Inspecting Used Commercial Trucks

Powerful and durable, commercial or semi trucks are commonplace on roads everywhere. However, these trucks aren’t cheap, which means they can be difficult to obtain on a budget. If you look into used semi trucks, though, you’ll find a vast market of good-quality trucks that will last for years to come. All you need to do is perform an inspection to make sure that the used commercial truck you’ve selected is a good buy.

Walk Around the Outside

First, walk around the entire truck and make note of any issues you see with the frame, the tires, the body, and the engine. The semi truck should be clean and in good working order. You shouldn’t see any leaks, loose connections, balding tires, or signs of corrosion on the metal. Remove the dipstick from the engine’s oil reservoir to make sure that the oil is clean and not sludgy or full of metal shavings.

Test-Drive the Truck

If you’re allowed, you should take the used commercial truck for a short test drive that allows you to feel how it operates. You can listen to strange sounds as you start the engine and make sure that it doesn’t stall out on you. Watch for smoke billowing from the engine, too. As you drive, make sure that the truck moves smoothly and that the brakes don’t squeal or grind when you press them. Check the lights and signals for proper functioning and make sure that the tires don’t skid.

Seeking used semi trucks near you? Come see us at one of our six locations in South Carolina to view our wide inventory of used commercial trucks for sale. Carolina International Trucks is proud to serve our customers in the greater Columbia, SC, metropolitan area.