3 Factors to Check if a Used Semi Truck Can Still Be Fully Efficient

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No matter what reasons you have for buying a truck, there are several things you need to remember to ask for or to check. You want to ensure that the rig you buy is the best one for you, not just in how well the price fits your budget, but in other areas as well. For instance, can it handle the jobs you plan on using it for? Will it need urgent repair soon after you buy it? Is it still as efficient as it can be?

To answer that last question, here are a few factors to consider, whether you’re the owner-operator or you’re the fleet manager and will have someone else drive the truck.

Previous Driving Habits

This has more to do with the previous driver or owner-operator rather than the semi truck itself, but it’s still important to take note of. Try and find out if there were instances of excessive speeding, or if the driver didn’t bother to keep RPMs low and try to stay in the highest gear possible. 

When drivers constantly go over the speed limit on certain stretches of road and have bad driving habits, that can tax the engine, causing it to function less efficiently even if the truck itself is only a few years old. This information, then, will tell you if the truck was lightly or heavily used, and therefore help you adjust expectations for its fuel efficiency.

Maintenance and Repair Records for Used Semi Trucks

Whenever vehicles move, they deal with different road conditions, all of which can cause them to become more or less air resistant. That’s why you’ll want to look at the maintenance records for used semi trucks to see if anything’s been done recently to reduce common resistance factors. These include wheel misalignments and low tire pressure. Extra weight is a factor, too, but that can be countered by paying attention to how big a load you carry. 

The Truck’s Overall Condition

Once you have the maintenance and repair records, you’ll have a better idea of what to look out for when you inspect the truck yourself. Some dealerships will have in-house mechanics who can assist in this; otherwise, ask the salesman or the seller (if dealing directly with one) if they can recommend a shop. 

Checking the engine and all the lines leading to and from it is a good place to start since a cracked or leaking hose can also affect fuel efficiency. You’ll also need to check the tires for uneven wearing, as this can point to misalignment or underinflation that hasn’t been corrected yet. Look for any signs of extreme wear and tear on the truck; any spots that are extremely worn down can end up cracking, and that can affect the rig’s aerodynamics. 

At the end of the day, you can take steps to ensure that the truck becomes more fuel-efficient, but the better the truck’s condition, the less of a concern efficiency will be. That’s why it’s important that you consider the above factors along with any others that typically help you make a decision to purchase. But if you’re not sure where to start looking for used semi trucks for sale, visiting this page can help.