Your coolant and oil levels should be filled to the manufacturer's specifications. On the rear of the truck or bus or semi-trailer, they can be recaps. Fire extinguisher (ideally, this should be at least a 10bc). Before moving to the outside of the vehicle, set the parking brake, turn off the engine, and turn on both low beam headlights and four-way emergency flashers. You are checking your tires for a pre trip inspection bus. The five locations that you must check your lights: The Five Functions you are checking for: The in-cab inspection and air brake check will cover the various gauges and systems inside the cab along with several tests to make sure you air brake system is working properly. While there's no set time frame for a proper pre-trip inspection, a thorough inspection usually takes somewhere between 15 and 30 minutes. Make sure it's placed where it won't tip over! Climb into your cab and turn the following lights and signals on: - Left turn signal. Start by checking your tires' air pressure with an air pressure gauge. City and air horn should be working properly.
Before every haul, you should check that you have your license, registration, medical card, updated inspection sticker and FMCSA Safety Regulation manual. Steer tires - Inflated to 110-120 PSI. Radiator - Check for leaks. Indicate the gear shift and make sure that you're easily able to shift into different gears, keeping in mind that this process will differ depending on whether the vehicle has an automatic transmission or a manual transmission. In short, pre-trip inspections may be one more thing on a truck driver's to-do list, but they are definitely worth the effort if you want to avoid the consequences above! If you want to maximize engine performance, and most importantly, engine life, don't skimp on your engine's most vital lubricant. The Top 6 Things to Look for in a Pre-Trip Inspection for your Truck. As a commercial truck driver, you are legally expected to validate that your truck is in excellent working condition before operation while you are in "on-duty not driving. " This tread is worn deeper than this tread. Coupling: Back of Tractor, Front of Trailer.
Small twigs or leaves can get wedged under the wiper which not only cause streaks across the window, but they can also damage the wiper or blade. Scan QR code or get instant email to install app. Horn - Honk to make sure it works! Check all lights on the front, both sides of tractor, truck rear, both sides of trailer, and trailer rear. Problems in or near the engine could spell disaster for your vehicle, especially if they are not rectified right away. Once you've finished inspecting the rear of the vehicle, move toward the passenger's side of the vehicle. A pre-trip inspection for most passenger vehicles should take roughly a minute or two. Let your dispatcher know if they don't match up. Connectors should not drag or tangle. Make a habit of checking your paperwork first thing when starting your pre-trip inspection. When checking tires of your vehicle for a pre-trip inspection, which of the below statements is correct. You can reset the test and retake it as needed. Also, confirm that they are securely installed and are not leaking. Then turn off the engine Immediately turn the engine back on.
Keep an eye out for fraying belts, improperly secured parts, and missing castle nuts and bolts. Although you will need to perform a thorough review of the entire system, the most important parts to evaluate include: - Fifth wheel (sliding fifth wheel locking pin). Bringing your own food can also mean you save money when you make stops. Refrigerated Trailer Inspections. You are checking your tires for a pre trip inspection sheet. Want More Road Trip Safety Tips? The Tires And Coupling Devices Section will include questions about shiny trails or rusty threads on lug nuts, inspecting the battery box and cover, and inspecting electrical lines. He will then check your Turn Signals, Four Way Flashers and Brake Lights.
They have wear bars on them. Belts - alternator, pumps, compressor: All belts should be securely mounted without cracks or frays. To determine your tires age just look at the DOT stamping on the sidewall. So, this is a non-negotiable portion of the pre-trip inspection.
This part of your evaluation is not only critical to your safety but your ability to pass or fail the inspection. Pull forward to 5 mph, then use the brake pedal. Start your truck inspection at the front. Doors and hinges: Secured and should open, close and latch properly. Fluid Levels - Check your fluids: oil, coolant, power steering, fuel, and windshield washer.
Pull on the cord and listen for any sound to check the air horn. Belt-driven water pump. Whether you're taking a short getaway to the beach or a long cross-country road trip, Virginia Tire & Auto is here to help! In conclusion, tires on commercial vehicles - on the front they're brand new tires. Be prepared for a few additional minutes if you spot something wrong. Preparing Your Car for a Road Trip. When was the last time you got a new battery? Inspect the steering system for any signs of damage or defects.
Scott was also an on-air judge on the Discovery Network's Canada's Worst Driver during its first three seasons. Check for Problems Under the Hood. Noticing the wheel direction can eliminate that surprise. During your CDL pre-trip inspection, you will be required to do a light check, coupling system, and an in-cab inspection. You may also have to do either the engine compartment, driver's door fuel area, or the trailer. Do you know how to perform a pre-trip inspection? We'll test your brake fluid and measure the brake pads to make sure your brakes are safe to use. The skid plate should be lubed. You are checking your tires for a pre trip inspection requirements. Give the function of the light and the location. Air brake check: Air brake devices vary. A post-trip inspection should also be completed on each vehicle operated at the end of each workday.
Now that you know how to do a thorough pre-trip inspection, you can be confident in your ability to do a full vehicle walk-around inspection to ensure that you will have a safe trip. Drivers need to examine the trailer for cracks and exposed insulation. Power steering pump. Click here to learn more about irregular wear patterns. Check that Your Brakes are Working Properly.