Vehicle Inspection Checklist

Are you finding it hard to map out a vehicle check?

Even with regular maintenance, constantly checking your vehicles prevents losses from downtime and repairs.

Pre-trip inspections take safety even further. Not only are post-trip inspection reports required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, they improve overall safety and help identify equipment defects before they cause failures. Taking easy maintenance measures can help prevent expensive roadside repairs, downtime, fines or being placed out of service during DOT roadside inspections.

Quality pre-trip inspections identify defective equipment and save you from expensive repair costs, downtime and fines. Repairing a flat tire yourself is faster and cheaper than having it repaired at an interstate weigh station.

Here are some quick tips for effectively performing vehicle inspections:

• During the inspection a driver should use the following safety precautions:

-   Do not get under, in front or behind the vehicle if there is any chance of it moving
-   The driver should keep the ignition key under their control at all times
-   Use wheel chocks on inclines
-   Use care entering and exiting the vehicle. Use three points of contact and make note of the foot and handholds
-   Never jump out of or off of a vehicle or tractor

• When approaching the vehicle the driver should:

-   Establish that this is the proper vehicle for inspection by checking the VIN (vehicle identification number)
-   Check for visible leaks and determine if the vehicle is level

• Follow this inspection checklist to ensure you cover all areas of your truck:

FRONT OF TRACTOR – Inspect the fairing, lights, antennas, windshield wipers and license plate/ ID number.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT – Inspect both sides of the engine compartment, including the radiator, fire wall, filters, suspension, brakes, coolant hoses, water pump, oil levels, exhaust system, alternator belts and the steering linkage.
INSIDE THE TRACTOR – Inspect the following items on both the driver’s and passenger’s side: DVCR (Driver Vehicle Condition Report), paperwork (permit book, etc.), windows, air horn and seat belts.

The driver should demonstrate proper engine start procedures and then check the following items: gauges (especially ammeter / voltmeter, oil pressure), warning lights, back-up alarm (should sound as soon as vehicle is placed in reverse).

• While in the tractor, the driver should perform the following air brake checks:

-   Static air loss (less than 3 PSI per minute for combination vehicles)
-   Emergency brake system
-   Pressurized air loss (less than 4 PSI per minute for combination vehicles)
-   Park brake (should pop out when pressure is in the 20-40 PSI range)
-   Low air warning device (must come on when air pressure falls below 60 PSI)
-   Service brake
-   Trailer brake

SIDES OF TRACTOR – Inspect the following items on the outside of the driver’s and passenger’s sides of the tractor: mirrors should be clean and adjusted, windows, door operation, emergency equipment, fuel tank, and steps.
REAR OF TRACTOR – Inspect the transmission, drive shaft, air/electrical lines and the frame/catwalk.
COUPLING SYSTEM AREA – Inspect both the driver’s and passenger’s sides of the tractor including the fifth wheel, suspension, brakes, mud flaps, rims, wheel ends, differential, lugs, axle seats and king pin/locking jaws.
SIDES OF TRAILER – Inspect the following on the driver’s and passenger’s sides of the trailer: lights and reflectors, landing gear, suspension, rims, wheel ends, tires, lugs and brakes.
REAR OF THE TRAILER – Inspect the outside rear area of the trailer including the lights (ID/Marker, tail, stop, turn, four-ways), door (latches, handles), load securement, license plate and the lift gate (motor, batteries, hydraulic lines, chains/rails, safety latches, deck, operation).

Following these measures are the key to spending less time worrying about your fleet and more time focusing on your business. To learn more about what you should look for while checking your vehicle, how to correctly perform a vehicle inspection and to maximize your fleet’s time on the road, use our Interactive Truck Inspection List.