How are my darlings on the road? As a fellow trucker and your friend, I’m Truck Saver, and this is the top channel in the transport industry. It’s the only place where we share your anecdotes, experiences, frustrations, and triumphs while commanding that mighty beast of burden. Here, we’ll provide you with numerous tips to make your transport business safer and, most importantly, more profitable. So, stay tuned for another exciting episode that’s about to begin.
Hello, friends! Here’s your faithful companion and friend, Truck Saver. Many times, people ask me what they should consider when buying a used truck, and it’s something that we often overlook. We tend to focus on the price and the appearance, thinking, “It looks nice, I want it.” However, there are many factors to consider, and I’m here to give you several tips that are often overlooked.
First and foremost, ask the person selling the truck about its fuel efficiency. Did you know that fuel costs are a significant operating expense for a vehicle, especially diesel trucks? Don’t forget to check the fuel efficiency and the truck’s aerodynamics. This is a crucial aspect that is often neglected. Of course, you should also consider the engine power and the truck’s load capacity, but I want to emphasize the importance of fuel efficiency. Many people pay little attention to it. We get carried away by the color and the little lights, but we should also examine the operational conditions.
Another important aspect is the weight of the truck when it’s empty. This is significant because you’ll always be moving that weight. A very heavy truck is not only inefficient in terms of fuel consumption, but it also limits the amount of cargo you can carry. Some transportation services charge based on the weight transported, whether it’s per pound or per kilo. If your truck is excessively heavy, you’ll quickly reach your load limit, and your capacity will be reduced. Therefore, it’s essential to consider the weight of the truck. The lighter, the better. Even when traveling empty, a lighter truck is more advantageous compared to one that has to go back and forth loaded. These are two crucial efficiency issues that often go unnoticed.
So, let’s not forget about fuel efficiency and the weight of the truck when making our purchase decisions. These factors greatly impact the cost-effectiveness and performance of the truck. Take them into consideration along with other important factors to ensure you make an informed decision.
The distance between the axles because a long truck is important against a short one, depends on the use that you are going to give it. A short truck can be very maneuverable, especially when we are working locally for certain activities, especially very light loads, but when we need to load a lot of weight to invoice more so the wheelbase will be very important a short truck will have a lower weight or capacity limit than a longer one and they will ask you that from the front axle of the truck and if it brings the tow up to the last axle the policeman can measure you and will reduce those distances because there is a regulation that gives you a maximum weight that you can carry.
Another important thing is whether I really need the truck’s sleeper cab. Many times, for local services, these sleepers are not necessary. They concern me because they add weight to the vehicle that we have to move. Do we really need it if we won’t be spending nights in it? However, if I need to sleep and rest there, then obviously they are required.
A great tip is to check the condition of the dashboard on the vehicle, whether it’s a car or a light vehicle, that you want to buy. If the dashboard is in poor condition, imagine how the mechanical condition of that vehicle might be. If the previous owner didn’t even care about the dashboard they saw every day, would they have cared about maintaining the engine, brakes, or other critical components? It’s a good indicator of the type of person who drove the vehicle before you.
So, paying attention to the dashboard and the seat is important. If you don’t mind, it will be very uncomfortable if the seat has broken springs or is in poor condition. It shows that the previous owner didn’t take care of the vehicle.
When someone wants to buy a truck, I always advise them to thoroughly inspect it. Ask for permission to take it to a workshop for a comprehensive evaluation, not just a short test drive on the street. Some workshops can perform engine tests for a fee, but it can be worth it, especially if you are almost certain that this is the truck you want. They can assess the condition of the engine, which is crucial. Engine repairs can be very expensive, costing thousands of dollars. So, if they allow you to do it, make the most of the opportunity and potentially save yourself from future headaches.
Check the suspension, brakes, cardan bar, and if possible, the differential and transmission oils. When you remove the plug, carefully inspect for any signs of debris, damage, water, etc. This can provide valuable insights into the internal condition of the engine, transmission, and differentials, allowing you to identify potential issues before making a purchase.
Additionally, don’t forget to thoroughly examine the tires. If they are excessively worn, it’s highly likely that the truck has suspension and steering problems. Repairing such issues can cost several thousand dollars, so it’s important to address them before they cause further tire wear. Remember, diesel and tires are among the primary expenses involved in operating a truck, and they are closely interconnected. Hence, make sure to check the tire condition.
Moreover, it’s worth asking whether any form of warranty or guarantee is provided, considering that the truck or vehicle is used. Inquire about the duration of the guarantee, whether it’s 15 days or a month. This timeframe allows you to take the vehicle to a workshop if you were not given permission to conduct a thorough inspection beforehand. If necessary, discuss the specifics of what the guarantee covers and up to what extent.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you are making an informed decision when purchasing a used truck or vehicle. It’s essential to check all the details and address any potential issues before signing any agreements.