Page 19 - Draft 2023 2024 CDL Manual w Modernization Info

- SECTION 2: DRIVING SAFETY

Vehicle Inspection Guide Check Emergency Equipment
• Check for safety equipment:
Step 1: Vehicle Overview » Spare electrical fuses (unless vehicle has
Review Last Vehicle Inspection Report. circuit breakers)
Drivers may have to make a vehicle inspection » Three red reflective triangles, or 3 liquid
report in writing each day. The motor carrier burning flares.
must repair any items in the report that affect » Properly charged and rated fire extin­
safety and certify on the report that repairs were guisher.
made or were unnecessary. You must sign the • Check for optional items such as:
report only if defects were noted and certified
to be repaired or not needed to be repaired. OIL PRESSURE » Chains (where winter conditions require).
» Tire changing equipment.
» List of emergency phone numbers
Step 2: Check Engine Compartment • Idling 5-20 PSI » Accident reporting kit (packet).
Check That the Parking Brakes Are On and • Operating 35-75 PSI Check Safety Belt. Check that the safety belt
the Wheels Chocked. You may have to raise is securely mounted, adjusts, latches properly
the hood, tilt the cab (secure loose things so they • Low, Dropping, Fluctuating: and is not ripped or frayed.
don't fall and break something), or open the STOP IMMEDIATELY!
engine compartment door. Check the following: Without oil the engine can be Step 4: Turn Off Engine and Check Lights
• Engine oil level. destroyed rapidly Make sure the parking brake is set, turn off
the engine, and take the key with you. Turn on
• Coolant level in radiator; condition of hoses. Figure 2.5 headlights (low beams) and four-way emer­
• Power steering fluid level; hose condition (if gency flashers, and get out of the vehicle.
so equipped). Air pressure. Pressure should build from 50
• Windshield washer fluid level. to 90 psi within 3 minutes. Build air pressure to Step 5: Do Walk-around Inspection
governor cut-out (usually around 120 - 140 psi.
• Battery fluid level, connections, and tie Know your vehicles requirements. • Go to front of vehicle and check that low
beams are on and both of the four-way flash­
downs (battery may be located elsewhere). • Ammeter and/or voltmeter. Should be in ers are working.
• Automatic transmission fluid level (may re­ normal range(s). • Push dimmer switch and check that high
quire engine to be running). • Coolant temperature. Should begin gradual beams work.
• Check belts for tightness and excessive wear rise to normal operating range. • Turn off headlights and four-way emergency
(alternator, water pump, air compressor)-­ • Engine oil temperature. Should begin grad­ flashers.
learn how much "give" the belts should have ual rise to normal operating range.
when adjusted right, and check each one. • Turn on parking, clearance, side-marker, and
• Leaks in the engine compartment (fuel, cool­ • Warning lights and buzzers. Oil, coolant, identification lights.
charging circuit warning, DEF lighting indi­
ant, oil, power steering fluid, hydraulic fluid, cator, and antilock brake system lights should • Turn on right turn signal, and start walk-
battery fluid). go out right away. around inspection.
• Cracked, worn electrical wiring insulation. Check Condition of Controls. Check all of General
Lower and secure hood, cab, or engine com­ the following for looseness, sticking, damage, • Walk-around and inspect.
partment door. or improper setting: • Clean all lights, reflectors, and glass as you
• Steering wheel. go along.
Step 3: Start Engine and Inspect Inside
the Cab • Clutch. Left Front Side
Get In and Start Engine • Accelerator ("gas pedal"). • Driver's door glass should be clean.
• Make sure parking brake is on. • Brake controls. • Door latches or locks should work properly.
• Put gearshift in neutral (or "park" if auto­ » Foot brake. • Left front wheel.
matic). » Trailer brake (if vehicle has one). » Condition of wheel and rim--missing,
» Parking brake.
• Start engine; listen for unusual noises. » Retarder controls (if vehicle has them). bent, broken studs, clamps, lugs, or any
signs of misalignment.
• If equipped, check the Anti-lock Braking • Transmission controls. » Condition of tires--properly inflated, valve
System (ABS) indicator lights. Light on dash • lnteraxle differential lock (if vehicle has one). stem and cap OK, no serious cuts, bulges,
should come on and then turn off. If it stays or tread wear.
on the ABS is not working properly. For trail­ • Horn(s). » Use wrench to test rust-streaked lug nuts,
ers only, if the yellow light on the left rear of • Windshield wiper/washer. indicating looseness.
the trailer stays on, the ABS is not working » Hub oil level OK, no leaks.
properly. • Lights. • Left front suspension.
» Headlights.
Look at the Gauges » Dimmer switch. » Condition of spring, spring hangers,
shackles, u-bolts.
• Oil pressure. Should come up to normal » Turn signal. » Shock absorber condition.
within seconds after engine is started. See » Four-way flashers.
Figure 2.5 » Parking, clearance, identification, marker • Left front brake.
switch(es). » Condition of brake drum or disc.
» Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). » Condition of hoses.
Check Mirrors and Windshield. Inspect Front
mirrors and windshield for cracks, dirt, illegal
stickers, or other obstructions to seeing clearly. • Condition of front axle.
Clean and adjust as necessary.

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