Everything You Need to Know about a Pre-trip Inspection
Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist for Class A CDL
Drivers who have Class A CDL generally have to finish a pre-trip inspection on their non-passenger commercial vehicles. Having a pre-trip inspection helps driver's know what to expect when they pass their CDL exam and what parts of their vehicle they will need to inspect before heading out on the road.The inspection of all the major systems and parts are carried through pre-trip inspection checklist before heading out on the route.
Knowing how to finish a pre-trip inspection is a vital part of trucking.
Pre-trip inspections for class A license
The class A CDL covers non-passenger commercial vehicles.
That Class A CDL(Commercial Driving License) allows you to operate tractor-trailers, tankers, livestock carriers, flatbeds and much more. The DOT requires the drivers to perform a pre-trip inspection before they can operate a commercial vehicle. Same as Class B CDL holders, the real daily pre-trip inspection takes about fifteen minutes or less. The inspection consists of the following with some employers making their own variations.
- Air system and Brakes
- Emergency tools
- Steering
- Reflectors and Lights
- Rims, tires and wheels
- Windshield wipers
- Rear view mirrors
The drivers usually complete a (DVIR) driver vehicle inspection report which records the entire inspection.
When getting a commercial driver license, drivers are required to pass a pre-trip inspection test. It is more intensive than the inspection truck drivers perform regularly. This pre-trip inspection checklist for Class A CDL gives truckers an overview of performing an inspection.
Coolant, oil & power steering: Tanks & Reservoirs should not leak. Examine hoses for splits/cuts & that they are firmly mounted on both ends. Verify proper fluid levels with the help of a dipstick.
Compressor, Pumps and Alternator: All belts should be securely mounted without frays and cracks. Belt must have no more than 1/2 to 3/4 of play.
Hoses(passenger and driver's sides): All hoses consisting of power steering and coolant hoses should be secured on both the ends. They should not have cuts, splits or leaks.
Air Compressor: It may be difficult to see. Make sure it is securely mounted, not broken, cracked or leaked.
Alternator: All wires are rightly connected.
Water pump: All hoses are perfectly connected and not leaked. Front of Trucks
Hoses and Steering Gearbox: No leaks, no damage. Hose should be secured on both the ends. They should not have splits, leaks or cuts.
Steering column or steering shaft: Not bent or broken.
Pitman arm: All caste nuts & cotter pins are present & tight.
Drag Link: Rubber is not split and rightly greased.
Spring mounts or spring hanger: Not cracked or broken.
Leaf springs: None are cracked, broken or shifted.
U-Bolts: All accounted for.
Shock Absorber: No visible leakage. Leaks will show when the top and bottom of the shock meet. Rubber is not split/shows signs of dry rot.
Airbag: Examine rubber for abrasions, cuts/audible leaks and any missing mounting bolts.
- Fuel area and Driver door
- Bracket and Mirrors
- Hardware attached correctly. Clean the mirrors and make sure that they are not broken.
- Hinges and Door
- Denote door operations, latching correctly, hinges intact. Door seals should not be rotten or torn.
- Steps
- Mounted correctly and can hold weight.
- Fuel tank
- No leakage, cap should be tight with seal intact.
- Rear of Trucks
- Drive shaft - not twisted, u-joints not broken and debris free.
- Exhaust system - not loose, no sign of leakage.
- Frame - nothing broken/unauthorized welds.
- Steps and catwalk - Correctly mounted and clear of loose objects.
- Mudflap - secured, not missing or broken. At the right height.
Coupling area: Examine rubber for abrasions, cuts/audible leaks and any missing mounting bolts.
- Air connector: Protected on both ends, no abrasions, cuts/audible leaks. Connectors should not drag/tangle.
- Electric lines: Protected on both ends, no abrasions/cuts. Safety latches in place. Lines should not pull on the catwalk.
- Glad hands: Seals should be in proper condition with no cracks, signs of rotting, or leaking air.
- Fifth wheel platform: Protected to frame, not cracked, bent/broken. No unauthorized/ illegal welds.
- Mounting bolts: No missing bolts & mounted tight.
- Skid plate: Rightly greased.
- Release arm: Secure in fully locked position.
- Kingpin: Mounted and secure. No cracks, bends, and breaks.
- Locking jaw: Fully locked around the kingpin.
- Apron: Mounted and secure. No cracks, bends, and breaks.
- Sliding 5th wheel locking pins: Pin should be in the fully locked position.
Brake system (both tractor and trailer):
- Brake hose: Securely mounted on both ends. No splits, cuts & not audibly leaking air.
- Brake chamber: Not audibly leaking air.
- Slack adjuster & push rod: When brakes are released and dragged by hand, the push rod must have no more than one play. It must stay at a 90° angle to the brake chamber.
- Brake drum: No bluing from excessive heat.
- Brake pads or brake lining: Check for oil and debris on the lining. Minimum brake pad thickness is ¼.
Wheel system (both tractor and trailer) :
- Wheel rims: No unauthorized or illegal welds
- Steer tires: Look for cuts, bulges, & abrasions on the tread & sidewalls. Tread should be evenly worn. Check out inflation levels on tires with an air gauge, filled to manufacturer's specifications.
- Drive tires: Tread should be evenly worn. Examine inflation levels on tires with an air gauge, filled to manufacturer's specifications.
- Valve stem: Rightly secured, metal cap in place. Not audibly leaking air.
- Lug nuts: All accounted for. Check for rust or cracks.
- Hub seal/axle seal: Should not be loose. No visible leaks.
- Spacing: If equipped with duals, there should be proper spacing between the tires.
In conclusion, performing a pre-trip inspection is a critical step for any truck driver to ensure safety on the road. By following the proper procedures and guidelines, drivers can identify potential issues and address them before they become a more significant problem. At Breakdown Inc., we understand the importance of keeping your truck in top condition, which is why we offer a range of services, including truck towing service, truck repair service app, and reefer repair. With our 24/7 availability, you can count on us to be there for you whenever you need us.
