The Pre Trip Inspection Checklist form is a vital tool used by drivers to ensure that their vehicles are safe and roadworthy before embarking on a journey. This checklist helps identify potential issues that could affect vehicle performance and safety. For optimal safety, it is essential to complete the form thoroughly; you can start by filling it out by clicking the button below.
Before hitting the road, ensuring vehicle safety is paramount for all drivers, especially those operating commercial vehicles. A Pre Trip Inspection Checklist serves as a vital tool in this process, guiding drivers through a comprehensive examination of their vehicle. This checklist typically includes sections that address critical components such as brakes, lights, tires, and fluid levels. Each item on the list requires careful inspection to confirm proper functionality and safety compliance. Additionally, the form often prompts drivers to assess the overall condition of the vehicle, including the cargo area and emergency equipment. By methodically following the checklist, drivers can identify potential issues that may lead to accidents or breakdowns, ultimately promoting safer travel for themselves and others on the road. Regular use of this checklist not only enhances safety but also helps in maintaining the vehicle's longevity, ensuring that it remains in optimal working condition throughout its service life.
When filling out and using the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist form, consider the following key takeaways:
Class A CDL Pre-Trip Inspection Tractor Trailer
®
FRONT OF TRACTOR
LIGHTS & REFLECTORS o Proper Color
o Working
o Not Broken o Not cracked
LEAKS
o Check for puddles
o Check for drips under engine
Lights
License Plate
Leaks
Pre-Trip Inspection Test Items
Reference Items
ENGINE COMPARTMENT - PASSENGER SIDE
WATER PUMP o Mounted Securely
o No missing bolts or parts o Hoses attached securely
o No leaking hoses or water pump o Belts no more than ¾ inch of play
o Belts not cracked, frayed, or damaged
ALTERNATOR
o Mounted Securely
o No missing bolts or parts
oWires good connections, not frayed
oBelt no more than ¾ inch of play
oBelts not frayed or cracked
OIL LEVEL
oCheck for level and condition
PLUS ALL OTHER HOSES & WIRING
oNot cracked, frayed, or broken
oBelts no more than ¾ inch of play o Hoses not leaking
Engine Air Duct Work
Oil Dip Stick
Oil Fill
Accessory Drive
Belts
Water Pump
Turbo Charger
Alternator
1
ENGINE COMPARTMENT - DRIVER SIDE
COOLANT
oHoses attached and not leaking
POWER STEERING RESERVOIR
oMounted properly
AIR COMPRESSOR
oMounted Securely
oNo missing bolts or parts
oNo air leaks at lines
oCheck if gear or belt driven
oBelts not cracked or frayed
STEERING GEAR BOX
oNo missing parts, nuts or bolts o Lines and hoses not leaking or broken
Engine Coolant
Reservoir
Windsheild
Washer Fluid
Engine Air Duct
Work
Power Steering
Radiator Brace
Steering Gear
Box
Pitman Arm
POWER STEERING RESERVOIR
ENGINE COMPARTMENT - DRIVER SIDE CON’T
o Mounted properly
o Hoses attached and not leaking
o Check for level and condition
AIR COMPRESSOR
o No air leaks at lines
o Check if gear or belt driven
o Belt no more than ¾ inch of play
o Belts not cracked or frayed
STEERING GEAR BOX
o No missing parts, nuts or bolts
o Lines and hoses not leaking or
broken
STEERING LINKAGE
o Pitman arm, Drag link, Steering
knuckle, Tie rods and tie rod ends
o Not cracked, bent or broken
Spring Mount
Drag Link
Leaf Spring
o Castle nuts and cotter pins
o Not missing and in place
Air Governor
Air Compressor
Engine Oil Pan
2
AIR COMPRESSOR o Mounted Securely
o No missing bolts or parts o No air leaks at lines
o Belt no more than ¾ inch of play o Belts not cracked or frayed
Fan Belts
Gear Driven Air
Compressor
Steering U-Joints
Steering Column
Additional Hoses & Wiring
Shock Absorber
Steering Gear Box
Frame Rail
Fuel Filter
ENGINE COMPARTMENT - AIR COMPRESSOR
Gear Driven Air Compressor
Hoses
Fuel Pump
3
FRONT SUSPENSION
LEAF SPRINGS
o Not shifted or out of place
oNot cracked, broken or missing
SPRING MOUNTS
oMounted securely- front, back, and U-blots
oNot cracked or broken
SHOCK ABSORBER
oNot bent or dented o Not leaking
Tie Rod
Air Hose
Air LIne
Tie Rod End
U-Bolts
Axle
Service Brake
Chamber
FRONT SUSPENSION CON’T
U-Bolt
Air Dryer location varies depending on model.
Located either behind the front bumper or behind the fuel tank.
4
Air Dryer
HOSES AND LINES
FRONT BRAKES
o Mounted securely
o
Not leaking
Not cracked or frayed
Tire
CHAMBER
Push Rod
o Not dented or damaged
Wheel
SLACK ADJUSTER
Slack Adjuster
No more than 1 inch of free play at
Castle Nut
the push rod with the brakes released.
Cotter Pin
Adjustment Nut
Not bent, broken, loose, or missing
parts
Steering
Knuckle
Brake Drum
DRUMS
Not cracked, broken or dented
No oil leaking from inner oil seal,
Snap Ring
free of debris
Brake Lining
LININGS
oNo cracked, broken or missing parts o Not less than ¼ inch in thickness
HOSES AND LINES o Mounted securely o Not leaking
o Not cracked or frayed
CHAMBER
oNot dented or damaged
oNot leaking
SLACK ADJUSTER
oNo more than 1 inch of free play at the push rod with the brakes released.
oNot bent, broken, loose, or missing parts
DRUMS
oNot cracked, broken or dented
oNo oil leaking from inner oil seal, free of debris
LININGS
oNo cracked, broken or missing parts
oNot less than ¼ inch in thickness
FRONT BRAKES CON’T
Clevis Pin &
Air Line
Spring
5
FRONT WHEEL
TIRES
oProper inflation – company or manufacturer specification
o No bulges, cuts, or retreads
o Minimum tread depth of 4/32”
RIMS
oNot bent, cracked, No welding repairs.
LUG NUTS
oNone are missing
oTight – no shinny threads, or rust trails
OUTER HUB OIL SEALS
oNot leaking, no missing bolts o Proper oil level
Hub Oil
Lug Nut
Reservior
Outer Hub
Valve Cap
Oil Seal
DRIVER FUEL AREA
DRIVER’S DOOR
oDoor opens and closes properly
oSeal is in good condition
DRIVER’S MIRRORS
oClean and free of obstruction
oNot cracked, broken, or damaged
oMounted securely
FUEL TANK
o Not leaking
o Seal in cap OK
Mirror
Storage
Compartment
Door
Cap & Seal
Battery Box &
Cover
Saddle Mounts
6
AIR LINES & ELECTRIC LINE o Not cracked, frayed, cut, or kinked o Mounted securely at the glad hands o Not leaking
BEHIND THE CAB
BATTERY BOX & BATTERIES o Box is mounted properly
o Batteries are secure in the box o Lid secure
o Connections not corroded
CATWALK
oNot, missing, or damaged
oFree of obstructions
DRIVE SHAFT
oNot bent, or damaged
oCoupling, U-joints appear secure
EXHAUST SYSTEM
oSecurely mounted
FRAME
oNot cracked, or damaged
oNo missing bolts
oNo illegal welds
LIGHTS & REFLECTORS
oClean and working
Lights &
Reflectors
Electrical Line
Exhaust
Glad Hand
Service &
Emergency
Airlines
Drive Shaft
Batteries
Frame
Catwalk
FRONT OF TRAILER
HEADER BOARD
oNo holes or missing rivets
oNone broken, cracked, or missing
oWorking and proper color of amber
Header Board
Height Sticker
Electric Hookup
7
DRIVE AXLE SUSPENSION
CONTROL ARM MOUNT o Mounted securely
o Not bent, broken or damaged
CONTROLARM
oMounted securely – front, back, and
U-bolts
o Not cracked, or broken
oNot bent, dented or leaking
TORSION BAR
oNot bent, broken or damaged
AIR BAGS
Spring Brake
Torsion Bar
Control Arm
Air Bag
Mount
DRIVE AXLE SUSPENSION CON’T & FIFTH WHEEL
Skid Plate
Mounting
Bolts
Locking
Pins
Space
8
oNo bent, broken, loose, or missing parts
DRIVE BRAKES & DRIVE SHAFT
Universal Joint
Differential
Service Brake Chamber
Brake Chamber Mount
oProper inflation - company or manufacturer specification.
o No bulges or cuts, can have retreads o Minimum tread depth of 2/32”
oNot bent or cracked
oNo welding repairs
oNone missing
OUTER AXLE SEAL
oNot leaking, no missing bolts
SPACE OR SPACER
oCheck for objects between wheels
oCheck for proper spacing
Lug Nuts
Outer Axle Seal
DRIVE WHEELS
Bud Rim
Dayton Rim
Spacer
9
REAR OF TRACTOR
LIGHTS & REFLECTORS o Not cracked, or broken
o Working and proper color
SPLASH GUARDS
oNot missing or torn and properly mounted
Locking Jaws
Splash Guard
Air Bags
MOUNTING BOLTS
oNone missing or broken
RELEASE ARM
oNot bent, broken, or damaged
oEngaged in the lock position
LOCKING PINS
oNo missing or broken parts
oEngaged and locked
PLATFORM
oSecurely holds skid plate
oNot cracked, or broken
SKID PLATE
oMounted properly on the platform
oProperly greased
oTilting freely
Mounting Bolts
Slide Stops (all 4 corners)
COUPLING SYSTEM
Pivot Pin
Release Arm
Platform
KING PIN
Welds
oNot broken, bent, or damaged
APRON
oNo bends or damage to visible portions
GAP
oCheck that the trailer apron is lying flat on the fifth wheel skid plate
Slide Locking Pin
JAWS
o Check that the locking jaws are fully
closed around the shank of the king pin
10
What is the purpose of the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist form?
The Pre Trip Inspection Checklist form is designed to ensure that vehicles are safe and ready for operation before they hit the road. It helps drivers identify any potential issues that could lead to accidents or breakdowns. By completing this checklist, drivers can enhance safety for themselves, passengers, and other road users.
Who is required to complete the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist?
All drivers of commercial vehicles are required to complete the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist. This includes truck drivers, bus operators, and anyone else operating a vehicle that falls under federal or state regulations for commercial driving. It is essential for compliance with safety standards.
What items are typically included in the checklist?
The checklist usually covers critical components of the vehicle, such as brakes, lights, tires, fluid levels, and mirrors. Additionally, it may include checks for the vehicle's load security and overall cleanliness. Each item is vital for ensuring the vehicle's operational safety.
How often should the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist be completed?
The Pre Trip Inspection Checklist should be completed before every trip. This practice helps to catch any issues that may have developed since the last inspection. Consistency in performing these checks is key to maintaining vehicle safety and reliability.
What happens if a driver identifies an issue during the inspection?
If a driver identifies an issue during the inspection, they must report it immediately. Depending on the severity of the problem, the vehicle may need repairs before it can be safely operated. Addressing issues promptly helps prevent accidents and ensures compliance with safety regulations.
Is there a specific format for the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist?
The format of the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist can vary by organization or state regulations. However, it generally includes sections for each vehicle component that needs to be inspected, along with space for notes and signatures. Standardization helps ensure that all critical areas are covered.
Can the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist be completed digitally?
Yes, many organizations now offer digital versions of the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist. Digital formats can streamline the inspection process, making it easier to record findings and share them with relevant parties. However, it is crucial to ensure that any digital solution complies with regulatory requirements.
What are the consequences of not completing the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist?
Failing to complete the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist can lead to serious consequences. Drivers may face penalties from regulatory agencies, and the risk of accidents increases significantly. Additionally, companies may incur liability for accidents caused by uninspected vehicles. Compliance is essential for safety and legal protection.
The Pre Trip Inspection Checklist is a crucial document used by drivers to ensure that their vehicles are safe and roadworthy before embarking on a journey. However, it is often accompanied by several other forms and documents that help maintain safety, compliance, and accountability. Below is a list of ten such documents that are frequently used in conjunction with the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist.
Each of these documents plays a significant role in ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency in transportation. Together, they create a comprehensive framework that supports responsible driving practices and enhances overall road safety.
Direction of Payment - The form’s format allows for clear delineation of roles between vehicle owners and service providers.
Texas Temporary Tag - Failure to obtain a Texas Temporary Tag before driving a recently acquired vehicle may result in penalties.
Having a comprehensive understanding of the Florida Operating Agreement form is vital for LLCs in Florida, as it ensures clarity in management roles and operational procedures. For detailed guidance and to avoid any ambiguities, refer to this link: https://floridapdfforms.com/operating-agreement, which will help you set up your LLC smoothly.
Make Your Own Gift Certificate - It states the amount of the gift being provided to the recipient.
When filling out the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist form, it's essential to approach the task with care and attention to detail. Here are some important do's and don'ts to consider: