The Importance of Pre-Trip Inspections

Why are pre-trip inspections important?

• Its the law.
• Ensures the equipment you are driving is safe for you and everyone else on the road.
• It will save you money on fines imposed by the Department of Transportation.
• It will save your company money by fixing problems before they become bigger and more expensive.
• Reduces liability in accidents.
• Keeps you on the road.

What to look at and inspect when doing a pre-trip inspection:

1. Engine Compartments

• Hood: Good condition, mounting brackets secure and not broken, hood straps in good condition and secured.
• Leaks: Check for leaks of any kind on the side of the engine or on the ground such as coolant, oil, power steering, fuel or air.
• Air Filter Housing: Secure mounting, cover in place.
• Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir: No leaks, proper fluid level, cap in place.
• Turbo Charger: No oil or exhaust leaks.
• Electrical Lines: Properly mounted, not damaged.
• Alternator: Mounting secured, no broken or loose wires, belt has no more than 3/4″ of free play, not cut, cracked, or frayed.
• Accessory Drive Belt: Not cut, cracked, or frayed, belt has no more than 3/4″ of free play.
• Air Conditioner Compressor: Mounting secure, belt not cut, cracked, or frayed, has no more than 3/4 inch of free play.
• Engine Coolant Reservoir: No leaks, proper fluid level, cap in place.
• Radiator Brace: No cracks, no missing bolts.
• Radiator: Not leaking, secure mounting, proper fluid level, cap in place.
• Water Pump (belt/gear driven): No cracks, not loose or leaking, belt not cut, cracked, or frayed, has no more than 3/4 inch of free play.
• Fuel Water Separator/Filter: Not leaking, secure mounting.
• Pitman Arm/Drag Link: Not cracked, castle nut secured with cotter pin.
• Upper and Lower Control Arms and Tie Rod: Not broken and securely mounted, no missing hardware.
• U-bolts: Not cracked or broken, no loose or missing parts.
• Steering Gear Box: Secure to frame, not leaking.
• Steering Shaft: Secure, not loose, no excessive freeplay, or damaged.
• Power Steering Reservoir: Secured mounting, no leaks, proper level, cap secured.
• Engine Oil: Proper level, dipstick secured after check.
• Transmission Fluid: Proper level, dipstick secured after check.
• Fuel pump: No cracks, not loose, not damaged, not leaking.
• Engine air duct work: No cuts, clamps secured.
• Oil Filler Cap: Secure, no cracks.
• Air Compressor: No audible leaks and securely mounted to engine, not broken or cracked, (if belt driven), belt not cut, cracked, or frayed, has no more than 3/4 inch of free play.
• Check all belts and hoses.

2. Steer Axle/Tires/Front Brakes

• Axle: Not bent, broken, twisted.
• Hub Oil Seals/Axle Seals: Check that hub oil/grease seals and axle seals are not leaking., all hardware present, If the wheel has a sight glass or removable seal, check the oil/grease is at the proper level.
• U-bolts: Not cracked or broken, no loose or missing parts.
• Tires: No abrasions, bulges, cuts, no tread or sidewall separation, no body ply or belt material exposed through the tread or sidewall, no nails or screws, no uneven wear, pressure at 110 PSI, tread depth minimum 4/32 DOT, no re-treads on steers.
• Wheels: Not cracked or bent, no unauthorized welds.
• Lug nuts: None missing, no streaks, shiny areas, none loose, no rust trails.
• Brake Hose: Hose to brake chamber not split or cut, and no audible leaks, securely mounted at both ends.
• Brake Chamber: Not cracked or broken, securely mounted, no audible leaks, all hardware is present.
• Slack Adjuster: No missing hardware and properly mounted; push rod has no more than 1″ of free play.
• Brake Drum: No cracks, no bluing from heat, and no missing hardware.
• Brake Pads: 1/4″ minimum DOT, securely mounted and no cracks.

3. Steer Axle Suspension

• U-Bolts: Not cracked or broken, no loose or missing parts.
• Leaf Springs: No cracks, not loose or shifting, properly mounted.
• Spring Mounts: Spring mounts and hardware are not cracked or broken and properly mounted to frame.
• Shock Absorber: Not bent or broken and mounted securely, no visible leaks, rubber bushings have no dry-rot.

4. Sides of Cab

• Mirrors: Mounting secure, no broken glass, clean.
• Doors: No damage, glass not broken, hinges secured, opens and closes well.
• Steps: Mounted, secured to skirting.
• Battery box: Mounting secured, cover latched.
• DEF cap: Cap secured.
• Fuel Cap/Tank: Gasket in place, vent in place, chain secures cap to the tank secure, no leaks, tank straps are secure.
• Side Skirting: No damage, panels secure.
• Side Box: Secured, safety triangles present.
• Side of Sleeper Berth: No body damage.
• Sleeper Berth Window: No cracks.
• Air Tanks: Not leaking, securely mounted, drain both air tanks every day.

5. Rear of Cab

• Electrical Cord: No bare wires, no corrosion, check plug at both ends of cord, lines are not tangled or dragging on catwalk.
• Air Lines: Not tangled or worn, rubber grommets not worn, fittings tight or dragging on catwalk.
• Catwalk and Catwalk Steps: Properly secured and not broken or bent, no missing bolts.
• Cab Shock Absorber: Secure mounting, not leaking oil.
• Cab Air Bags: Not split, cut or bulges, no audible leaks, mounts are secure, not broken, all hardware present and tight.
• Rear Truck Lights: All lights are present, not cracked or dirty, no moisture inside the lens, working properly.

6. Drive Shaft/Rear Frame

• Drive Shaft: Properly mounted and secure, not cracked, bent, broken, Not twisted.
• U-joints: Not cracked, not missing bolts, no shiny areas, free of any debris.
• Frame: Straight, no non-factory welds or holes, no cracks.
• Crossmembers: In place, not loose, broken, cracks, no non-factory welds or holes.

7. Rear Suspension

• Spring mount: No cracks, secure mounting.
• Leaf Springs: No cracks, not loose or shifting, properly mounted.
• U-bolts: Not cracked or broken, no loose or missing parts.
• Air bags: Air Bags: Not split, cut or bulges, no audible leaks, mounts are secure, not broken, all hardware present and tight.
• Shock Absorber: Not bent or broken and mounted securely, no visible leaks, rubber bushings have no dry-rot.

8. Exhaust System

• Securely mounted, not dented or damaged, not leaking.

9. Drive Axles/Tires/Brakes

• Axles: Not bent, broken, twisted.
• U-bolts: Not cracked or broken, no loose or missing parts.
• Tires: No abrasions, bulges, cuts, or sidewall separation, no body ply or belt material exposed through the tread or sidewall, no uneven wear, no nails or screws, pressure at 100 PSI, tread depth minimum 2/32 DOT, no big rocks in between tires.
• Valve caps: Not missing.
• Wheels: Not cracked or bent, no unauthorized welds.
• Lug nuts: None missing, no streaks, shiny areas, none loose, no rust trails.
• Hub oil seals/Axle seals: Check that hub oil/grease seals and axle seals are not leaking., all hardware present, If the wheel has a sight glass or removable seal, check the oil/grease is at the proper level.
• Brake Hose: Hose to brake chamber not split or cut, and no audible leaks, securely mounted at both ends.
• Brake Chamber: Not cracked or broken, securely mounted, no audible leaks, all hardware is present.
• Slack Adjuster: No missing hardware and properly mounted; push rod has no more than 1″ of free play.
• Brake Drum: No cracks, no bluing from heat, and no missing hardware.
• Brake Pads: 1/4″ minimum DOT, securely mounted and no cracks.
• Mud Flaps: Bracket is securely mounted and not cracked, all hardware in place, mud flaps not split or cut.

10. 5th Wheel Area

• Apron: Securely mounted, not cracked or broken. No gap between apron and skid plate.
• Skid Plate: Properly greased, securely mounted, not cracked. All hardware present, none missing. Pivot pin is present, not cracked or broken.
• Platform: Securely mounted to frame and not broken, all hardware is present, nothing is loose.
• Release Handle: Not broken and in locked position.
• Kingpin and Locking Jaws: Securely mounted and not worn. Locking jaws are secure around kingpin (visually check).
• SLIDING FIFTH WHEEL: All hardware is present, airline is securely mounted, no audible leaks, no cuts or splits, distance between tractor and trailer sufficient for turning without hitting.

11. Front of Trailer

• Header Board: Check the header board to see that it is secure, free of damage, and strong enough to contain cargo, on enclosed trailers check the front area for signs of damage such as cracks, bulges, or holes.
• Top Rail: No cracks or collision damage.
• Clearance Lights: Not broken, working properly.
• Document box: Not missing or loose, proper documents inside.
• Registration: Not missing, readable.
• Air Line/Glad Hands: No bulges or cuts in air lines, rubber grommets not damaged on glad hands.
• Electric Hook up: No broken pins, no corrosion, safety latches are in place.
• Air lines and electrical cord are not tangled or dragging on catwalk.
• Height Sticker: Legible, legal for route.
• Placard Holder: Not broken or missing rivets.

12. Sides of Trailer

• Top Rail: Not cracked, no collision damage.
• Clearance Lights: Not broken, operational.
• Bottom Lights: Not cracked, no collision damage, no missing bolts.
• Landing Gear: Legs straight, no broken welds in bracing, pads secured and clean, handle in cradle, fully raised.
• Reflective Tape: Clean.
• Placard Holder: Not broken, all rivets intact.
• Side Panels: No holes or cuts, no missing rivets.
• Cross Members: In place, not loose or broken.
• Air Tank: Properly mounted, not damaged, not leaking.
• Flatbeds: Straps in good condition, no cuts, rips or tears. Chains and binders in good working condition. Dunnage is properly secured, load is secured, no loose straps or chains.

13. Rear of Trailer

• Latches: Secured, not damaged.
• Placard Holders: Not broken, no missing rivets.
• Reflective Tape: Clean.
• Lights: Not broken or missing, operational.
• Mud Flaps: Brackets and mud flaps secured.
• License Plate: Secure and clean, license plate light working.
• Bumper: Not damaged, no broken welds.
• Door Hooks: Not loose, no missing bolts.
• Hinges: Not cracked, no missing bolts on both sides.
• Door Seals: No separation, no rubber tubing sticking out.
• ABS Light: Properly mounted, not damaged, clean, working.
• Lift Gate: Working properly, no leaks, all hardware present, liftgate properly secured to safety chains.

14. Trailer Suspension

• Air lines: No bulges or cuts, fittings are tight and not rubbing, no audible leaks.
• leaf Springs: No cracks, not loose or shifting, properly mounted.
• Spring Mount: No cracks, secure mounting.
• U-Bolts: Not cracked or broken, no loose or missing parts.
• Air Bags: Not split, cut or bulges, no audible leaks, mounts are secure, not broken, all hardware present and tight.
• Shock Absorber: Not bent or broken and mounted securely, no visible leaks, rubber bushings have no dry rot.

15. Trailer Axles/Tires/Brakes

• Axles: Not bent, broken, twisted.
• Hub oil seals/Axle seals: Check that hub oil/grease seals and axle seals are not leaking., all hardware present, If the wheel has a sight glass or removable seal, check the oil/grease is at the proper level.
• U-bolts: Not cracked or broken, no loose or missing parts.
• Trailing Arm Mount: Securely mounted to frame, not broken or cracked.
• Tires: No abrasions, bulges, cuts or sidewall separation, no body ply or belt material exposed through the tread or sidewall, tread depth minimum 2/32, air pressure at 100 PSI, no nails or screws, no uneven wear, no big rocks in between tires.
• Valve Caps: Not missing.
• Wheels: Not cracked or bent, no unauthorized welds.
• Lug nuts: None missing, no streaks, shiny areas, none loose, no rust trails.
• Brake Hose: Hose to brake chamber not split or cut, and no audible leaks, securely mounted at both ends.
• Brake Chamber: Not cracked or broken, securely mounted, no audible leaks, all hardware is present.
• Slack Adjuster: No missing hardware and properly mounted; push rod has no more than 1″ of free play.
• Brake Drum: No cracks, no bluing from heat, and no missing hardware.
• Brake Pads: 1/4″ minimum DOT, securely mounted and no cracks.
• Tandem Slide: Not bent, properly mounted, pins locked in place, release arm securely mounted, not broken, and in locked position.

16. Gauges/Inside the Truck

• ABS Light: Should come on then go out when key is on.
• Tachometer: Working properly.
• Water Temp: 180-205 degrees.
• Fuel: Matches visual when looking in tank.
• Def Level: Check level, working properly.
• Oil Pressure: 25-50 PSI.
• Speedometer: Working properly.
• Air Pressure: 90-120 PSI.
• Voltmeter: Operating range 12-14 volts.
• Lighting Indicators: Left and right turn signal, 4-Way Flashers, high beam indicator
• Seat Belt: Properly mounted and secured. Not ripped or frayed. Latches properly.
• Fire Extinguisher: Fully charged. Pin secured in place. Bracket not broken. Properly mounted.
• Emergency Response Guidebook: Within drivers reach if hauling HAZMAT.
• Legal Documents: All there, up to date, organized.
• Heater/Defroster: Working properly.
• Wiper Blades: In good condition and working properly. Washer fluid sprayer working properly.
• Spare Fuses.
• City Horn and Air Horn: Both working properly.
• Windshield: Is clean, not cracked or broken. This covers all glass in the cab.
• Mirrors: Properly adjusted.
• Cabin Air Filter: Check periodically, replace when needed. Located either in the cab or under the hood. Dirty filter will affect the AC and ventilation system.
• Personal Protective Equipment: Check that you have all the necessary PPE required and that they are in good condition.

17. Outside Lights

• Left turn, right turn, four ways, brake lights, tail lights, low/high beams, marker/clearance lights, license plate light. Check lights on all four sides of tractor and trailer.

18. Air Brake Tests

Service Brake Check

• Release both Tractor and Trailer Brakes. Now drive at idle speed. Apply the Service Brake to make sure you come to a complete stop, and that it doesn’t pull to the left or right when applying the brakes.

Parking Brake

• Release trailer brake and tug lightly against it.

Air Compressor Check

• With the engine on, fast idle the truck up to 120-140psi, at which point the governor cut-out should occur.

Applied Pressure Test

• Build the air pressure to governor cut out. Put the truck in the lowest gear. Then turn engine off and leave the key on. Push in both the tractor and trailer valves. This will release the parking brakes. Push and hold the brake pedal fully. Allow the gauges to stabilize .With the Brakes fully pressed, you should not lose more than 4 PSI in one minute.

Warning Light and Buzzer Test

• The engine is off, the key is on, and the air valves are pushed-in. Pump down on the brake pedal until the warning light and buzzer comes on, at or before 60 PSI.

Tractor/Trailer Protection Valve Pop Out Test

• The engine is off, the key is on, and the air valves are pushed-in. Pump down on the brake pedal until both the tractor and trailer protection valves pop out. They should both pop out between 40 and 20 PSI.