How Young Adults Can Protect Their Pickup Trucks From Damage

Pickup trucks are major assets for young adults, and you may be excited to finally have the vehicle of your dreams. While you can look forward to using your truck to haul new furniture to your house or help a friend move, the truth is that you need to take a few steps to protect your prized possession. Using these tips will keep your pickup truck in top condition while still allowing you to accomplish your goals.

Install a Bed Liner to Protect the Cargo Area

If you’ve ever seen a scratched-up truck bed, then you know how quickly damage can accumulate. If you bought a used truck, then adding a bed liner can restore the appearance and functionality. For new trucks, installing bed liners improves the overall durability and could increase resale values in the future. Keep in mind that professionally installed bed liners work best for preventing those scratches and dings that age a truck well beyond its years. You can still use moving blankets for cushioning fragile items, but a bed liner protects the paint.

Store Your Truck Away From Direct Sunlight

Covered parking can sometimes be hard to find, but it’s worth the effort to use it when you can. If you live in a house with a garage, then this is the best place to store your pickup to prevent oxidative damage from the sun’s UV rays. Arranging for covered parking in an apartment complex can also provide protection. If you need to park on the street, then look for areas with shade. Just try to avoid parking beneath trees that could expose the paint to sap or bird droppings that could erode the protective top layers.

Plan for Regular Washing and Waxing

Trucks are often subjected to more road dirt and grime than commuter sedans. This is especially true if you use your truck to handle work tasks outdoors at ranches or warehouses. Make sure to wash your truck each week to remove any surface dirt that builds up. You’ll also want to do an extra wash if you roll through mud or other contaminants. During the winter, salt and chemicals from de-icing agents can also cause corrosion if you don’t wash them off fast enough. Adding a protective layer of wax further helps to protect the paint from damage.

Secure Major Loads to Prevent Movement

Even with a bed liner, you’ll still want to make sure that you secure anything you haul with a tarp or tie-down straps. On top of preventing minor dings along the sides of your truck, you’ll also be doing your part to promote safety on the road. In fact, securing the loads can also help you avoid hefty fines, along with preventing truck damage.

Whether you’re heading out on the town or moving equipment for work, having a pickup truck helps you handle any major task. While modern pickup trucks are designed to last, they can get roughed up over the course of their lifespan. Taking a few steps now to protect the bed and exterior paint helps you maintain its appearance and get the best resale or trade-in value when it’s time to upgrade.