Step-by-step guide of the filling-in CDL pre-trip inspection checklist
While CDL pre-trip inspections (PTI) of Class A non-passenger commercial vehicles typically take up to half an hour, it is an essential part of the daily routine for any truck driver. Also, this procedure is one of the components for passing the CDL qualification exam.
A particular truck PTI form will help the trucker conduct a pre-trip inspection. It should be noted here that in addition to the standard points, your fleet can add its points there for verification. This list enables truck drivers to consider all significant systems before turning on their ELD logbook and hitting the road. However, all commercial vehicles must have an up-to-date inspection sticker to pass the road test.
Statistics show more than 4,000 accidents with large trucks in the US. And even if a trucker is not at fault, the inspector can check his or her filled checklist to see if everything was in order before leaving for the flight. In addition, the FMCSA requires your mechanic to fix all problems before the truck hits the road. In general, if the car is on the road, such a check must be carried out at least once every 24 hours.
There’s a list of items you’ll check for each system. The inspection should begin with an assessment of the vehicle’s general condition. Look for fuel, grease, coolant, and fresh oil leaks on the ground. Then check mirrors, lights & reflectors from the front of the car.
Then check the engine compartment: oil level, coolant level, power steering fluid, water pump, alternator, leaks & hoses, air compressor (if air brake system only), master cylinder, and automatic transmission fluid.
On the driver and fuel zone, please see a door & mirror, fuel tank & cap & leaks, battery or box, lights & reflectors, then catwalk & steps. Rear axle checking consists: of tires, rims, lug nuts, hub oil seal, spacers, or Budd spacing.
Under the vehicle, see the frame, exhaust system, and drive shaft. Rear suspension checking consists of springs, air mounts, springs & shocks & airbags, and u-bolts. Next, check brake hoses or lines, drum & linings, or rotor & disk on the rear brake system. Finally, if it is an air brake system, check a slack adjuster & push-rod, and brake chamber.
When you check the rear of the vehicle, please, see the doors & lift, splash guards, lights & reflectors, then the steering linkage and steering box & hoses. Front-wheel checking: hub oil seal, rims, tires, and lug nuts.
The front suspension checklist consists of spring mounts, springs & shocks, and u-bolts. At the same time, you see the front brake check the drum & linings, rotor & disk, brake hoses, or lines. If you have an air brake system, see the brake chamber, slack adjuster & push-rod.
If your truck is a type of combination vehicle, then make some more specific checking. Check the header board or bulkhead, lights & reflectors from the truck’s front. Check landing gear, frame & tandem, release doors & ties & lifts, lights & mirrors from the side of the trailer.
Check trailer wheels, including tires, rims, lug nuts, hub oil seal, and spacers or budd spacing. Trailer Suspension checking: springs & shocks & airbags, u-bolts, and spring/air mounts. Trailer Brakes checklist: brake hoses or lines, and drum & linings or rotor & disk. If you have an air brake system, see the brake chamber, slack adjuster & push-rod. Checking the rear of the trailer, see the doors & lift, lights & reflectors, and splash guards.
Drivers of the passenger bus vehicles also must check passenger entry & lift, emergency exits, seating, and baggage doors are secure. The school buses also check the 8-Lamp system, first aid kit, body fluid kit, and emergency exit types.
Inside the vehicle, check the safety belt, emergency equipment, safe start, temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, ammeter or voltmeter meter, lighting indicators, horns, heater & defroster, windshield & mirrors, wipers & washers, parking brake, and service brake. See also the check or electric assist of the hydraulic brake. See the air brake check and air gauge if you have an air brake system
Always remember that the CDL pre-trip inspection checklist is a good life insurance policy. Truck PTI and pre-trip inspection CDL discipline the driver and allow his superiors and inspectors to be calm. In general, pre-trip inspection is your primary duty before entering the line.
