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Deep Dive Audio: Pre-trip Inspections
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Day to Day Operations: Outside Your Tractor
Drivers can simplify their pre-trip inspections by remembering the following inspection points/terms: 1) cracks in steel, 2) puntures in hoses (or no hoses), 3) loose fittings, and 4) leaks (gas and fluids). The fifth 5) brake pad thickness is only applicable when conducting Wheel Integrity checks. Each "Area" of the driver's inspection will include a check generally of these four inspection points. For the sake of simplification these four inspection points are referred to as an Integrity Check.
Integrity checks are performed at each "Area" outside of the vehicle, Areas 1-10. In "Areas" where wheels and tires are present a wheel integrity check is required and an "A.B.C.D." tire inspection. On pre-trip inspections drivers should always carry a flashlight with freshly charged batteries, and have a tire guage accessible if it becomes necessary to check borderline tire depths.
Pre-Trip Inspection Points:
The integrity check encompasses the following four points:
Cracks in steel
Punctures in hoses (or "No hoses")
Loose fittings
Leaks (gas and fluids)
Brake pad thickness (Wheel Integrity checks only)
An integrity check is performed at each designated inspection area outside of the vehicle.
At each area where wheels and tires are present, a:
Wheel integrity check is required
Tire inspection using the "A.B.C.D." method is required.
Abrasions
Bulges
Cuts
Depth (tread depth)
A driver will start their pre-trip inspection standing a good distance in front of the vehicle (20-30 ft) walking from side to side until all lights on the truck and trailer can be viewed and verified visibly as working. During this walk, drivers will also check the tractor/trailer alignment (if there is any tilt to one side or another), and if bottom is clear of any loose or hanging hoses, wires, or out of place parts:
19-25 Lights
Truck/Trailer Alignment
Driver's will begin their Area 2 inspection checking fluid levels (oil, fuel, and coolant), followed by an Engine Integrity check, Wheel Integrity Check, and A.B.C.D. tire inspection:
Fluids-full and none leaking (oil, fuel, coolant)
Integrity (Engine)- cracks in steel, loose fittings, punctures in hoses, leaks
Wheel Integrity- inside/outside: cracks in steel, loose fittings, puncture in hoses, leaks
Tires- Abrasions, Bulges, Cuts, Depth
Area 3 inspection involves a gap integrity check, a wheel integrity check on the front drive axle wheel, and a A.B.C.D. tire inspection on all four driver side drive tires.
Gap Integrity-cracks in steel, loose fittings, punctures in hoses, leaks
Wheel Integrity-cracks in steel, loose fittings, punctures in hoses, leaks
Tires-Abrasions, Bulges, Cuts, Depth
Area 4 inspection involves a trailer integrity check, and an A.B.C.D. tire inspection on all four trailer driver side tires.
Tires-Abrasions, Bulges, Cuts, Depth
Trailer Side Integrity-cracks in steel, loose fittings, punctures in hoses, leaks
Area 5 inspection involves a trailer integrity check on the rear doors.
Lights
Integrity-cracks in steel, loose fittings, punctures in hoses, leaks
Area 6 inspection involves Wheel Integrity checks on all four trailer trailer wheels. This particular Wheel Integrity check will require the driver to position themselves (crawl) underneath the trailer. Also, while underneath, the driver must position their head accurately on both the left and right sides of the trailer in order to verify that oil is not leaking in the wheels. When underneath the trailer, use of a flashlight is necessary to provide adequate light for quality integrity checks.
Wheel Integrity-cracks in steel, punctures in hoses, loose fittings, leaks, brake pad thickness
Area 7 inspection involves a trailer integrity check, and an A.B.C.D. tire inspection on all four trailer passenger side tires.
Tires-Abrasions, Bulges, Cuts, Depth
Trailer Side Integrity-cracks in steel, loose fittings, punctures in hoses, leaks
For the Area 8 inspection use the same techniques in Area 6 to check the Integrity of the wheels. Additionally, use your flashlight to verify the kingpin is locked securely into place, where the lock’s edge is visible across the entire king pin. The lock should go completely from one side of the fifth wheel to the other, where the tip of the lock is no longer visible.
Area 9 inspection involves a Gap Integrity check, a Wheel Integrity check on the front drive axle wheel, and a A.B.C.D. tire inspection on all four driver side drive tires.
Gap Integrity-cracks in steel, loose fittings, punctures in hoses, leaks
Wheel Integrity-cracks in steel, loose fittings, punctures in hoses, leaks
Tires-Abrasions, Bulges, Cuts, Depth
Area 10 inspections include an Engine Integrity check, Wheel Integrity check, and A.B.C.D. tire inspection:
Integrity (Engine)- cracks in steel, loose fittings, punctures in hoses, leaks
Wheel Integrity- inside/outside: cracks in steel, loose fittings, puncture in hoses, leaks
Tires- Abrasions, Bulges, Cuts, Depth
For Area 11 inspections driver's will check the following:
Horn-city horn and loud horn
Wipers-functioning with fluid
Lights-Low and High
Brake Test
Air Brake Check: Ensure air system pressure is within the normal operating range.
Parking Brake Test: Set the parking brake. Gently attempt to pull forward to confirm the brake holds.
Service Brake Test: While driving slowly and in a safe area, apply the service brake firmly. Observe for any pulling or unusual behavior. The truck should stop in a straight line without significant delay.
Low Air Pressure Warning: With the engine off and the key on, fan the brake pedal to reduce air pressure. Listen and observe the low air pressure warning light and buzzer activate as required.
Air Leak Test: With a fully charged air system, shut off the engine and release the parking brake. Time how long it takes for the air pressure to drop; it should not exceed specified limits. Listen for any air leaks.