If you are searching for a used commercial truck, you're making a smart move to save money on the vehicle that you need for your business. Although a used truck can be a great bargain, though, one thing that you should look for is rust. Rust can be caused by excessive wear and tear or regular contact with ice melting solutions that aren't rinsed off as they should be and can lead to structural issues later on. Along with carefully checking the body of any used truck that you are thinking about buying, check out these tip so that you can find any potential rust.

1. Buy from a Reputable Dealer

A reputable dealer that specializes in selling used trucks may be more likely to sell high-quality trucks that do not have hidden damage. Plus, a reputable dealer might offer a warranty that can protect you if you do find this type of damage after you take the truck back to your place of business.

2. Check for Bubbled Paint

Some people paint their trucks to cover up rust and prevent it from spreading. Although this can be a good step toward preventing a rust problem from getting worse, it can make it difficult for you to tell the extent of the rust damage. This means that it's usually a good idea to avoid a truck that has rusty spots that have been painted over. The best way to look for this is to make sure that the paint job is smooth. If it seems to be bubbled up, it could be because there is rust underneath it that has not been removed. Although the idea of purchasing a used truck that has a nice new paint job can seem like -- and be -- a nice thing, you should be weary if it's not nice and smooth to the touch. Checking the truck from different angles and running your hand over potentially suspect spots can help you find this type of problem.

3. Check the Undercarriage

Along with checking the body of the truck, you should also check the undercarriage of the truck. This can help you find potential problems that you might not be able to see otherwise, such as rust damage from an ice melting solution. Plus, rust on the undercarriage of the truck can actually be more potentially serious to the structural integrity of the commercial truck than damage to the body. If possible, consider putting the truck up on a lift so that you can get a better look.

If you are shopping for a used commercial truck, you will want to look for one that does not have any rust. Luckily, following these tips can help you avoid buying a truck that has rust damage. To learn more, contact a company like Arrow Truck Sales.