal Highway Administration, roughly 190,100 crashes occur annually as a result of icy conditions. So let me ask you again; are you prepared to drive in the snow and icy conditions?

Driving Tips for Trucks in Snow and Icy Conditions

1. Proper Maintenance: It is important to keep your truck in tip-top shape. Make sure your battery, tires, and windshield wipers are in good condition. Check anti-freeze levels.
2. Slow it Down: Drive slower than you typically would and keep your distance. Slick surfaces require a longer stopping distance.  And know your brakes. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), like most vehicles nowadays, apply continuous pressure. If your vehicle isn’t equipped with anti-lock brakes, pump on the brakes intermittently.
3. Don’t Panic: If you do find yourself sliding on the ice, do not panic. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises letting up on the gas and steering your truck in the direction you wish to go. DO NOT hit the gas or brakes until you have control of your truck.

For specific tips on driving rear wheel drive trucks in the snow, please Click Here to read our previous post on the subject.

If you have any questions about our blog, “Driving Tips for Trucks in Snow and Icy Conditions,” or one of our many other Interior, Exterior, and Commercial Truck Accessories please contact Trick Trucks today by calling 1-866-60 TRICK or click here! Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

How to Keep from Spinning Out on Slick Roads (And What to Do If It Happens) Allstate

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