Pre-trip inspections ensure your vehicle is safe for the road, reducing risk to you, your truckload, and other motorists on the highway. If an accident occurs or if you’re stopped by police, you’ll want to make sure all your ducks are in a row to avoid potential liability or penalties. The best semi-truck seats on the market might keep you safe and protected on long trips, but they don’t cover all your compliance and safety needs.
What's a Pre-Trip Inspection?
A pre-trip inspection is a thorough examination of a commercial vehicle before starting a trip. It involves checking the vehicle's various systems and components to ensure everything is functioning properly and safely. This inspection helps prevent accidents, breakdowns, and compliance issues.
Why Are Pre-Trip Inspections Important?
Pre-trip inspections are extremely important to perform for the sake of yourself, your employer, and everyone on the road. They help ensure that your vehicle is safe and compliant with regulations, reducing the risk of accidents and penalties.
Here are some of the reasons why it’s essential to always perform a pre-trip truck inspection:
- Enhances Safety: Identifying and addressing potential safety issues prevents accidents.
- Ensures Compliance: Meeting safety regulations helps avoid fines and penalties.
- Improves Vehicle Longevity: Regular checks and maintenance extend the vehicle's lifespan.
- Reduces Downtime: Early detection of issues prevents unexpected breakdowns, saving time and money.
- Protects Cargo: Ensuring the safe and secure transport of goods protects your cargo.
- Boosts Efficiency: Well-maintained vehicles perform better, leading to smoother trips and better fuel efficiency.
Trucking companies require their employees to properly perform these checks every time they set out on a trip. Doing these inspections not only protects you on the road but also safeguards your employment status. Adhering to these protocols demonstrates your commitment to safety and compliance, which is crucial for your career.
How Long Does a Semi-Truck Pre-Trip Inspection Take?
The time required for a pre-trip inspection can vary, but on average, it takes about 30 to 50 minutes. This duration ensures that all critical areas are thoroughly checked, contributing to a safer and more efficient trip. If issues are found during the inspection, it will take additional time to get them fixed. After correcting any problems, conduct a final check of the affected area and its components to ensure everything is in proper working order before hitting the road.
Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist
Preparation can ensure your inspection goes off without a hitch and that you can hit the road as soon as possible. When preparing your vehicle for a pre-trip inspection, make sure you have all of the bases covered.
1. Start with Your Wheels
Chock your wheels to keep them steady and prevent them from moving as you inspect them. Check the lug nuts and tighten them if necessary. Next, check the condition of your tires to ensure they’re acceptable. If there is uneven and/or excessive wear, address it right away. Steering tires should have a minimum tread depth of 4/32”. Check for nails in the treads or abrasions, bulges, or cuts in the side wall, and make sure the 5th wheel is coupled to the trailer.
2. Test the Brakes
A brake check is an essential part of an 18-wheeler pre-trip inspection. Check that the parking brake engages properly and then test the brake pedal by moving five feet forward; then stop with the vehicle in gear and motor off. Conduct an applied test to check for pressure leaks and if the buzzer and warning light activate when air pressure drops below 60 psi. Pump emergency and spring brakes down to 40 psi and raise idle and air pressure; the governor should kick in at 120-140 psi.
Make sure to inspect the air lines carefully for any leaks or damage. You should also check the slack adjusters to ensure they are properly adjusted and functioning, as they are crucial for maintaining correct brake tension.
3. Pop the Hood
The entire engine compartment should be on the pre-trip inspection list. Much of what can go wrong during an inspection involves what’s under the hood. Get in there and make sure everything is in good order. Check oil and coolant fluid levels.
Every driver pre-trip inspection must include checks for:
- Oil, coolant, fuel, and power steering fluid leaks
- Proper seating of the radiator, power steering fluid, and oil filler dip sticks
- Leaks on the engine block and damage to hoses or fan belts
- Missing pieces on fan blades
- Exposed bare wires or misconnections
- Low windshield washer fluid levels
- Lubrication of shock absorbers, ball joints, and king pins
- Loose caps and covers; tighten them if necessary
- Windshield wipers in good condition and functioning properly
- Availability and good condition of spare fuses
- Fuel tank leaks and secure attachment
- Proper operation and signs of wear on the water pump
4. Make Sure Your Paperwork Is in Order
Paperwork hassles are the worst. Before your pre-trip inspection, be sure that you have all the necessary documentation. Organize your binders and keep them in a safe, clean place where you’ll remember they are in case you need them quickly. Examples of documents and information you’ll want to have on hand for your trip include your driver's license, vehicle registration, insurance papers, and inspection reports.
5. Check Your Lights and Reflectors
Defective reflectors and lights can get you a ticket and they could possibly contribute to an accident. Big trucks need to be visible, especially at night, to avoid getting into accidents. As part of your pre-trip ritual, check all lights and reflectors and make sure they’re in top shape.
During this part of the inspection, turn on your marker lights and headlights and do a walk-around, checking the front, rear, and both sides of the truck. Check the rear and sides of the trailer as well. With the help of your examiner, check the function of brake lights, left/right turn signals, four-way flashers, and high/low beams.
6. Check Your Gauges and Truck Interior
Inspect the inside of the truck, including all gauges and controls. Make sure all gauges are functioning correctly and that there are no warning lights on. Check the seat belts, horn, and other safety equipment to ensure they are in good condition. Ensure that all dashboard lights and signals are operational and clearly visible.
7. Check Your Steer Axle, Rear, and Trailer Suspension
Ensure that the suspension components on the steer axle, rear, and trailer are in good condition. Look for signs of wear and tear, leaks, or damage. Proper suspension is critical for vehicle stability and safety on the road. Check that all bolts and connections are tight and secure.
8. Check the Side of Your Cab
Check the side of the cab for any damage or issues. This includes inspecting the doors, mirrors, and steps. Make sure everything is securely attached and in good working order. Verify that the windows and mirrors are clean and provide a clear view.
9. Be Methodical
Going step by step in your inspection may cost time now, but it can help you avoid greater delays later caused by accidents, equipment failures, or getting stopped by the police. A few extra minutes at the start of a trip can shave hours off its end.
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