As a long haul truck driver, the last thing you want during a trip is a delay. While some delays are unavoidable, there are things you can do to reduce the chance of a breakdown or accident. Below is our recommended pre-trip inspection, a 10-minute routine that sets long haul drivers up for a smooth trip.
What is a Pre-Trip Inspection?
A pre-trip inspection is a systematic check of the exterior and interior of your vehicle. This is to ensure it is safe for operation by identifying any potential safety issues. The best way to perform your pre-trip inspection is by following the outside-in method, and following the same sequence every time.
Inspection Order
Consider inspecting your truck in the following order: Leaks, Tires, Brakes, Lights, Lines, and Lock-In.
This sequence captures the most important and high-consequence items first with leaks and tires, while minimizing backtracking as you follow around the truck. Start from the front left, and walk clockwise around both truck and trailer, finishing at the coupler. Make sure to make notes and take pictures during the inspection for any potential DOT follow-up.
What to Look For
Inspecting your vehicle is very important for any commercial driver, but especially on long haul journeys. Make sure that you perform this inspection every day during the contract.
Leaks
As you walk around the truck and trailer, look for drips, trails or puddles on the ground under the engine, differentials, and transmission. If there are any puddles or drips, investigate to see the cause. Coolant is a green or orange color, oil is dark amber or black, power steering fluid is reddish, and washer fluid is typically blue. If it is fuel, you should be able to clearly smell it.
You should also do a quick check in the engine bay, checking the fluid levels, hose connections, wear on the belts, and battery connections.
Tires
Use a calibrated gauge to quickly check steers and one inside dual per side. Note which dual you check, and check a different one the next day to ensure all are regularly being tested. Look at the tread depth and pattern for wear, and ensure that the sidewalls have no bulges, deep abrasions, or cuts. Finally, check that all valve stems, and caps are in place, as are the lugs.
Brakes
Checking the brakes requires both a visual and a physical test. First, look at the chambers and hoses to ensure there are no rubbing points or kinks. Then, check the adjusters and the pads or rotors for wear. For the physical test, you should build air to the normal operating range with the low-air warning off. Then, apply and hold the service brake for 30 seconds while listening for leaks and looking for any unexpected drops. Finally, perform a tug test by setting the trailer brakes and applying a very light throttle to ensure the trailer brakes are working, then set the truck brakes and release the trailer brakes. This will also test the coupler.
Lights
Check that all lights are working correctly. This includes the headlights in both high and low beam, markers and ID lamps, turn signals, brake lights, and the license plate lamp. Check the lenses themselves for any cracks, shadowing, and water intrusion, and be sure to wipe off any dust or dirt.
Lines
Checking the lines refers to the air and electrical connections between the truck and trailer. Ensure that the air lines are not rubbing and have no flat spots or cuts. Check that the electrical plug is fully seated with a secure latch and no corrosion. Finally, ensure that all lines and hoses between the truck and trailer have some slack, but are not dragging on the ground or deck.
Lock-In
The lock-in refers to checking the load and any coupler connections. Make sure that the trailer coupler is connected properly, with any release handle properly seated and all connections secure. For the load itself, double-check all straps for any wear, then ensure that the ratchets are tight. Use edge protectors where needed to reduce friction and potential wear on the straps, and consider the weight strain, adding additional support where necessary.
By performing your pre-trip inspection in this order, you can save yourself time while building muscle memory. This will help to reduce issues while also ensuring you are in line with how DOT officers regularly inspect vehicles.
Drive with Classic Transport
Safety is always a priority for Classic Transport, and pre-trip inspections are just a small part of that. Work with a company that cares about you as a driver, not just the load you deliver. Learn more about the driving programs today, and get started on your long-term driving career.