Page 20 - Georgia Commercial Drivers Manual 2020
P. 20
2SECTION : DRIVING SAFETY
Vehicle Inspection Guide Figure 2.5 Check Emergency Equipment
• Check for safety equipment:
Step 1: Vehicle Overview Air pressure. Pressure should build from 50
Review Last Vehicle Inspection Report. to 90 psi within 3 minutes. Build air pressure to »» Spare electrical fuses (unless vehicle has
Drivers may have to make a vehicle inspection governor cut-out (usually around 120 – 140 psi. circuit breakers)
report in writing each day. The motor carrier Know your vehicles requirements.
must repair any items in the report that affect • Ammeter and/or voltmeter. Should be in »» Three red reflective triangles, or 3 liquid
safety and certify on the report that repairs were burning flares.
made or were unnecessary. You must sign the normal range(s).
report only if defects were noted and certified • Coolant temperature. Should begin gradual »» Properly charged and rated fire extin-
to be repaired or not needed to be repaired. guisher.
rise to normal operating range.
Step 2: Check Engine Compartment • Engine oil temperature. Should begin grad- • Check for optional items such as:
Check That the Parking Brakes Are On and »» Chains (where winter conditions require).
the Wheels Chocked. You may have to raise ual rise to normal operating range. »» Tire changing equipment.
the hood, tilt the cab (secure loose things so they • Warning lights and buzzers. Oil, coolant, »» List of emergency phone numbers
don’t fall and break something), or open the »» Accident reporting kit (packet).
engine compartment door. Check the following: charging circuit warning, DEF lighting indi-
• Engine oil level. cator, and antilock brake system lights should Check Safety Belt. Check that the safety belt
• Coolant level in radiator; condition of hoses. go out right away. is securely mounted, adjusts, latches properly
• Power steering fluid level; hose condition (if Check Condition of Controls. Check all of and is not ripped or frayed.
the following for looseness, sticking, damage,
so equipped). or improper setting: Step 4: Turn Off Engine and Check Lights
• Windshield washer fluid level. • Steering wheel. Make sure the parking brake is set, turn off
• Battery fluid level, connections, and tie • Clutch.
• Accelerator (“gas pedal”). the engine, and take the key with you. Turn on
downs (battery may be located elsewhere). • Brake controls. headlights (low beams) and four-way emer-
• Automatic transmission fluid level (may re- »» Foot brake. gency flashers, and get out of the vehicle.
»» Trailer brake (if vehicle has one).
quire engine to be running). »» Parking brake. Step 5: Do Walk-around Inspection
• Check belts for tightness and excessive wear »» Retarder controls (if vehicle has them). • Go to front of vehicle and check that low
• Transmission controls.
(alternator, water pump, air compressor)-- • Interaxle differential lock (if vehicle has one). beams are on and both of the four-way flash-
learn how much “give” the belts should have • Horn(s). ers are working.
when adjusted right, and check each one. • Windshield wiper/washer. • Push dimmer switch and check that high
• Leaks in the engine compartment (fuel, cool- • Lights. beams work.
ant, oil, power steering fluid, hydraulic fluid, »» Headlights. • Turn off headlights and four-way emergency
battery fluid). »» Dimmer switch. flashers.
• Cracked, worn electrical wiring insulation. »» Turn signal. • Turn on parking, clearance, side-marker, and
Lower and secure hood, cab, or engine com- »» Four-way flashers. identification lights.
partment door. »» Parking, clearance, identification, marker • Turn on right turn signal, and start walk-
around inspection.
Step 3: S tart Engine and Inspect Inside switch(es). General
the Cab »» Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). • Walk-around and inspect.
Check Mirrors and Windshield. Inspect • Clean all lights, reflectors, and glass as you
Get In and Start Engine mirrors and windshield for cracks, dirt, illegal go along.
• Make sure parking brake is on. stickers, or other obstructions to seeing clearly. Left Front Side
• Put gearshift in neutral (or “park” if auto- Clean and adjust as necessary. • Driver’s door glass should be clean.
• Door latches or locks should work properly.
matic). • Left front wheel.
• Start engine; listen for unusual noises. »» Condition of wheel and rim--missing,
• If equipped, check the Anti-lock Braking
bent, broken studs, clamps, lugs, or any
System (ABS) indicator lights. Light on dash signs of misalignment.
should come on and then turn off. If it stays »» Condition of tires--properly inflated, valve
on the ABS is not working properly. For trail- stem and cap OK, no serious cuts, bulges,
ers only, if the yellow light on the left rear of or tread wear.
the trailer stays on, the ABS is not working »» Use wrench to test rust-streaked lug nuts,
properly. indicating looseness.
Look at the Gauges »» Hub oil level OK, no leaks.
• Oil pressure. Should come up to normal • Left front suspension.
within seconds after engine is started. See »» Condition of spring, spring hangers,
Figure 2.5 shackles, u-bolts.
»» Shock absorber condition.
• Left front brake.
»» Condition of brake drum or disc.
»» Condition of hoses.
Front
• Condition of front axle.
18 2019-2020 GEORGIA COMMERCIAL DRIVERS MANUAL
