The Hanover Insurance Group

Sample pre-trip inspection of heavy-duty straight trucks

To be effective, a pre-trip inspection of a heavy-duty straight truck (e.g., air-brake equipped) must be thorough and systematic and the individual performing the inspection must know what to look for. The following steps would be applicable to the inspection of a truck, starting at the cab and following a clockwise direction around the vehicle.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides guidance on pre-trip inspections, which this checklist is based on. A "Yes" indicates the item is acceptable. The "Remarks" box should be checked for those items needing attention and details added in the "Remarks" section. Necessary repairs should be made before the vehicle is used.

 

Yes

Remarks

N/A

Engine compartment (engine off)

Oil level

Coolant level

Power steering fluid

Engine compartment belts (not more than ¾ in (1.9 cm) play at center of belt)

Emergency equipment

Check for spare electrical fuses.

Check for three red reflective triangles, six fuses (i.e., road flare) or three liquid burning flares.

Check for a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher (5 B:C or more).

Cab check & engine start

Depress clutch, if equipped. Place gearshift lever in neutral (or park, for automatic transmissions). Start engine, then release clutch slowly if equipped.

Oil pressure gauge

Temperature gauge

Air gauge, build air pressure to governor cut-out, roughly 120-140 psi (9.6 bar)

Ammeter/voltmeter

Mirrors should be clean and adjusted properly from the inside.

Windshield should be clean with no obstructions or damage to the glass.

Check for excessive play by turning steering wheel back and forth. Play should not exceed ten degrees.

Check that wiper arms and blades are secure, not damaged, and operate smoothly.
If equipped, windshield washers must operate correctly.

Horn

Climate, including heat, defrost, and air-conditioning, controls function

Seat belt

Parking brake check

Interior lights and indicators

Test that dash indicators work when corresponding lights are turned on:

  • Left turn signal
  • Right turn signal
  • Four-way emergency flashers
  • High beam headlight
  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS) indicator
  • Courtesy/map light

Air brake check (if equipped)

  • Pressure drop not more than 3 lb. (1.3 kg) in one minute
  • Low air warning not less than 60 psi (4.1 bar)
  • Parking brake applies when pressure drops below 40 psi (2.7 bar)
  • Service breaks side pull test

External inspections

Fuel tank, including system cap

Exhaust system

Frame damage

Splash guards

Door latches

Steering & suspension components check

  • Steering box/hoses
  • Steering linkage
  • Springs/air/torque
  • Shock absorbers

Brakes

  • Slack adjustors
  • Brake chambers
  • Brake air lines
  • Brake linings

Wheels, tires

  • Rims undamaged
  • Tire thread depth, 4/32 in (3.175 mm) steering, 2/32 in (1.5875 mm) all others
  • Tire pressure
  • Hub seals
  • Lug nuts
  • Wheel spacers

Lights and indicators

Using a spotter, or a reflective surface, to verify that the following lights operate:

  • Left turn signal
  • Right turn signal
  • Four-way emergency flashers
  • High beam headlight
  • Brake light
  • Reverse light
  • Low beams
  • High beams
  • Body marker and clearance lights
  • Auxiliary lighting, such as fog lamps, load lights, etc.

Remarks:




















Vehicle:

Date:

Checked by:




Copyright ©2018, ISO Services Properties, Inc.

To learn more about Hanover Risk Solutions, visit hanoverrisksolutions.com


The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("The Hanover") specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with The Hanover. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC DEC 2018 2015-113
171-1173 (5/15)


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