Page 18 - 2021-2022 Commercial Drivers Manual

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

report only if defects were noted and certified • Check for optional items such as:
to be repaired or not needed to be repaired. » Chains (where winter conditions require).

» Tire changing equipment.

» List of emergency phone numbers
Step 2: Check Engine Compartment
» Accident reporting kit (packet).

Check That the Parking Brakes Are On and 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 and is not ripped or frayed.
don’t fall and break something), or open the
engine compartment door. Check the following:
Step 4: Turn Off Engine and Check Lights
• Engine oil level. 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
to 90 psi within 3 minutes. Build air pressure to Step 5: Do Walk-around Inspection
• Windshield washer fluid level.
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
downs (battery may be located elsewhere). beams are on and both of the four-way flash-
• 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.
(alternator, water pump, air compressor)-- • Turn off headlights and four-way emergency
learn how much “give” the belts should have • Engine oil temperature. Should begin grad- flashers.
when adjusted right, and check each one. ual rise to normal operating range. • Turn on parking, clearance, side-marker, and
• Warning lights and buzzers. Oil, coolant, identification lights.
• Leaks in the engine compartment (fuel, cool- 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). around inspection.
go out right away.
• Cracked, worn electrical wiring insulation. General
Check Condition of Controls. Check all of

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.
» Foot brake.
• Put gearshift in neutral (or “park” if auto- • Left front wheel.
matic). » Trailer brake (if vehicle has one). » Condition of wheel and rim--missing,
» Parking brake. bent, broken studs, clamps, lugs, or any
• Start engine; listen for unusual noises. » Retarder controls (if vehicle has them).
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 stem and cap OK, no serious cuts, bulges,
should come on and then turn off. If it stays • Interaxle differential lock (if vehicle has one). 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 indicating looseness.
the trailer stays on, the ABS is not working • Windshield wiper/washer. » Hub oil level OK, no leaks.
properly. • Lights.
» Headlights. • Left front suspension.
Look at the Gauges » Condition of spring, spring hangers,
» Dimmer switch.
• Oil pressure. Should come up to normal » Turn signal. shackles, u-bolts.
within seconds after engine is started. See » Four-way flashers. » Shock absorber condition.

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 • Condition of front axle.
stickers, or other obstructions to seeing clearly.
Clean and adjust as necessary.
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