Used Truck Inspection Checklist: What to Check Before You Pay

Use this checklist before you pay for a used HOWO, SHACMAN or other Chinese truck. Work through it on a live video call, during a visit, or with an independent inspector. It covers documents, a cold start, the engine, gearbox, axles, frame, brakes, tyres, cab and body. There are extra checks for dump trucks, tractor heads and mixers, and a final step on payment safety. Record every defect, and list the agreed repairs in the written quotation.

1. Documents and identity: check first

• The VIN (chassis number) on the frame matches the plate in the cab and the documents.
• The engine number on the engine block matches the papers, and the engine model (for example WD615.47 or WP10) matches the quotation.
• The build year and, where your country needs it, the year of first registration are confirmed in writing.
• The odometer reading is photographed, and it makes sense for the wear on the pedals, seat and steering wheel.
• The gearbox and axle plates match the specification you were quoted (for example HW19710, AC16 or HANDE).
• The registration or deregistration papers your clearing agent needs are available.

2. Cold start: the most important video

Ask for the engine to be filmed starting from cold, after it has stood for several hours. Touch the radiator hose on camera to show it is cold. A warm engine can hide starting problems, smoke and noises.

• It starts quickly, without long cranking.
• Look at the exhaust smoke. A short puff of white or grey smoke when cold is normal. Blue smoke means the engine is burning oil (worn rings, valve seals or turbo seals). Black smoke that does not stop means a fuel or air problem. White smoke that stays after the engine is warm can mean coolant is getting into the cylinders.
• Listen for knocking, rattling or uneven running.
• Oil pressure comes up straight away, and no warning lights stay on.
• Check for blow-by. With the engine running, open the oil filler cap or look at the breather. Heavy smoke or strong pulsing means the piston rings are worn.

3. Engine and cooling

• No oil, fuel or coolant leaks around the head, sump, injector pump and turbo.
• The engine oil is not milky (that would mean coolant in the oil), and the coolant is not oily.
• The turbocharger has no excessive play and no oil in the intake pipes.
• The radiator and intercooler are clean and not damaged. Fan and belts are in good condition.
• The air filter housing and intake are sealed. Dust in the intake will wear out the engine.
• Engine mounts are not cracked or collapsed.

4. Clutch, gearbox and driveline

• The clutch takes up smoothly and does not slip when pulling away loaded or uphill.
• All gears and both ranges engage without grinding. The gearbox does not jump out of gear. On a 10-speed HW19710 or a 12-speed FAST, test every gear.
• No whining or clunking from the gearbox or the differentials.
• The propshafts and universal joints have no play, and the centre bearings are sound.
• The differential and hub seals are dry, with no oil on the inside of the wheels.

5. Frame and suspension

• The chassis rails have no cracks, especially around the spring hangers, crossmembers and body mounts.
• Look for repair welds or added plates. Ask why they were made and photograph them.
• The frame is straight, with no sagging or twist (check by looking along the rails).
• Leaf springs have no broken or shifted leaves. U-bolts are tight.
• On a 6×4 or 8×4, check the rear tandem (balance-beam) suspension for worn bushings, cracked trunnions and loose torque rods.
• Kingpins and steering joints have no free play. Lift the front wheels or rock them to check.

6. Brakes, air system and steering

• Air pressure builds up to cut-out in a reasonable time, and the compressor does not pump oil.
• With the engine off and the brakes released, the air pressure holds steady. You should hear no air leaks.
• The brake chambers, hoses and valves are not cracked or leaking. The spring brakes (parking brake) hold the truck on a slope.
• Brake drums and linings have enough thickness left. Ask for photos with the wheels off if the truck is being refurbished.
• The steering has little free play, turns smoothly lock to lock, and the power steering does not leak.

7. Wheels and tyres

• The tread depth is even across each tyre. Uneven wear means alignment or suspension problems.
• The tyres are the same size and type on each axle (for example 12R22.5), with no cuts, bulges or repaired sidewalls.
• Read the date code on each tyre. Old tyres can look good but crack in use.
• The wheel studs and nuts are all present. Wheels have no cracks around the stud holes.
• A spare wheel is included if the quote says so.

8. Cab, electrics and controls

• The cab tilt mechanism works and locks safely.
• No rust through the floor, door bottoms or cab mounts. A new repaint can hide rust, so ask for photos taken before painting.
• All gauges, warning lights, lights, horn, wipers and mirrors work.
• Air conditioning, heater, windows and door locks work.
• The seats and seat belts are in good condition. Check that the wear matches the odometer reading.

9. Extra checks for dump trucks

• The hydraulic hoist lifts the body smoothly to full height and holds it there without creeping down. There are no leaks at the cylinder seals or hoses.
• The PTO (power take-off) and hydraulic pump engage and disengage cleanly.
• The body floor and sides are measured for thickness (our references are 8 mm floor and 6 mm sides). Look for patches, cracks and dents.
• The hinge pins, tailgate locks and safety prop are in good condition.
• The subframe and the body mounts on the chassis are not cracked.

10. Extra checks for tractor heads

• The fifth wheel plate is not badly worn, and the jaw locks and releases correctly.
• The fifth wheel fits your trailer's kingpin size: 2-inch (50 mm) or 3.5-inch (90 mm).
• The coupling height is right for your trailers.
• The trailer air lines and electrical connectors work, and the trailer brakes apply from the cab.

11. Extra checks for concrete mixers

• The drum turns smoothly in both directions at all speeds. The hydraulic pump, motor and reducer have no leaks or noise.
• The drum shell and mixing blades are not badly worn. Ask for the shell thickness.
• The water tank, pump and wash-down system work.
• The discharge chute moves and locks correctly.

12. Test drive or driving video

• The truck pulls well through the gears, with no loss of power or smoke when you accelerate.
• It drives straight and brakes straight, without pulling to one side.
• No vibration at speed, and no knocking over bumps.
• The engine temperature stays normal, and no warning lights come on.

What to ask if the truck is "refurbished"

Refurbishment can be honest and good value. But a new coat of paint can also hide problems. Ask for these things:

• A written list of the work done and the parts replaced
• Which major parts were opened, and which were only tested
• Photos taken before repainting, especially of the frame and cab floor
• A final inspection video after the work is finished

See how our condition levels differ in the HOWO 371 price guide. You can also watch our workshop and truck videos.

Last check: payment safety

• The seller's legal company name and registration code are verified on China's official registry.
• The bank account on the proforma invoice is in the same company name.
• Any change to the bank details is confirmed by a live call with a person you already know.
• You never pay a personal account.

Our details and payment rules are on the Verify us page. For the full buying process, read How to Import a Truck from China.

Frequently asked questions

Can I inspect a truck in China without travelling?

Yes. Ask for a live video inspection of the exact truck by VIN, and use this checklist during the call. For a high-value order, you can appoint an independent inspection company to check the truck for you.

What is the most important check on a used truck?

Check that the documents, VIN and engine number match, and watch a cold-start video. Together these catch the most serious problems: the wrong vehicle, a worn engine or hidden faults.

Should I trust a freshly painted truck?

Paint is not a problem in itself. Ask what work was done underneath it, and ask for photos of the frame and cab floor taken before painting.