Reviewing the pre-trip inspection

Sometimes, late and in a hurry, truckers fail to complete a pre-trip inspection. Often these routine tasks, perhaps just due to human nature, tend to lose their importance over time, especially if nothing turns out to be a problem after weeks, months or even longer of performing the inspection and providing the report.

If you’re out of trucking school and driving professionally, you may have developed your own version of a pre-trip inspection. It really is a good idea, especially if you drive professionally, to get back into the habit of doing a thorough pre-trip inspection. Of course, for safety reasons, it’s important to perform a pre-trip inspection on any truck, regardless of ownership, but a detailed pre-trip inspection on your own truck can alert you to potential mechanical issues that you can then put on your to-do list. problems. things to look at right away or, depending on what you find, when you get back. It can also be essential proof of your truck’s safety on the road in the event of an accident and lawsuit.

It’s essential to make sure you’re looking at more than just truck surface issues. It is also important that you have a systematic way of doing your pre-trip inspection. From your trucking school classes you probably have a handy checklist, it’s a good idea to photocopy or print a bunch and place them in the cab of your truck for quick access. By having a piece of paper or a guide in front of you, you are less likely to make a mistake, forget a system, or just get called and come back assuming the job is done.

Starting

If possible, park your truck on a level, paved area the night before. This allows the truck to stay overnight in the same location where you do your pre-trip inspection to make it easier to spot any oil or fluid leaks on the ground. Check, from the front, rear and sides, if the truck appears to be level or if it is leaning or leaning. Any tilting or tipping of the trailer or cab should be flagged and then the tires, frame and suspension should be given a closer look to determine the problem. Check that there is nothing hanging or that there are no visible signs of damage to any part of the truck or the tires.

It is also essential to have someone there to help you check the lights. They can just sit in the cab and turn the various lights on and off and you can check that they are working. Make sure all major lights and reflectors, including clearance lights, headlights (high and low), turn signals on the truck and trailer, as well as flashers, brakes, and tail lights and reflectors rear door, are in good condition.

Working from the cab to the end of the trailer is always a logical way to approach the problem and make sure you don’t miss a thing.

Engine

The engine should be visibly examined for leaks as well as the condition of the belts and hoses while it is shut down. Check all other fluid levels including coolant, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid, and also check for wiring issues.

Then get in the cab, start the engine and check that all gauges, clutch and lights are working properly. Check that the brake, clutch, and throttle aren’t sticking, adjust all the mirrors, and make sure the windshield wipers, horn, and steering work. You should also check the parking brake and, if equipped, the air brake.

Detailed pre-inspection

Checking all visible vehicle components is essential, even if it’s your own truck and you drive it every day. This allows you to visibly check the steering system, front and rear suspension, front and rear brakes, tires and wheels on all axles, as well as the vehicle’s cab-to-trailer coupling system. When you check the tires, look for areas of wear, tire damage, and also take the time to check the valve steps, caps, and tire pressure for each tire. Make sure all fenders are attached properly and not dragging or ready to fly off.

Every component along the length of the trailer should also be inspected, including things like the landing gear, doors, and of course the electrical components and air connections.

Throughout the entire cab and trailer inspection, look for anything that is not tight enough, appears to be loose, has scuff or wear marks, or is missing parts. Once you complete the full inspection, go back and check the areas of concern and if they need repairs before you hit the road, contact the appropriate supervisor or call your mechanic on the phone. The biggest mistake you can make from a safety, legal, and liability standpoint is driving a truck that you know has a mechanical problem or some type of irregularity or system problem.

Please note that a full pre-trip inspection, which is required by law and must be recorded in your log book, will typically take 30-40 minutes. However, if you have specific types of trailers or cargo, there may be additional pre-trip inspection requirements.

Pre-trip inspection isn’t just about going through a routine; it’s about making sure the vehicle is safe to be on the road. It also helps a lot if an accident occurs to limit your liability if the inspection was performed, reported and recorded, and the truck was determined to be safe to be on the road.