DRIVER OPERATOR Page 1 of 13 PRE-TRIP INSPECTION The purpose of a vehicle inspection is to identify systems or parts of a vehicle that are not working properly, have failed or are missing parts so that they can be replaced or repaired before they cause harm. Each driver is encouraged to develop a systematic method of checking the items listed below. Most drivers performing a pre-trip inspections begin in the cab. Before beginning the inspection Choose terrain that is as level as possible and park the vehicle safely away from traffic. Set the parking brake. Place the manual transmission in low gear, or in park for an automatic transmission. Shut off the engine. Block the wheels to keep the vehicle from moving. Pre-Trip Components Engine Compartment Walk Around In Cab Inspection Brake Check Light Check Engine Compartment Belts Check and identify the following belts for snugness, cracks, frays, or excessive wear: power steering belt water pump belt alternator belt air compressor belt Parts identification Alternator A/C compressor Water pump Air Compressor Alternator Compressor
DRIVER OPERATOR Page 2 of 13 Coolant Inspect reservoir sight glass or (If engine is not hot), remove radiator cap and check for visible coolant level. Power Steering Fluid Indicate where power steering fluid dipstick is located. Check for adequate power steering fluid level. Level must be above refill mark. Windshield Washer Fluid Check fluid level and cap secure. Leaks/Hoses (fuel, coolant, oil, power-steering fluid, transmission fluid, battery fluid, etc.) Look for puddles on the ground. Look for dripping fluids on underside of engine and transmission. Inspect hoses for condition and leaks. trans fluid w/ motor running Oil Level Indicate where dipstick is located. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir See that oil level is within safe operating range. Level must be above refill mark. Front Checks Be methodical: top-to-bottom, left-to-right Apparatus leaning to one side Look underneath for debris, wires Roof running lights: Broken, loose, missing (BLM) Right color Windshield: clean, cracks Wipers: blade condition Bumper: equipment secure Headlights
DRIVER OPERATOR Page 3 of 13 Running lights Lights/Reflectors Check that all external lights and reflective equipment are clean and functional. Light and reflector checks include clearance lights (red on rear, amber) headlights (high and low beams) side marker lights taillights turn signals (left and right) 4-way flashers brake lights red and amber reflectors license plate light(s) Note: Checks of brake, turn signal, and 4-way flasher functions must be done separately. Wheels Rims, Rim Locks, or Slide Ring Tires Check for damaged, cracked (except an intentionally manufactured crack at a valve stem hole), or bent rims and for any bent, broken, improperly seated, sprung, or mismatched rings. Rims cannot have welding repairs. tread depth: Check for minimum tread depth (4/32 on all steering tires & 2/32 on all non-steer tires. tires same size: Duals not touching and nothing stuck between them tire condition: Check that tread is evenly worn and look for cuts or other damage to tread or sidewalls. Also, make sure that valve caps and stems are not missing, broken, or damaged.
DRIVER OPERATOR Page 4 of 13 tire inflation: Check for proper inflation by using a tire gauge, or inflation by striking tires with a mallet or other similar device. Suspension Leaf springs Look for missing, shifted, cracked, or broken leaf springs (if 1/4 or more are missing or broken, it will put the vehicle out of service). If vehicle is equipped with torsion bars, torque arms, or other types of suspension components, check that they are not damaged and are mounted securely. Mounts Look for cracked or broken spring hangers, missing or damaged bushings, and broken, loose, or missing bolts, U-bolts, or other axle mounting parts.
DRIVER OPERATOR Page 5 of 13 Shock Absorbers See that shock absorbers are secure and that there are no leaks. Steering Steering Box/Hoses Check that the steering box is securely mounted and not leaking. Look for any missing nuts, bolts, and cotter keys. Check for power steering fluid leaks or damage to power steering hoses. Steering Linkage
DRIVER OPERATOR Page 6 of 13 See that connecting links, arms, and rods from the steering box to the wheel are not worn or cracked. Check that joints and sockets are not worn or loose and that there are no missing nuts, bolts, or cotter keys. Brakes Slack Adjustors (if equipped) Look for broken, loose, or missing parts. When the brakes are applied, the push rod from the brake chamber should not move more than two inches. (It is also acceptable to state that the angle between the push rod and the adjustor arm should be a little over 90 when the brakes are released, and not less than 90 when the brakes are applied.) Brake Chambers See that brake chambers are not leaking, cracked, dented, and are mounted securely.
DRIVER OPERATOR Page 7 of 13 Brake Hoses/Lines Look for cracked, worn, or leaking hoses, lines, and couplings. Brake Drums Check for cracks, dents, or holes. Also check for loose or missing bolts. Brake Linings Brake linings, where visible, should not be worn down less than ¼ thin. Side of Apparatus Doors / Mirrors / Window Check that door(s) are not damaged and that they open and close properly. Hinges should be secure with seals intact. Check that mirror(s) are clean, mirror brackets are not damaged, and mirrors are mounted securely with no loose attachments.
DRIVER OPERATOR Page 8 of 13 Windows are clean and work properly. Fuel Tank Check that tank(s) are secure, cap(s) are tight, and that there are no leaks from the tank or lines. Battery/Box Wherever located, if visible, check that batteries are secure, connections are tight, and cell caps are present (unless maintenance free). Battery connections, if visible, should not show signs of excessive corrosion. Battery box and cover or door must be secure. Fluid level, if visible, is adequate (unless maintenance free). Cell caps are present and securely tightened (unless maintenance free). Vents in caps are free of foreign matter (unless maintenance free). Drive Shaft See that drive shaft is not bent or cracked. Couplings should be secure and free of foreign objects. Exhaust System Check system for damage and signs of leaks such as rust or carbon soot. System should be connected tightly and mounted securely. Exhaust system should not have excessive noise when engine is running. Rear Be methodical: top-to-bottom, left-to-right Apparatus leaning to one side
DRIVER OPERATOR Page 9 of 13 Look underneath for debris, wires If equipped, check that splash guards or mud flaps are not damaged and are mounted securely, not dragging on ground, or rubbing tires. Lights: broken, loose, missing, right color License plate Doors and equipment secure In-Cab Inspection Oil Pressure Gauge Make sure oil pressure gauge is working.
DRIVER OPERATOR Page 10 of 13 Check that pressure gauge shows increasing or normal oil pressure or that the warning light goes off. If equipped, oil temperature gauge should begin a gradual rise to the normal operating range. Coolant Temperature Gauge Make sure the temperature gauge is working. Temperature should begin to climb to the normal operating range or temperature light should be off. Ammeter/Voltmeter Check that gauges show alternator and/or generator is charging or that warning light is off. Oil Temperature Gauge Check that gauge begins gradual rise to normal operating range. Mirrors and Windshield Mirrors should be clean and adjusted properly from the inside. Windshield should be clean with no illegal stickers, no obstructions, or damage to the glass. Steering Wheel Check for looseness, sticking, or damage. With the engine running, check for excessive play by turning the steering wheel back and forth. Play should not exceed 10% (about two inches on a 20-inch wheel) before front left wheel barely moves. Wipers/Washers Check that wiper arms and blades are secure, not damaged, and operate smoothly Lighting Indicators Horn Test that dash indicators work when corresponding lights are turned on: left and right turn signals 4-way emergency flashers high beam headlight Check that air horn and/or electric horn work.
DRIVER OPERATOR Page 11 of 13 Heater/Defroster Test that the heater and defroster work. Seat Belts Check that the seat belt is securely mounted, and adjusts and latches properly. Air Brake Systems Three Braking Systems Combined The service brake system applies and releases the brakes when you use the brake pedal during normal driving. The parking brake system applies and releases the parking brakes when you use the parking brake control. The emergency brake system uses parts of the service and parking brake systems to stop the vehicle in the event of a brake system failure. Brake System Application Cut In You apply the brakes by pushing down the brake pedal (also called the foot valve or treadle valve). The harder you push down on the pedal, the more air pressure is applied from the storage tanks into the brake chambers. Letting up on the brake pedal exhausts the air pressure from the brake chambers and releases the brakes. The air pressure used to apply the brakes must be built up in the reservoirs by the compressor. Pressing and releasing the pedal (fanning) can unnecessarily let air out faster than the compressor can replace it. If the pressure gets too low, the brakes will not work. When you push the brake pedal down, two forces push back against your foot. One force comes from a spring in the valve. The second force comes from the air pressure going to the brake chambers. This lets you feel how much air pressure is being applied to the brake chambers. This feel does not tell you how much force is being applied to the brakes because that depends on brake adjustment. All trucks, truck tractors, and buses using air pressure to apply the service brakes must be equipped with emergency brakes and parking brakes. The parking brake must be held on by mechanical force (because air pressure can eventually leak away). Spring brakes are usually used to meet the emergency and parking brake requirements. When driving, powerful springs are held back by air pressure. If the air pressure is removed, the springs put on the brakes. A parking brake control in the cab allows the driver to let the air out of the spring brakes. This lets the springs put on the brakes. A leak in the air brake system will generally cause the springs to put on the brakes. To perform this test, the air pressure for the vehicle cannot be rising when the engine is running. With the engine idling, slowly pump the brake pedal to reduce the air tank pressure. Watch the air pressure gauge between pumps to identify
DRIVER OPERATOR Page 12 of 13 when the compressor cuts in (needle starts to rise). This should occur no lower than 85 psi. For testing purposes, identify where the air governor cuts in the compressor and verbalize the minimum pressure at which this can occur. Cut Out To perform this test, the air pressure for the vehicle must be rising when the engine is running. Run the engine at a fast idle. The air compressor governor must cut-out prior to the needle reaching130psi.where the needle stops rising is the governor cut-out pressure. For testing purposes, identify where the air Governor cuts out the compressor and verbalize the maximum pressure at which this can occur. NOTE: The air dryer exhausting should not be referenced as governor cut-out. Low Air Alarm This test may be performed with engine on or off. To perform the test with the engine off, turn the electrical power on and have enough air pressure to keep the low air pressure warning device from coming on. Slowly pump the brake pedal to reduce air tank pressure. The low air pressure warning device must activate between 55 and 75 p.s.i. For testing purposes, identify when the warning signal activates, and verbalize the legal range in which the signal must activate.
DRIVER OPERATOR Page 13 of 13 Applied Leak Rate With a fully-charged air system (within the effective operating range for the compressor), turn off the engine, release all brakes so the entire system is charged. Allow the system to settle (air gauge needle stops moving), apply firm, steady pressure to the brake pedal (brake on), and hold. After the system settles again, time for one minute. The air pressure should not drop more than: 3 p.s.i. for single vehicles. An air loss greater than those shown indicate a problem in the braking system and repairs are needed before operating the vehicle. NOTE: You must be able to demonstrate this test and verbalize the allowable air loss for the examiner on this test. If the air loss is too much, check for air leaks and fix. For testing purposes, identify if the air loss rate is too much. DMV pretrip Video.mp4