How to Properly Maintain Your Ford® Pickup Truck’s Custom Aluminum Bumper...and Other Important Accessory Maintenance Tips

Feb. 4 2021 Maintenance By Truck Defender Bumpers

Unless you’re brand new to car ownership and no one bothered to explain the responsibilities that come with it, you probably have a basic understanding of the kind of upkeep required to keep your Ford pickup truck healthy. Things like oil checks and regular visits to the mechanic are a given part of proper maintenance. However, not everyone realizes that the engine isn’t the only part that needs work. All the little accessories you add and the smaller details of the vehicle need some T.L.C. as well, and we here at Truck Defender Bumpers are here to help you tackle these details.

Check out our tips for maintaining that Ford® pickup truck bumper you just got from us, along with other important accessories. If you haven’t talked to anyone about our custom aluminum bumpers, contact us today from anywhere in North America and see what we can do for your vehicle!

Locate Your Owner’s Manual

As with any maintenance work, the first thing you’ll want to do is locate your owner’s manual, not just for the truck, but also any instructions you received with your accessories. We can give you some general tips that should apply to most scenarios, but your owner’s manual will be the best resource for you. Read through the maintenance and upkeep sections so you know what you’re doing.

If you can’t find your manual, or never had it to begin with, check the manufacturer’s website for a downloadable copy.

Ford® Pickup Truck Bumper Cleaning

Our custom Ford pickup truck bumpers are a great investment for anyone who needs a little extra protection on their travels, so you’ll want to make sure you’re taking good care of it. While it’s easy to collect bugs, mud, and dust on your bumper, it’s also easy to clean all that off. There are special products designed to clean aluminum, but you can also use something as simple as dishwasher detergent. Just make sure the chemicals you’re using aren’t too harsh and the brush you use isn’t too rough.

If you’re looking to polish your bumper as well, you’ll want to use a polishing agent specifically designed to work well with aluminum. Assuming there isn’t an excessive amount of oxidation, you shouldn’t need any other special tools. 

Tire Checks

Tires are likely already part of your routine maintenance check, but if they aren’t, add them. You’ll want to periodically check the tire pressure to ensure it’s in line with the owner’s manual’s psi level recommendations. This is especially important if you live in an area where the seasonal changes drastically affect outside temperature.

You’ll also want to look for signs of excessive wear and tear or damage. Remember that most tires need to be changed out once every 6 years. Don’t forget, these checks need to happen for the spare, too!

Keeping Headlights Shining Bright

Whether you’re using the headlights that came with the truck or you’ve upgraded to brighter, more efficient options, there are some ways you can keep your lights bright and fully effective for longer. 

Consider wiping them down every week with a microfiber cloth, and if you notice grime building up, use an abrasive substance like toothpaste to let them shine brightly again. You’ll also want to check your owner’s manual or the guidelines from the bulb manufacturer for information on when to replace them altogether. This is usually after about 90,000 miles.

Don’t forget, your Ford pickup truck also requires professional inspections periodically, so look around for a trusted service team that you can connect with for all your emergency repairs and routine checks. You can also connect with Truck Defender Bumpers if you find your vehicle is in need of a custom reinforced bumper. We’ll ship one of our unique products to your door, no matter where in North America you are!