First Things To Do After Buying a Used Diesel Truck

The used truck you just bought might have a flawless exterior, but, as with any vehicle, it can be hard to know what’s happening inside the engine without an in-depth inspection. You don’t want your new ride breaking down before you get the chance to use it. Thankfully, by following this list of first things to do after buying a used diesel truck, you can make sure your vehicle is operating at peak performance.

Get an Oil Change

Even if the seller swears that they’ve recently changed the oil, you should probably change the engine’s oil after purchasing a used truck. Anyone can reset the oil change light on the dashboard. Unless you have solid proof that the oil was changed, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you run the engine on old, contaminated oil, it could lead to the eventual failure of its injectors, pipes, sensors, and bearings.

Replace the Filters

Fuel that’s contaminated with low-grade particulates can wreak havoc on your vehicle, as can dirty, dusty air entering the turbocharger. To prevent both, it’s a good idea to regularly replace your truck’s fuel and air filters — especially after you’ve just purchased it. Having new, clean filters will help the engine run smoothly.

Adding some upgrades to the mix can also improve engine performance. Try installing a high-flow air filter or a performance fuel filter to further protect your engine from contaminants. You can refurbish your equipments here and get them replaced as well. What’s more, these upgrades can also help increase fuel efficiency and horsepower.

Change the Transmission Fluid

Getting the transmission fluid flushed is another one of the first things you should do after buying a used diesel truck. Don’t forget the filters, either. Most places will flush out the fluid, but neglect to do the same with the filters. When the filters aren’t flushed, the new fluid will contaminate quickly, if not immediately. In diesel-powered vehicles, the transmission is under constant stress. To keep it from breaking, you’ll need to regularly supply it with new fluids and filters.

Get a Coolant Flush

Coolant has a shelf and usage life expectancy. If it isn’t regularly flushed, it can become contaminated or lower in quality. Flushing your coolant after buying a used vehicle will keep it cool and within its optimal operating range.

Perform Any Modifications

Once the fluids and filters are taken care of, there’s one final step—modifying the vehicle to your liking. To increase your engine’s ground clearance, you can lift or level it. This keeps the underside of your vehicle safe from debris, like rocks, dirt, or sand, and allows you to install bigger tires. Want to improve your truck’s performance? Try upgrading the transmission, air intake, turbocharger, and other essential components. To improve fuel efficiency, you can purchase additives for your fuel. Different types of additives have different effects. Some will stabilize your fuel, and others can help protect against corrosion.