11/05/2018
Pre-Trip Inspection
There is a large variety of things you are meant to pay attention to as a driver, so the trip goes as piece of cake. One of the weightiest procedures you should never forget about is the Pre-Trip Inspection. You surely don’t want your truck to break apart right on the road! So the Inspection must be done before the start of every driving shift and once within every 24 hours of the ride. In this article the RVS team will circumstantially explain how!
There is no exact amount of time you should spend on checking your vehicle. We would recommend putting from 20 to 50 minutes in it.
The most obvious part to start with — checking everything outside the vehicle:
A) Check the fuel tank and fuel are secure and free of leaks
B) Look over coupling devices for loose or missing fasteners
C) Make sure all cargo is properly secured with undamaged, unworn load covering and securement devices
D) Check the tread and sidewall of tires for ware or damage. There should be no flat tires or air leaks, no contact between tires and other vehicle components. The cords should never be exposed too.
E) Check wheel hubs and fasteners for detachments, damage, or leaks. Hub oil should be above the minimum level.
F) Inspect lamps and reflectors for damage and ensure they are functioning properly.
G) Ensure the suspension system has no air leaks and both fasteners and spring leaf are intact.
H) Make sure all compartment, cab, and sleeper doors open and close securely.
I) Ensure exhaust system has no leaks, including within the driver cab area.
J) Investigate mirrors and windows — they should be free of cracks or damage and properly secured.
K) Finally, Identify any general vehicle damage or deterioration.
The next step is to make sure everything inside the vehicle is all right:
A) Check the driver seat for damage, ensuring seat can be set and remain in proper position.
B) Make sure the frame and cargo body aren’t shifting, sagging, or having any other damage.
C) Check if the emergency equipment and safety devices are accessible and undamaged.
D) Ensure that seat belt is secure and properly fastened.
E) Check heater or defroster for malfunctions.
F) Make some noise — investigate if the vehicle’s horn is operating correctly.
The last but not least is to check the vehicle controls:
A) Ensure headlights are operating properly, particularly: low beams, tail lamps, turn signals, and brake lamps
B) Check if the parking brake is operative.
C) Make sure that the air brake system is intact. There should be no air leaks, air pressure loss, or non-working service, parking, or emergency brake.
D) Make sure you won’t overlook anything on the road by investigating windshield wipers for malfunctions, and blades for missing or damage. Wipers should adequately clear your field of vision.
E) Look over the steering wheel, ensuring it is secure and functioning properly. The wheel lash should be within normal range.
F) Finally, make sure driver controls including the accelerator, clutch, gauges, and indicators are functioning correctly.
Well, that’s it, congratulations, inspector! If everything is working as it should, feel free to set out! But if something is wrong with the truck or the trailer, make sure to contact your dispatcher first! And remember — skipping the Pre-Trip Investigation is not only illegal. What’s way more important, dangerous for your life! Putting half an hour in Pre-Trip Investigation is always better than spending several months in hospital!
And, as usual, good luck on the road!
