Whether you own a transportation company or are an individual owner operator of a semi truck, having solid, reliable equipment is essential. Many transportation companies and owner operators would love to purchase a brand new semi truck, but in most cases the extremely high price tag makes buying a quality used semi truck a much better option. If you're in the market for a used semi truck, take a look at the following things:
Maintenance Records
When you're planning to purchase a used semi truck, one of the best things you can do is look for a truck for sale that has all maintenance records available. Having access to all of the maintenance records can help you determine how well the semi truck was cared for by the previous owner. The last thing you want to do is invest a large amount of money in a semi truck that was not properly maintained.
Signs of Rust
It is always in your best interest to do a thorough visual inspection when you're interested in buying a used semi truck. One of the main things to look for when inspecting the exterior of the truck is any signs of rust. In most cases, rust is a sign that a truck may have a lot of problems, especially if the rust is located on the frame of the truck.
Engine
Don't hesitate to ask the dealership or person selling a used semi truck if you can look under the hood and check out the engine. Doing so can tell you a lot about what kind of condition the engine is in. When inspecting the engine, look carefully for any signs of cracks or leaks. You should also ask to have the truck turned on and the engine warmed up; after the engine is warm, take a look at the exhaust pipes—if you see smoke coming out of the exhaust pipes, it usually means that the engine is burning oil and you should move on to a different truck.
Smooth Test Drive
If a truck checks out after you visually inspect it, arrange for a test drive of the vehicle. As a commercial truck driver, taking a long test drive will allow you to feel how the truck drives on the open road. During your test drive, you should be able to feel how the transmission shifts and notice whether or not the engine makes any knocking sounds. After a successful test drive, always have a used semi truck inspected by a certified mechanic before signing any papers.
To learn more about used semi trucks, visit resources such as http://www.arrowtruck.com/.
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