Hello, I am Terry. Welcome to my website exploring automotive electrical systems. The modern vehicle is filled with electronics that run the integral components and ensure passenger comfort, safety and satisfaction. The electronics are all operated by the onboard computer in some way or another. Each system may include a multitude of sensors that talk to the computer several times a second. These interconnected systems keep your vehicle running efficiently. The systems can also alert you to a developing problem. Please feel free to use the information on my site to better understand your own vehicle’s electrical systems and identify problems before it's too late.
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Talking About Automotive Electrical Systems
Look For These Issues When Buying Your Next Used Semi
Leonard White
If you are looking for a used semi truck so you can start or expand your current trucking business without expanding your budget, you'll find lots of offerings. But you'll also find lots of issues if you don't do your homework. Like used cars, used semis can have general age issues and so on, but semis have a few specific conditions that you really need to look out for.
Engine Life and Rebuilds
The older the engine and the more mileage it has, the more likely it will need a rebuild in the next few years. Engines can go for only so long before needing to be overhauled, but newer technology is making truck engines last much long than they used to, so it's difficult to put an exact number on when you need to get an engine overhaul. However, a million miles used to be the holy grail of good engines, so as you start approaching that -- and maybe even sooner than that for much older trucks -- calculate the cost of an engine rebuild into your purchase price.
Model History
Like cars, semis can have brand-specific problems or quirks. However, not all of the trucks produced by that manufacturer have those problems. Try to find out the maintenance history of the truck -- you should be doing that anyway -- but also look at the brand's history and see if there have been major complaints about the model that you're looking at. If the truck's history shows that those flaws have shown up, you may want to look at other used trucks, even if the flaws have been fixed, because you don't know what else will show up.
Previous Fuel Use
Truck fuel can have its issues, especially if the truck was driven in colder weather (for example: gelling). But if the previous owner used ultra low-sulfur or biodiesel, the gelling may have been worse than normal. You need to ensure that the fuel tank and lines are clear and not filled with sludge.
Buying that used semi from a good truck dealer, like Arrow Truck Sales, or manufacturer who has a great warranty is the best way to avoid dealing with issues like these. You're more likely to have complete service records and find engines that are already overhauled if you go with a good dealer. Given that these trucks are meant to be on the road for days at a time, and a maintenance delay or breakdown can affect your bottom line, heading to a reputable dealership is the way to go.
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