4 Important Checks Before You Buy a Used Freightliner

Are you shopping for a used freightliner truck to add to your fleet? Read on and discover some of the things that your mechanic should check before you buy a particular used truck.

Analysis of Fluids Your mechanic should get samples of the different fluids, such as engine oil and differential oil, from the truck. These samples should then be analysed in order to identify whether any problems exist within the systems where those samples were taken from. For example, metal residue in the transmission oil may be an indicator of worn gears that may need to be repaired soon. Narrow down your options to the trucks whose fluids don't reveal serious defects.

Research the Engine

It is also important for the mechanic to conduct some research about any known problems regarding the type of engine that is in the used freightliner truck that you want to buy. He or she should find out whether the manufacturer released any service bulletins that point out any defects in the engines that were installed in that year or model. This research should be thorough so that you avoid incurring a high cost to get a new engine for the truck soon after you have acquired it.

The Miles Covered

Another piece of information worth considering is the reading on the odometer. Heavy truck engines normally require an overhaul or rebuild after they have covered a given number of miles. Your mechanic should estimate how long you may use the truck before an engine overhaul is needed. This information will help you to make an informed decision regarding the suitability of purchasing that particular truck instead of another one that is available.

Parts Due for Replacement

The mechanic should also review the service records of the used freightliner truck in order to identify which components have reached the end of their service life and need to be replaced. For example, the transmission may be about to reach the end of its expected service life. Such components that are near the end of their service life can increase the cost of acquiring a given truck. Select a truck with few, if any, such components.

As you can see, selecting the best used freightliner truck to buy goes beyond comparing the appearance of the different trucks on the market. You should let the mechanic perform as many tests and inspections as he or she deems necessary to know the condition of any truck that you wish to buy. Only then will you avoid incurring avoidable costs once the truck is in your possession.


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