We all tend to put some of those important truck maintenance tasks on hold during the winter months, especially when we're dealing with lousy weather and short hours of daylight. Spring and summer correct both of those problems and are the perfect seasons to get the truck back in shape.

Truck Cleanup Tasks

• If you live in an area that gets snow, consider pressure washing the area under the truck to get rid of accumulated salt and sand.

• Wash the truck's body with a good car wash soap and give it a thorough waxing with a cleaner wax, a wax that's designed to remove the film that builds up on paint after driving in the snow and rain (as well as eliminate oils thrown up from the road surface and gunk in the air that lands on the paint). Cleaner wax leaves a film behind that helps protect the truck's paint and bring back its shine.
  Regular wax will remove some of the film deposits, but what it doesn't take off gets covered up with a layer of wax. The truck might appear shiny, but it won't look bright and clean like it did when it was new.
  
• Vacuum the truck's interior -- you might be surprised just how much dirt accumulates from climbing in and out with snow (or rain) on your shoes.
• Take out the removable bedliner and give it a thorough scrubbing (top and bottom). Don't forget to clean the truck bed -- grit and grim between the bed and the liner will scratch the paint.

Fix Chips and Scratches

Inspect the truck's body for chips and scratches -- rust will develop in those spots if you don't clean them and then cover with paint.

If a scratch or chip is small, but already shows some surface rust, fold a piece of fine sandpaper and use the point at the corner of the fold to carefully work on the spot. When the rust is gone, clean the area and cover it with a small amount of touch-up paint, available from auto supply stores and dealerships. Be sure to practice touch-ups on another metal surface first -- avoid putting down big globs of paint.

Store Unnecessary Gear

Do you haul extra gear in your truck during the winter months? I always carry a tow strap and D-rings, two sets of tire chains (for front and rear), boots, insulated coveralls, an extra sweatshirt and extra gloves. I also keep two 40-pound bags of driveway salt in the bed (one by each wheel well) for added traction. Check to see which items can be removed during warm weather months, since extra weight lowers fuel mileage. With gas prices where they are, even small mpg savings can make an impact on your wallet.

Mechanical Maintenance

If you've been putting off that oil change, do it now. Check all of the truck's fluids, and the condition of the brakes and air filter. Set tire pressures (including the spare) and look the tires over carefully for wear and damage.
This might sound like a long list of chores, but most of the upkeep can be accomplished over a weekend (and won't need to be done again until late fall). You'll feel better knowing that the truck's ready for those weekend trips (and your family members won't be worried about getting their clothes dirty just by climbing in).