Ford F-150 Maintenance Before Camping: Start with the Basics (Part One)
If you don’t maintain your F150, your trip won’t be a good memory with breakdowns to, at, and from you vacation spot. Let’s check that truck out before you head out.
Let’s start with the basics and that’s simply checking out your fluids, brakes, and tires. If you’re due for a fluid change, this is the perfect time to not only get it done but to inspect your truck as well. If you’re not due, you’ll still want to check everything before you head out.
Check your engine oil for level and color. If it’s low or looks burnt and you have over 2,000 miles, change it now. If you have fewer than 2,000 miles, there is a bigger issue that needs to be addressed but if the oil is just a darker, but still clear brown and is at the proper level, it’s going to be fine.
Check out your coolant next since the truck is cool, if you haven’t started it. Open the radiator cap or the reservoir cap and check the color and level of your coolant. Older F150s will have green coolant, while 2004 to 2008 will use gold and 2009 and up will use orange.
DO NOT MIX GREEN with any other coolant. You will create a mixture that will ruin your cooling system. If you have to top off, which isn’t unusual if you do, you will want to use distilled water. If you have to completely refill your reservoir, you have a leak to start finding.
If you have an automatic transmission, start the engine and let it idle to operating temperature. Then take out the dipstick for the transmission, which will usually be closest to the firewall but not always. If you own a 2009 and up truck, you won’t find a dipstick as these transmissions use a “lifetime” automatic transmission fluid.
You’re looking for a clear-red color on your dipstick at the level marker. A dark red will usually indicate a need for a change if you’re close to your mileage. If it’s any other color, like a grey-red or even black, the transmission needs service or repair.
Checking your tires is pretty simple. You’re not going to go far on bald tires while on the trail, so check the tread with a depth gauge or a penny.
Yes, you read that right as the space from the edge of the penny and the top of Lincoln’s head is about 2/32 and you’ll need to change tires. Also, check for unusual wear like feathering at the edges of the tires as these will indicate alignment issues. If your tires have dry-rot, replace them!
Good time to check for leaks is now, so get a sprayer filled with soapy water and spray down the tire liberally. Any bubbles that constantly form are usually indications of leaks, though a nail sticking out of the tire will be pretty obvious. Repair what you can and replace what you can’t (example: sidewall leaks from damage).
While the wheel is off, check your brakes for wear and replace anything that is under 2/32 of an inch or any pad or shoe that has worn to its rivets on non-bonded brakes.
“Ford F-150 Maintenance Before Camping: Steering and Suspension (Part Two)” is the next installment of this four part series.
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