Why Trucks Need a Different Maintenance Approach
Trucks work harder than passenger cars. Whether you're hauling lumber from a Spokane supply yard, towing a boat to a lake, or just driving a full-size pickup as your daily, the extra weight, higher towing loads, and larger drivetrain components mean maintenance intervals and repair needs are different — and more critical to stay on top of.
At All Motors Center on East Trent Avenue, we service everything from half-ton pickups like the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado to three-quarter and one-ton trucks like the Ram 2500, Ford F-250, and Chevy 2500HD — both gas and diesel.
Essential Truck Maintenance Schedule
Oil Changes — More Frequent If You Tow
Most truck manufacturers recommend oil changes every 5,000–7,500 miles under normal conditions. But if you tow regularly, haul heavy loads, or do a lot of stop-and-go driving in Spokane traffic, you're operating under "severe" conditions and should shorten that to 3,000–5,000 miles. Diesel trucks have their own intervals and require specific oil — we stock the right grades for Cummins, Powerstroke, and Duramax engines.
Transmission Service — Don't Skip It
Truck transmissions handle enormous torque, especially when towing. A transmission fluid and filter change every 30,000–60,000 miles (sooner if you tow) prevents the overheating and premature wear that leads to a $3,000+ rebuild. Many owners skip this service and pay the price later.
Brake Inspection — Twice a Year
Trucks are heavier, so they wear brakes faster — especially the rear brakes on trucks that tow. Spokane's hilly terrain accelerates this. We recommend a brake inspection every 6 months or 15,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Transfer Case & Differential Service
If you have a 4WD truck — and most Spokane truck owners do — the transfer case and front and rear differentials need fluid changes every 30,000–50,000 miles. Old fluid loses its ability to protect the gears, and a differential rebuild is far more expensive than a fluid change.
Suspension & Steering
Trucks with larger tires, lift kits, or heavy payloads put extra stress on ball joints, tie rods, and leaf springs. Spokane's rough roads compound this. Listen for clunking over bumps and watch for uneven tire wear — both signs that a suspension component needs attention.
Common Truck Repairs We See in Spokane
- Exhaust manifold bolts — broken studs from heat cycling are epidemic on Ford and GM trucks.
- U-joints — driveshaft universal joints wear out, causing vibration and clunking in gear changes.
- Fuel injectors (diesel) — high-mileage diesel trucks often develop injector issues that cause rough running and poor fuel economy.
- Wheel hub assemblies — front hub bearings on 4WD trucks are a high-wear item, especially on vehicles that see off-road or gravel-road use.
Keep Your Truck Running Right
A well-maintained truck will run 200,000+ miles reliably. Skip the maintenance and you'll pay for it in breakdowns, tow bills, and expensive emergency repairs. All Motors Center services gas and diesel trucks of all sizes — call (509) 655-7715 to schedule your truck's next service.