Pre Trip Inspection

New Air Brake Test Steps

1. Air Gauge and Governor Cutoff Check

2. Air Leakage Rate Test

3. Air Warning Device Test

4. Emergency Brake Test

Air Gauge and Governor Cutoff Check (What do you do?)

I'll chock the wheels, then perform a safe start. I'll inspect the gauges are all working and build my air pressure to governor cutoff (approximately 120 -140 psi) and identify the cutoff.

Air Leakage Rate Test (What do you do?)

I'll shut off the engine and return the key to the ON position, then release (push in) the brakes. I'll fully apply the brake for one (1) minute. I won't lose more than four 4 psi in that minute, after my gauge is stabilized.

Examiner, please time me. I did not lose more than 4psi.

Air Warning Device Test (What do you do?)

I'll begin fanning the brakes and the low the brakes and air warning devices a red light and buzzer should activate BEFORE warning devices a red light and buzzer should  55 psi.

Emergency Brake Test

I'll continue fanning the brakes until both brake valves pop out between 45 and 20 psi.

Parking and Trailer Brake Check

• Parking Brake: With the parking brake engaged (trailer brakes released on combination vehicles, if applicable), remove foot from service brake and inspect that the parking brake will hold the vehicle by gently pulling forward with the parking brake on.

• Trailer Brake: With the parking brake released and the trailer parking brake engaged (combination vehicles only), remove foot from service brake and inspect that the trailer parking brake will hold the vehicle by gently pulling forward with the trailer parking brake on. Also assists in checking the coupling connection with trailer.

Service Brake Check

Pull forward at 5 mph, apply the service (foot) brake and come to a complete stop. Inspect to see that the vehicle does not pull to either side and stops when the service brake is applied. If the vehicle pulls to either side or does not stop well, the brakes may not be working correctly.

Engine Start (After Safe Start)

Each of the following items must be inspected. Inspect to make sure the dash indicators work when the vehicle starts and when corresponding lights are turned on including:

• Left turn signal indicator

• Right turn signal indicator.

• Four-way emergency indicator.

• High beam headlight indicator.

• ABS indicator on dashboard; (and for combination vehicles only, the rear driver's side trailer ABS light should turn on then off), if equipped.

• DEF indicator, if equipped.

Emergency Equipment

What do you check for?

• Inspect for three (3) red reflective triangles.

• Inspect for a properly charged and secured fire extinguisher

• Inspect for spare electrical fuses (if used) or identify circuit breakers.

Windshield/Mirrors/Wipers

What do you check for?

• Inspect that the windshield is clean with no obstructions except for an inspection sticker. There can be no damage, such as cracks or flaws to the glass.

• Inspect that mirrors are clean and adjusted properly from the inside, when present.

• Inspect that wiper arms and blades are secure, not damaged, and demonstrate wipers operate smoothly by turning them on and off.

• Inspect for windshield washer fluid and demonstrate windshield washers operate correctly by activating the washers.

Heater/Defroster

What do you check for?

Identify, describe and demonstrate the heater(s) and defroster(s) work correctly by operating the controls.

Horns

What do you check for?

• Inspect that air horn and/or electric horn work.

External Lights

What do you check for?

• Inspect that all lights on the front, sides and rear of the vehicle operate and illuminate when corresponding lights are turned on, including the left and right turn signals, 4-way flashers, low beam headlights, high beam headlights, clearance or marker lights, taillights and brake lights. Inspect that brake lights come "on" when brakes are applied and turn "off" when brakes are released.

• Note: on a combination vehicle, you need only inspect the rear of the trailer.

Vehicle Front

What do you check for?

• Inspect that light lenses or covers are the proper color, clean, not broken and not missing.

• With the engine off, indicate that fluids would be inspected for proper levels including the:

  • Engine oil;

  • Cooling system/coolant;

  • Power steering fluid;

• Look for puddles on the ground.

• Look for dripping fluids around and on underside of engine and transmission. Inspect hoses and air lines, if applicable, for condition and leaks.

Steering System

What do you check for?

• Inspect that the power steering box is securely mounted and not leaking.

• Inspect that all steering hoses and connections are not cracked, worn or leaking.

• Inspect that the steering system has no missing nuts, bolts, or cotter keys.

• Inspect that visible connecting links, arms, and rods from the steering box to the wheel are not worn or cracked and that joints and sockets are not worn or loose.

Tires

What do you check for?

• Tire inflation: Inspect for proper inflation using a tire gauge. Make sure all valve stems are accessible.

• Tire condition: Inspect for cuts and damage that expose body plies to the tire in the tread and sidewall. Make sure that valve caps are not missing, and valve stems are not damaged or broken. Look for bumps and bulges in the sidewall and mismatched diameters in dual tires.

• Tread depth: Inspect for minimum tread depth with a tread depth gauge on all major tread grooves containing wear bars (4/32 on steering axle tires, 2/32 on all other tires).

Rims

What do you check for?

• Inspect for damaged, cracked or bent rims. Rims cannot have welding repairs.

• Inspect for rust trails that may indicate rim is loose on a wedge wheel, if applicable.

• Inspect that light lenses or covers proper color, clean, not broken and not missing.

• Inspect studs and bolt holes to make sure they are not elongated (out of round) and there are no loose nuts or bolts.

Lug Nuts

What do you check for?

• Inspect that all lug nuts are present.

• Inspect that lug nuts are not loose and there are no signs of rust trails or shiny threads that may show looseness.

• Inspect that there are no broken studs.

Springs/Air Bags/Shocks

What do you check for?

• Inspect for missing, shifted, cracked, or broken leaf springs and inspect that spring mounts are not cracked, broken or missing any parts.

• Inspect for broken or distorted coil springs and inspect that mounts are not cracked, broken or have any missing parts.

• Inspect that the air ride suspension is secure, not damaged and not leaking (if equipped).

• Inspect that shock absorbers are secure, not damaged and not leaking (if equipped).

• Inspect that the vehicle is sitting level (front to rear and side to side).

Brake Lines/Hoses/Leaks

What do you check for?

• Inspect that hoses or lines can supply air or hydraulic fluid to the brakes and are not leaking.

• Inspect for cracked, worn or frayed hoses or lines.

• Inspect that all hose or line couplings and fittings are secure.

Brake Contaminates

What do you check for?

If accessible, inspect for contaminants such as grease, oil, etc., on the brake lining or pads and the brake drum or disc that can affect braking capabilities.

Side of Vehicle

What do you check for?

• Inspect that light lenses or covers on the sides of the vehicle and trailer (combination only) are the proper color, clean, not broken or missing.

• Inspect that reflectors on the sides of the vehicle and trailer (combination only) are the proper color, clean, not broken or missing.

Mirrors/Monitoring Devices

What do you check for?

• Inspect that mirror(s) are clean and not cracked and mirror brackets are not bent and are mounted securely with no missing parts.

• If equipped, rear and side view monitoring devices or cameras must be clean to view from the inside.

Battery/Electrical System

What do you check for?

Inspect that batteries are secure, if visible. Inspect that all connections are tight and should not show signs of excessive corrosion, if visible.

Fuel Tanks

What do you check for?

Inspect that all fuel tank(s), including Diesel Exhaust Fuel (DEF) tank(s), if equipped, are securely mounted, cap(s) are tight, and that there are no leaks from tank(s) or lines.

Frame

What do you check for?

• Inspect for cracks, broken welds, holes or other damage to the frame members, including the trailer, if applicable.

• Inspect for cracks, breaks or holes in the cargo area or floor, including the trailer, if applicable.

• Inspect that trailer tandem release lever and pins are secure, if applicable

Air and Electric Lines and Connectors

What do you check for?

• Inspect that air and electric connectors on the power unit and trailer are seated and sealed, free of damage and locked into place.

• Inspect that air hoses and electrical lines are not cut, cracked, chafed, spliced, taped or worn (steel braid/electrical conductor must not show through). Listen for air leaks (air brake systems only).

• Inspect that electrical lines and air lines (if equipped) are not tangled, crimped or pinched, or dragging against vehicle parts or the ground.

Fifth Wheel Skid Plate

What do you check for?

• Inspect that the fifth wheel skid plate is securely mounted to the vehicle by the fifth wheel platform.

• Inspect for cracks, breaks or excessive wear.

• Inspect for proper lubrication, if applicable.

Kingpin/Apron and Gap

What do you check for?

• Inspect that the kingpin is in place and not bent, damaged or worn.

• Inspect that the visible part of the apron is not bent, cracked, or broken.

• Inspect that the trailer is lying flat on the fifth wheel skid plate and there is no space between the apron and fifth wheel (no gap).

• Inspect for proper lubrication, if applicable.

  
  

Air and Electric Lines and Connectors

What do you check for?

• Inspect that air and electric connectors on the power unit and trailer are seated and sealed, free of damage and locked into place.

• Inspect that air hoses and electrical lines are not cut, crack, chafed, spliced, taped or worn (steel braid/electrical conductor must not show through). Listen for air leaks (air brake systems only).

• Inspect that electrical lines and air lines (if equipped) are not tangled, crimped, or pinched, or dragging against vehicle parts or the ground.

Fifth Wheel Skid Plate

What do you check for?

• Inspect that the fifth wheel skid plate is securely mounted to the vehicle by the fifth wheel platform.

• Inspect for cracks, breaks or excessive wear.

• Inspect for proper lubrication, if applicable.

Kingpin/Apron and Gap

What do you check for?

• Inspect that the kingpin is in place and not bent, damaged, or worn.

• Inspect that the visible part of the apron is not bent, cracked, or broken.

• Inspect that the trailer is lying flat on the fifth wheel skid plate and there is no space between the apron and fifth wheel (no gap).

• Inspect for proper lubrication, if applicable.

Locking and Safety Devices

What do you check for?

• Look into fifth wheel gap and inspect that locking jaws or ever are fully secured around the kingpin and inspect for play between kingpin and locking jaws/lever.

• Inspect that the release arm is in the engaged position and the safety latch or lock (if equipped) is in place.

• Inspect the siding fifth wheel locking pins (if equipped) for damage and the pins are fully engaged.

Landing Gear and Clearance

What do you check for?

• Inspect that the landing gear is fully raised, has no missing parts, the crank handle is secure, and the support frame and landing pads are not damaged.

• If tractor semi-trailer, inspect that the fifth wheel is positioned properly so that the tractor frame will clear the landing gear during turns.

Reflective Tape

What do you check for?

• Inspect that reflector tape on the sides and rear of the trailer are present and affixed securely to the vehicle.

Rear of Vehicle/Trailer

What do you check for?

• Inspect that light lenses or covers are the proper color clean, not broken and not missing.

• Inspect that reflectors are the proper color, clean, not broken and not missing.