Inspection Procedures
Follow these structured procedures to ensure a thorough pre-trip inspection.
Air Brake Check (7-Step Method)
- With air pressure built to governor cutout, shut off engine
- Release parking brake and apply foot brake
- Hold for 1 minute and observe air gauge - should not drop more than 3 PSI
- Begin fanning brake pedal - low air warning should activate by 60 PSI
- Continue fanning until parking brakes activate (usually 20-40 PSI)
- Restart engine and build pressure to operational range
- Check ABS indicator light cycles properly on startup
Light Check Procedure
- Turn on headlights and walk around to verify function
- Check high beams by switching between high/low
- Activate left turn signal, verify front/rear operation
- Activate right turn signal, verify front/rear operation
- Turn on 4-way flashers and check all indicators
- Have assistant press brake pedal to check brake lights
- Verify all marker lights illuminate properly
Coupling Inspection
- Check fifth wheel mounting bolts for tightness
- Verify fifth wheel jaw is closed around kingpin
- Ensure release lever is properly seated with safety latch engaged
- Check that trailer apron is seated flush on fifth wheel plate
- Verify no gap between upper and lower fifth wheel
- Test connection by gently pulling forward with trailer brakes locked
- Ensure air and electrical lines are properly connected
Tire Inspection Method
- Check inflation with a gauge when possible
- Measure tread depth using a tread depth gauge
- Inspect sidewalls for bulges, cuts, or penetrating objects
- Check for dual tire separation (use a hand to feel between tires)
- Look for signs of misalignment or uneven wear
- Inspect valve stems for damage or leaks
- Verify all lug nuts are present and tight
Key Component Inspection Checklist
Verify the following components as part of your pre-trip inspection.
Engine Compartment
- Engine oil level (check dipstick)
- Coolant level (reservoir/radiator)
- Power steering fluid level
- Windshield washer fluid level
- Battery (connections, corrosion, security)
- Belts and hoses (cracks, wear, tension)
- Wiring (frayed wires, loose connections)
- Air filter condition (if accessible)
Brakes and Air System
- Air pressure buildup (proper PSI range)
- Air governor cutout (typically 120-140 PSI)
- Air leakage rate (static/applied test)
- Low air pressure warning device (activates by 60 PSI)
- Parking brake operation (holds against slight pull)
- Service brake operation (pedal firm, not spongy)
- Brake drums/rotors (cracks, heat checks, overheating)
- Slack adjusters and pushrods (stroke measurement)
Lights and Signals
- Headlights (high and low beams)
- Front turn signals
- Rear turn signals
- 4-way flashers/hazard lights
- Brake lights
- Tail lights
- Clearance/marker lights
- License plate light
Tires and Wheels
- Tire pressure (visual check/gauge)
- Tire tread depth (minimum 4/32" steer, 2/32" drive)
- Tire condition (cuts, bulges, sidewall damage)
- Valve stems and caps (present, not damaged)
- Wheel rims (cracks, dents, welding repairs)
- Lug nuts (all present, no rust trails)
- Hub oil seal (no leaks, proper level)
- Spacers or budd spacing (even, no debris)
Steering and Suspension
- Steering wheel (free play within limits)
- Steering column (no excessive movement)
- Steering gear box (no leaks, secure mounting)
- Pitman arm and drag link (no loose parts)
- Tie rods and steering arms (not bent or damaged)
- Spring hangers and shackles (not cracked or broken)
- Leaf springs (not cracked, shifted, or missing)
- Air suspension (proper inflation, no leaks)
Coupling Devices
- Fifth wheel (no cracks, proper lubrication)
- Fifth wheel mounting (all bolts present)
- Fifth wheel locking jaws (closed around kingpin)
- Release lever (properly seated, safety latch engaged)
- Kingpin and apron (not bent, cracked, or worn)
- Air and electrical lines (connected, no damage)
- Sliding fifth wheel (locked in position)
Cab and Body
- Doors (open, close, and latch properly)
- Mirrors (clean, adjusted, not cracked)
- Windshield (clean, no illegal stickers, no cracks)
- Wipers and washers (good blades, adequate fluid)
- Horn (air and electric functioning)
- Seat (secure mounting, functional seatbelt)
- Steps and handholds (secure, not damaged)
- Frame (no cracks, bends, or sagging)
Documentation and Safety Equipment
- Registration and insurance documents
- Medical card and CDL
- Previous DVIR (reviewed and signed)
- Hours of Service logs/ELD functioning
- Permits (if required for load/route)
- Fire extinguisher (charged, mounted securely)
- Emergency reflectors or triangles (3 complete)
- First aid kit (complete, accessible)
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