What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?
Safety is the most important reason you inspect your vehicle, safety for yourself and for other road users. A vehicle defect found during an inspection could save you problems later
What things should you check during a trip?
You should check:
�instruments
�air pressure gauge(if you have air brakes)
�temperature gauges
�pressure gauges
�ammeter/voltmeter
�mirrors
�tires
�cargo, cargo covers
�lights
If you see, hear, smell, or feel anything that might mean trouble, check it out
How often should a truck driver inspect the safety of its cargo?
Drivers of trucks and truck tractors when transporting cargo must inspect the securement of the cargo within the first 50 miles of a trip and every 150 miles or every three hours (which ever comes first) after.
Name some key steering system parts?
�steering wheel
�steering shaft
�gear box
�hydraulic fluid reservoir
�power steering cylinder
�tie rod
�steering arm
�pitman arm
�drag link
�steering knuckle
�spindle
Name some suspension system defects?
�missing or broken leaves in any leaf spring. If one-fourth or more are missing, it will put the vehicle "out of service", but any defect could be dangerous
�broken leaves in a multi-leaf spring or leaves that have been shifted so they might hit a tire or
What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have?
�fire extinguisher
�spare electrical fuses (unless equipped with circuit breakers)
�warning devices for parked vehicles (for example, three reflective warning triangles or 6 fuses or 3 liquid burning flares)
Optional items may include:
�chains (where wint
What is the minimum tread depth for front tires? For other tires?
You need at least 4/32-inch tread depth in every groove on front tires. You need 2/32-inch on other tires
Name some things you should check on the front of the vehicle during the walk around inspection?
FRONT SIDE
�driver and passengers door glass should be clean
�door latches or locks should work properly
FRONT WHEELS
�condition of wheels and rims--missing, bent, broken studs, clamps, lugs, or any signs of misalignment
�condition of tires--properly infl
What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?
To make sure that they are not cut, damaged or loose. And visually see that they are not leaking fluid
What is the purpose for the pre-trip inspection
To check all brakes, warning systems, safety equipment in the cab, and physical overview inspection of the vehicle
How often should you do a pre-trip inspection?
Pre-trip inspections should be done routinely before operating the vehicle
When stopping for a rest/checkpoint what are some critical items to check?
�tires, wheels, and rims
�brakes
�lights & reflectors
�brake & electrical connections to trailer
�trailer coupling devices
�cargo securement devices
What are some tire problems that a truck driver might run into?
�too much or too little air pressure
�bad wear. You need at least 4/32-inch tread depth in every major groove on front tires. You need 2/32-inch on other tires. No fabric should show through the tread or sidewall
�cuts or other damage
�tread separation
�d
What are some wheel & rim problems that a truck driver might encounter?
�damaged rims
�rust around wheel nuts may mean the nuts are loose--check tightness. After a tire has been changed, stop a short while later and recheck tightness of nuts
�missing clamps, spacers, studs, or lugs means danger
�mismatched, bent, or cracked l
What do you look for to determine bad brake drums or shoes?
�cracked drums
�shoes or pads with oil, grease, or brake fluid on them
�shoes worn dangerously thin, missing, or broken
What are some steering system defects that a truck driver might encounter?
�missing nuts, bolts, cotter keys, or other parts
�bent, loose, or broken parts, such as steering column, steering gear box, or tie rods
�if power steering equipped, check hoses, pumps, and fluid level; check for leaks
�steering wheel play of more than 10
What are some exhaust system defects that a truck driver might encounter?
A broken exhaust system can let poison fumes into the cab or sleeper berth. Look for:
�loose, broken, or missing exhaust pipes, mufflers, tailpipes, or vertical stacks
�loose, broken, or missing mounting brackets, clamps, bolts, or nuts
�exhaust system pa
Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during the pre-trip inspection?
Driver should keep the starter switch key with them while performing their pre-trip inspection so no one can turn on their truck while inspections are being done
How many red reflective triangles should you carry?
A truck driver must carry 3 reflective triangles in their truck at all times
How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
Pump the brake pedal three times. Then apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold it for 5 seconds. The pedal should not move. If it does, there might be a leak or other problem
What steps make up the "Seven Step Inspection Method"?
1.Vehicle Overview
2.Check Engine Compartment
3.Start Engine and Inspect Inside the Cab
4.Turn Off Engine and Check Lights
5.Do Walk Around Inspection
6.Check Signal Lights
7.Start the Engine and Check