Spring Prep for Your Farm Truck: Get Ready Before the Fields Do
When the weather starts warming up and the ground starts drying out, you know what’s coming: long days, dirty boots, and plenty of time behind the wheel of your pickup. Whether it’s hauling seed, checking fences, or towing equipment, your farm truck is about to earn its keep.
But before you hitch up the trailer or head out across the fields, it’s a smart move to give your truck a little attention. Spring field work is tough on equipment, and your truck’s no exception.
At B&R Repair, we help folks around Bureau County get their trucks ready every spring—and we’ve learned a few things about what to check before you roll.
🚙 1. Start with the Basics: Fluids, Filters & Oil
Your truck’s been through a cold winter. Before you push it into long hours and heavy loads, give it a fresh start:
Oil change – Especially if it’s been sitting or only used for short trips over the winter
Check coolant & radiator hoses – Spring temps rise fast; make sure you’re not risking a boil-over
Fuel & air filters – Dusty field roads are tough on filters—clean filters mean smoother running
Transmission & brake fluid levels – Don’t overlook the fluids that do the heavy lifting
🚚 2. Tires: Check Pressure, Tread & Sidewalls
Farm trucks don’t run on perfect roads. One trip across a rocky lane or field stubble can take a toll. Before planting season kicks off:
Make sure your tire pressure is dialed in—especially if you’re hauling heavy
Inspect tread wear and look for cracking or dry rot
Don’t forget to check your spare tire (we all know someone who found out it was flat after they needed it)
🔋 3. Test the Battery & Electrical System
Cold winters are hard on batteries, and field work doesn’t wait for jumper cables.
Have your battery tested to make sure it’s holding a charge
Check for corroded terminals or weak connections
Test lights—headlights, brake lights, flashers, and trailer connections—especially if you’ll be out before sunrise or after dark
🧰 4. Undercarriage & Suspension: Don’t Forget What’s Underneath
If your truck sees a lot of field or pasture time, the undercarriage takes a beating. Spring is a good time to:
Check for rust, damage, or worn bushings
Grease any fittings (if applicable)
Make sure shocks and springs are still up to the job
Inspect your brake lines and fuel lines for any winter damage
🚛 5. Hitch, Trailer Brakes & Tow Equipment
Let’s be honest—this truck isn’t just for driving. It’s your mobile shop, seed hauler, livestock hauler, and more. Before you start hitching and hauling:
Inspect your trailer hitch, ball, and safety chains
Make sure your trailer brake controller is working properly
Check wiring harnesses and lights on trailers
✅ Let Us Help You Get Set for the Season
At B&R Repair, we know farm trucks. We’ve worked on ‘em all—Fords, Chevys, Dodges, and everything in between. Whether your truck is brand new or has more miles than your favorite tractor has hours, we’ll help you get it field-ready.
Our Spring Farm Truck Checkup includes:
Full oil and fluid service
Tire and brake inspection
Battery test
Trailer light and wiring check
Air and fuel filter check
General once-over for anything winter might’ve worn out
📍 Get a Jump on the Season—Before the Fields Are Calling
Don’t wait until you’re halfway to the back forty to blow a tire or have a warning light come on. Bring your farm truck by B&R Repair in rural Princeton, and we’ll make sure it’s ready to pull its weight this season—reliably and safely.
📞 Call us at (815) 699-2641 or just swing by the shop.
Proudly helping Bureau County farmers keep their wheels turning.