1. Tire Inspection
Every 10 ° F change in air temperature can make vehicle, truck, and light truck tires lose one psi pressure. A tire with low pressure has a negative effect on the distance needed to stop and miles per gallon of gas.
Ensure no foreign objects are between the wheels and no space between tires and rims. Evaluate the tires for sufficient tread depth and look for cuts, bubbles, or gouges.
Insufficient treads increase the likelihood of losing control from hydroplaning or sliding on standing water, snow, or ice. This is an especially important detail when preparing to drive your truck in winter weather conditions.
2. Lights and Reflectors Check
Verify the proper functioning of exterior lights, turn signals, warning lights, and clean lenses for maximum visibility. Ensure reflectors are free of dirt or debris and intact without cracks or missing pieces.
3. Brake Examination
Assess the brake system both inside the cab and externally. Verify proper brake adjustment with the slack adjuster, inspect brake linings for the appropriate thickness, and ensure air lines are free from damage, leaks, and properly sealed. This includes checking air brakes, parking brakes, and hydraulic braking systems.
4. Engine Inspection
Check the engine compartment for various components, such as the radiator, air compressor, steering gearbox, water pump, belts, hoses, and wiring.
5. Fuel Tank and Battery Check
Visually examine the fuel tank and battery area to ensure no cracks or leaks. Verify the battery levels for sufficient power and proper charging.
6. Fluid Inspection
Inspect fluids under the truck for signs of leaks, including fuel, oil, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Check fluid levels and assess the condition of hoses, belts, and wires for safe operation. Pay special attention to the oil pressure gauge for proper functionality.
7. Windshield
Chipped, cracked, or deteriorated glass weakens the final barrier that prevents the driver from being thrown during an accident and can inhibit clear road visibility. Also worn-out wipers will reduce visibility when driving in the rain or snow.
8. Emergency Kit
Road flares, triangles, and a fire extinguisher are the emergency equipment necessary to safeguard the vehicle and the driver should an accident or breakdown occur and must not be missing or broken. The fire extinguisher must be easily accessible, with a current inspection, and maintain the appropriate PSI.
9. Mirrors with Swivel Mounts
Frozen or loose mirrors prevent the driver from properly adjusting them to cover blind spots. It can create a greater risk of hitting the side or colliding when turning.
10. Coupling System Assessment
Examine the coupling system, paying close attention to the kingpin and sliding fifth wheel locking pin. Check the condition of air lines, apron, electrical connections, gap, glad hands, locking jaws, mounting bolt, platform, release arm, and a skid plate that connects the trailer to the cab.
11. Cabin InspectionTemperature
Inside the cabin, check the seat belts for wear or fray and ensure a snug fit. Assess the operation and functionality of inside and outside mirrors, seat position, steering wheel, pedals, windshield, wipers, horns, lights, and gauges. Make sure all alerting systems, including ABS lights, are working correctly.
Verify the temperature, controls that are not working properly can produce physical stress, fatigue, and distraction while driving.
12. Trailer Examination
Conduct a thorough inspection of the trailer for mechanical defects that might hinder secure mounting to the tractor. Look for holes, cracks, breaks, bends, or missing rivets in the headboard, frame, release pins, cross members, release handles, locking pins, doors, and hinges.
13. Back of the Truck Inspection
Before hooking up to a trailer, check the back of the truck for properly inflated tires with decent tread, undamaged brake chambers, intact shocks and airbags, a clean driveshaft without debris in the u-joints, a sturdy and unbroken frame, well-greased fifth wheel, and leak-free fuel tanks. Also, inspect stairs and catwalks for cleanliness and integrity.
A thorough pre-trip inspection should take approximately 15 to 30 minutes to complete.
Source: HERE