Used Truck Maintenance: Tires, Brakes & Suspension

After purchasing a used truck, your top priority should be safety — not speed. While the initial purchase may feel like the biggest step, the real work begins post-sale. Critical systems like tires, brakes, and suspension often carry hidden wear and tear that, if ignored, can lead to breakdowns, failed inspections, or costly accidents.

This guide walks through what to inspect, repair, or replace after buying a used truck, focusing specifically on tires, braking systems, and suspension components. Whether you're an owner-operator or managing a fleet, this checklist ensures your investment stays reliable, legal, and profitable.

Why Post-Purchase Maintenance Is Essential

Used trucks don’t just come with a price tag — they come with a history. Even with a full inspection during purchase, hidden issues can go unnoticed. Prioritizing maintenance immediately after acquisition ensures:

• Roadworthiness and safety
• Compliance with Canadian regulations
• Reduced downtime and repair costs
• Better resale value

A smart inspection within the first 500–1,000 km helps uncover issues that didn’t surface during test drives or initial inspections.

Tires: Your First Line of Safety

Tires are the foundation of safe transport. Yet they are also among the most commonly neglected components on used trucks.

What to Check

• Tread depth and wear patterns: Uneven wear may indicate misaligned axles or worn suspension.
• Sidewall damage: Look for cracks, bulges, or dry rot.
• DOT date codes: Replace any tire older than 6–7 years regardless of tread.
• Air pressure consistency: A slow leak can lead to blowouts under load.
• Tire type and match: Ensure all tires are rated properly for your load class and that pairs (duals) match in height.

Pro Tip:

If you plan to finance a set of new tires or a full retread job, consider a Working Capital Loan or Truck Repair Financing to preserve cash flow.

Brakes: The Most Critical Safety System

Truck brake systems experience massive stress — especially on units that spent time in mountainous routes or urban stop-and-go traffic.

Post-Purchase Brake Checklist

• Air brake lines and fittings: Look for leaks or corrosion.
• Brake pads and drums: Check thickness and wear pattern.
• Slack adjusters and S-cams: Confirm proper adjustment and function.
• ABS system: Ensure warning lights are off and sensors function.
• Air compressor and governor: Test refill rate and system pressure range.

Financing Safety Repairs

If you need to replace rotors, pads, or rebuild the air brake system, a Secured Loan or Equipment Loan may help manage upfront costs.

Suspension: Ride Quality and Load Stability

A poor suspension setup affects fuel efficiency, tire wear, and driver safety — especially under load.

What to Inspect

• Leaf springs and hangers: Look for cracks or rust in the spring packs.
• Shock absorbers: Check for oil leaks and rebound function.
• Bushings and U-bolts: Inspect for play or degradation.
• Air suspension systems: Test the leveling valves and bags for leaks.

Expert Note:

Suspension issues often show up in the form of body roll, excessive bounce, or uneven tire wear. Ignoring these can lead to frame stress and misalignment.

Used Truck Case Study: A Realistic Example

A client recently acquired a five-year-old sleeper unit from a private sale. On paper, the truck was in good shape — decent mileage, clean history, and recent cosmetic upgrades. But after delivery, the driver noticed excessive swaying and brake lag.

Upon inspection, they found:

• Rear air suspension bags leaking
• Uneven brake pad wear on one axle
• Two drive tires mismatched and beyond age limit

With the help of Refinancing & Sales-Leaseback, the client accessed funds to address these critical issues within two weeks. The truck passed inspection, returned to service, and is now earning consistent revenue.

Don’t Skip Preventative Maintenance

Even if your used truck runs well at first, do not assume everything is perfect. The cost of early preventative maintenance is almost always lower than emergency repairs or roadside downtime.

Here’s a quick post-purchase inspection timeline:

First 48 hours:

• Tire pressure & sidewall check
• Brake line air pressure test
• Suspension bounce test

First 1,000 km:

• Full brake component inspection
• Alignment & tire rotation
• Torque check on wheel lugs & suspension fasteners

First 30 days:

• Oil & fluid changes
• Battery load test
• Shop-based inspection with diagnostic scan

Financing Maintenance Without Draining Cash Flow

Most of these inspections and replacements can be financed — especially if you're preserving capital for fuel, insurance, or contracts.

Explore Mehmi Financial’s:

• Truck Repair Financing
• Equipment Line of Credit
• Asset-Based Lending
• Equipment Leases for component upgrades

You can also Sell Your Truck to Mehmi if you're upgrading, or browse the Used Inventory for new options.

Final Thoughts

Used truck buyers often focus too much on mileage and not enough on mechanical readiness. Tires, brakes, and suspension are the three pillars of safe, reliable transport. Investing in post-purchase inspections and immediate upgrades not only ensures safety but protects your earning potential.

Call to Action

If you’ve recently purchased a used truck, or are planning to, speak to a Mehmi Financial advisor today. We’ll help you plan for maintenance, avoid costly surprises, and explore flexible financing to get your truck road-ready fast.

Speak to a financing advisor now