Over time, everything in life breaks down, and trucks are no exception to this universal rule. Some things degrade more slowly than others, but eventually, they will need to be repaired or replaced. There are things we can do to extend the lifespan of these things, but that’s just delaying the inevitable. Thus, over time, your truck’s parts will all need to be replaced eventually. But how often should they be replaced?
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#1. Windshield wipers: 6-12 months
Because the material that goes into windshield wipers – rubber – it will eventually begin to degrade. While the blades may be capable of some degree of windshield wiping, you may find that, once degraded, the windshield can’t be cleaned as easily. They should be replaced as early as six months, but no later than 12 months. They’re invaluable tools, so you shouldn’t let them get too bad before replacement.
#2. Battery: 4-5 years
The battery is a necessary, basic component of a functioning truck, and thus, it needs to be replaced whenever it runs out. In general, after four years, you can expect to see the battery begin to lose its charge, at which point you ought to look into a new battery. While you could theoretically use it until it’s completely drained, it would not be a good idea to let it come down to the wire like that.
Worse, it’s not like a bad engine where its problems will gradually show up. Instead, once your truck’s battery dies, it dies, and there’s no way to anticipate it. Thus, it’s better to play it safe than sorry.
#3. Tires: 6 Years
Six years is a general estimate, as the frequency of replacement will come down to certain factors. For example, if you use your vehicle as part of your job, or if you do a lot of traveling, and especially if you drive in harsh conditions, your tires may need more frequent replacement. This does not account for unfortunate accidents either.
There are many different things that can happen to a tire to require a repair or replacement. For example, the grooves in the tire may become worn down over time, or you may need to replace the rims for Ford F150. Ultimately, by getting the most out of our tires, we reduce tire waste.
#4. Brake pads: 10,000 to 20,000 miles
Brake pads are arguably one of, if not the most important things to replace in your truck when they begin to wear down. Brake pads work by creating friction to help your truck stop, and the more worn down the brake pad is, the more likely it will be that your truck is able to stop quickly.
Brake pads should be replaced somewhere in the range of 10,000 to 20,000 miles. Where your specific brake pads fall in this range depends on how much you drive your truck, but try to play it by ear the best you can. If your brake pads seem like they’re not doing their best, that may be a sign that you need new ones.
#5. Air filter: 15,000 – 30,000 miles
Air filters are important, as without them, a lot of things such as dirt and pollen. Additionally, they also deliver air flow to the engine for combustion.
Filters, more than anything on this list, are more likely to be affected by the environment, leading to more frequent replacements. For example, if you spend a lot of time driving on dirt roads or sand, your filters will need to do a lot of extra work. Additionally, if you drive in high-pollution areas a lot, that will also have an impact. At best, most people have a lower end of 15,000 miles before the air filters need replacing. However, in the right environment, they can look forward to up to 30,000 miles.
#6. Shocks: 50,000 to 100,000 miles
Shocks are an important part of any truck, as they help control the rebound from the springs and suspensions of your truck. The number of shocks may vary depending on the vehicle.
Unlike brake pads, your shocks should be able to last quite a while before they require a replacement. At worst, shocks can generally last 50,000 miles, though if you’re lucky, the shocks could last upward of 100,000 miles. However, if you drive aggressively, or the conditions of your driving are particularly rough, this may cause the lifespan of your truck’s shocks to be markedly reduced.
#7. Engine: Don’t replace
Your engine can be replaced, in theory, but at that point, your truck is almost definitely in need of a replacement as a whole. The engine is designed to function for the length of truck, and if it’s in need of replacement, one can only question what the owner was doing with their truck. If you’re looking to buy a used vehicle, be sure to make sure that the vehicle doesn’t have a replaced engine, as that may suggest more problems with the truck. In most situations, a repair will be a better option than a replacement.
