Content Overview
The Pre Trip Inspection Checklist form serves as a vital tool for ensuring the safety and functionality of vehicles before embarking on any journey. This comprehensive document outlines critical components that drivers must examine, including tires, brakes, lights, and fluid levels. By systematically reviewing these elements, drivers can identify potential issues that may compromise safety on the road. The checklist not only emphasizes mechanical aspects but also encourages drivers to assess the overall condition of the vehicle, including the interior and exterior. Additionally, it often incorporates guidelines for documenting any findings, which can be crucial for maintaining compliance with safety regulations. This proactive approach fosters accountability and promotes a culture of safety among drivers, ultimately contributing to the well-being of all road users.
Key takeaways
Filling out and using the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist form is crucial for ensuring safety and compliance. Here are some key takeaways:
- Thoroughness is essential: Each section of the checklist must be completed in detail. Omitting any item can lead to safety hazards.
- Document findings: Any issues discovered during the inspection should be documented clearly. This helps in tracking repairs and ensuring accountability.
- Regular updates: The checklist should be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect any changes in regulations or vehicle conditions.
- Training is important: All personnel involved in the inspection process should be adequately trained. Understanding how to use the checklist effectively is key to maintaining safety standards.
Guide to Writing Pre Trip Inspection Checklist
To ensure your vehicle is safe and ready for the road, it’s essential to complete the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist form accurately. Follow these steps to fill out the form correctly, and you'll be on your way in no time.
- Begin by entering the date at the top of the form.
- Write down the vehicle identification number (VIN) in the designated space.
- Fill in the odometer reading to indicate the vehicle's mileage.
- Check each item listed on the checklist. This typically includes brakes, lights, tires, and fluid levels.
- For each item, mark "Yes" if it is in good condition or "No" if it needs attention.
- If you marked "No" for any item, provide a brief description of the issue in the comments section.
- Sign and date the form at the bottom to confirm that the inspection has been completed.
Once you have filled out the checklist, keep a copy for your records and ensure any necessary repairs are addressed before hitting the road.
Browse Other PDFs
Hoa Proxy Form - Understanding the voting process can empower more homeowners to participate.
Free Puppy Vaccine Record - Document ensures veterinary practices adhere to health standards.
To facilitate the rental process, utilizing a well-structured Rental Application form is essential, as it collects vital personal and financial details from applicants, allowing landlords to evaluate their qualifications effectively. For those seeking an efficient template for this purpose, resources such as smarttemplates.net offer helpful solutions.
License Application - The form provides options for applying for various classes of driver licenses.
Form Preview Example
Class A CDL
®
FRONT OF TRACTOR
LIGHTS & REFLECTORS o Proper Color
o Working
o Not Broken o Not cracked
LEAKS
o Check for puddles
o Check for drips under engine
Lights
License Plate
Leaks
Reference Items |
ENGINE COMPARTMENT - PASSENGER SIDE
WATER PUMP o Mounted Securely
o No missing bolts or parts o Hoses attached securely
o No leaking hoses or water pump o Belts no more than ¾ inch of play
o Belts not cracked, frayed, or damaged
ALTERNATOR
o Mounted Securely
o No missing bolts or parts
oWires good connections, not frayed
oBelt no more than ¾ inch of play
oBelts not frayed or cracked
OIL LEVEL
oCheck for level and condition
PLUS ALL OTHER HOSES & WIRING
oNot cracked, frayed, or broken
oBelts no more than ¾ inch of play o Hoses not leaking
Engine Air Duct Work
Engine Air Duct Work
Oil Dip Stick
Oil Fill
|
Accessory Drive |
|
Belts |
|
Water Pump |
Turbo Charger |
Alternator |
Reference Items |
1
Class A CDL
®
ENGINE COMPARTMENT - DRIVER SIDE
COOLANT
oCheck for level and condition
oHoses attached and not leaking
POWER STEERING RESERVOIR
oMounted properly
oHoses attached and not leaking
oCheck for level and condition
AIR COMPRESSOR
oMounted Securely
oNo missing bolts or parts
oNo air leaks at lines
oCheck if gear or belt driven
oBelt no more than ¾ inch of play
oBelts not cracked or frayed
STEERING GEAR BOX
oMounted properly
oNo missing parts, nuts or bolts o Lines and hoses not leaking or broken
|
Engine Coolant |
|
Reservoir |
|
Windsheild |
|
Washer Fluid |
|
Reservoir |
Engine Air Duct |
|
Work |
|
Power Steering |
|
Reservoir |
Radiator Brace |
|
|
Steering Gear |
|
Box |
|
Pitman Arm |
|
Reference Items |
POWER STEERING RESERVOIR |
ENGINE COMPARTMENT - DRIVER SIDE CON’T |
||
|
|
|
|
o Mounted properly |
|
|
|
o Hoses attached and not leaking |
|
|
|
o Check for level and condition |
|
|
|
AIR COMPRESSOR |
|
|
|
o Mounted Securely |
Power Steering |
|
|
o No missing bolts or parts |
|
|
|
Reservoir |
|
|
|
o No air leaks at lines |
|
|
|
o Check if gear or belt driven |
|
|
|
o Belt no more than ¾ inch of play |
|
|
|
o Belts not cracked or frayed |
|
|
|
STEERING GEAR BOX |
Steering Gear |
|
|
Box |
|
|
|
o Mounted properly |
|
|
|
o No missing parts, nuts or bolts |
|
|
|
o Lines and hoses not leaking or |
Pitman Arm |
|
|
broken |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
STEERING LINKAGE |
|
|
|
o Pitman arm, Drag link, Steering |
|
|
|
knuckle, Tie rods and tie rod ends |
|
|
|
o Not cracked, bent or broken |
Spring Mount |
Drag Link |
Leaf Spring |
o Castle nuts and cotter pins |
|
|
|
o Not missing and in place |
|
|
|
Reference Items |
Air Governor
Air Compressor
Engine Oil Pan
2
Class A CDL
®
AIR COMPRESSOR o Mounted Securely
o No missing bolts or parts o No air leaks at lines
o Check if gear or belt driven
o Belt no more than ¾ inch of play o Belts not cracked or frayed
STEERING GEAR BOX
o Mounted properly
oNo missing parts, nuts or bolts o Lines and hoses not leaking or broken
ENGINE COMPARTMENT - DRIVER SIDE CON’T
Engine Air Duct
Work
Fan Belts
Gear Driven Air
Compressor
Steering
Steering Column
Additional Hoses & Wiring
Shock Absorber
Steering Gear Box |
Frame Rail |
Fuel Filter |
Reference Items |
||
ENGINE COMPARTMENT - AIR COMPRESSOR
AIR COMPRESSOR o Mounted Securely
o No missing bolts or parts o No air leaks at lines
o Check if gear or belt driven
o Belt no more than ¾ inch of play o Belts not cracked or frayed
Air Governor
Gear Driven Air Compressor
Hoses
Fuel Pump
Reference Items |
3
Class A CDL
®
FRONT SUSPENSION
LEAF SPRINGS
o Not shifted or out of place
oNot cracked, broken or missing
SPRING MOUNTS
oMounted securely- front, back, and
oNot cracked or broken
SHOCK ABSORBER
oMounted Securely
oNot bent or dented o Not leaking
Shock Absorber
Leaf Spring
Tie Rod
Air Hose
Air LIne
Tie Rod End
Axle |
Service Brake |
Chamber |
Reference Items |
LEAF SPRINGS
o Not shifted or out of place
oNot cracked, broken or missing
SPRING MOUNTS
oMounted securely- front, back, and
oNot cracked or broken
SHOCK ABSORBER
oMounted Securely
oNot bent or dented o Not leaking
FRONT SUSPENSION CON’T
Frame Rail
Leaf Spring
Air Dryer location varies depending on model.
Located either behind the front bumper or behind the fuel tank.
Reference Items |
4
Spring Mount
Air Dryer
Class A CDL
®
HOSES AND LINES |
|
FRONT BRAKES |
|
|
|
||
o Mounted securely |
Service Brake |
|
|
o |
Not leaking |
|
|
o |
Not cracked or frayed |
Chamber |
|
|
Tire |
||
|
|
|
|
CHAMBER |
Push Rod |
|
|
o Mounted securely |
|
|
|
o Not dented or damaged |
|
Wheel |
|
o |
Not leaking |
|
|
SLACK ADJUSTER |
|
Slack Adjuster |
|
o |
No more than 1 inch of free play at |
Castle Nut |
|
the push rod with the brakes released. |
Cotter Pin |
Adjustment Nut |
|
o |
Not bent, broken, loose, or missing |
|
|
|
|
||
parts |
Steering |
|
|
|
|
Knuckle |
Brake Drum |
DRUMS |
|
||
|
|
||
o |
Not cracked, broken or dented |
|
|
o |
No oil leaking from inner oil seal, |
Snap Ring |
|
free of debris |
|
Brake Lining |
|
LININGS |
|
|
|
oNo cracked, broken or missing parts o Not less than ¼ inch in thickness
Reference Items |
HOSES AND LINES o Mounted securely o Not leaking
o Not cracked or frayed
CHAMBER
o Mounted securely
oNot dented or damaged
oNot leaking
SLACK ADJUSTER
oNo more than 1 inch of free play at the push rod with the brakes released.
oNot bent, broken, loose, or missing parts
DRUMS
oNot cracked, broken or dented
oNo oil leaking from inner oil seal, free of debris
LININGS
oNo cracked, broken or missing parts
oNot less than ¼ inch in thickness
FRONT BRAKES CON’T
Service Brake
Chamber
Push Rod
Clevis Pin &
Cotter Pin
Slack Adjuster
Reference Items |
Air Line
Air Hose
Shock Absorber
Spring
5
Class A CDL
®
FRONT WHEEL
TIRES
oProper inflation – company or manufacturer specification
o No bulges, cuts, or retreads
o Minimum tread depth of 4/32”
RIMS
oNot bent, cracked, No welding repairs.
LUG NUTS
oNone are missing
oTight – no shinny threads, or rust trails
OUTER HUB OIL SEALS
oNot leaking, no missing bolts o Proper oil level
Tire |
Wheel |
|
Hub Oil |
Lug Nut |
|
Reservior |
||
|
||
Outer Hub |
Valve Cap |
|
Oil Seal |
|
Reference Items |
DRIVER FUEL AREA
DRIVER’S DOOR
oDoor opens and closes properly
oSeal is in good condition
DRIVER’S MIRRORS
oClean and free of obstruction
oNot cracked, broken, or damaged
oMounted securely
FUEL TANK
oMounted securely
o Not leaking
o Seal in cap OK
Mirror |
Storage |
Compartment |
Door |
Cap & Seal |
Battery Box & |
Cover |
Saddle Mounts |
Leaks |
Reference Items |
6
Class A CDL
®
AIR LINES & ELECTRIC LINE o Not cracked, frayed, cut, or kinked o Mounted securely at the glad hands o Not leaking
BEHIND THE CAB
BATTERY BOX & BATTERIES o Box is mounted properly
o Batteries are secure in the box o Lid secure
o Connections not corroded
CATWALK
o Mounted properly
oNot, missing, or damaged
oFree of obstructions
DRIVE SHAFT
oNot bent, or damaged
oCoupling,
EXHAUST SYSTEM
oSecurely mounted
oNot dented or damaged
oNot leaking
FRAME
oNot cracked, or damaged
oNo missing bolts
oNo illegal welds
LIGHTS & REFLECTORS
oClean and working
Lights & |
|
Reflectors |
|
Electrical Line |
Exhaust |
Glad Hand |
|
Service & |
|
Emergency |
|
Airlines |
Drive Shaft |
|
|
Battery Box & |
|
Batteries |
|
Frame |
Catwalk |
Reference Items |
FRONT OF TRAILER
HEADER BOARD
oNo holes or missing rivets
LIGHTS & REFLECTORS
oNone broken, cracked, or missing
oWorking and proper color of amber
Lights |
Header Board |
Height Sticker
Electric Hookup
Air Line
Reference Items |
7
Class A CDL
®
DRIVE AXLE SUSPENSION
CONTROL ARM MOUNT o Mounted securely
o Not bent, broken or damaged
CONTROLARM
oMounted securely – front, back, and
o Not cracked, or broken
SHOCK ABSORBER
o Mounted Securely
oNot bent, dented or leaking
TORSION BAR
oMounted Securely
oNot bent, broken or damaged
AIR BAGS
oMounted Securely
o Not leaking
Spring Brake |
Torsion Bar |
|
|
Chamber |
Control Arm |
|
|
Spring Brake |
|
Chamber |
Air Bag |
|
|
|
Control Arm |
|
Mount |
Control Arm |
|
Reference Items |
DRIVE AXLE SUSPENSION CON’T & FIFTH WHEEL
CONTROL ARM MOUNT o Mounted securely
o Not bent, broken or damaged
CONTROLARM
oMounted securely – front, back, and
o Not cracked, or broken
SHOCK ABSORBER
o Mounted Securely
oNot bent, dented or leaking
TORSION BAR
oMounted Securely
oNot bent, broken or damaged
AIR BAGS
oMounted Securely
o Not leaking
Skid Plate |
|
|
Shock Absorber |
Mounting |
|
Bolts |
|
Locking |
Spring |
|
|
Pins |
|
Control Arm |
Air Bag |
|
|
Mount |
|
|
Tire |
Control Arm |
|
|
Space |
Reference Items |
8
Class A CDL
®
HOSES AND LINES o Mounted securely o Not leaking
o Not cracked or frayed
CHAMBER
o Mounted securely
oNot dented or damaged
oNot leaking
SLACK ADJUSTER
oNo more than 1 inch of free play at the push rod with the brakes released.
oNo bent, broken, loose, or missing parts
DRUMS
oNot cracked, broken or dented
oNo oil leaking from inner oil seal, free of debris
LININGS
oNo cracked, broken or missing parts
oNot less than ¼ inch in thickness
DRIVE BRAKES & DRIVE SHAFT
Drive Shaft
Universal Joint
Differential
Reference Items |
Air Line
Service Brake Chamber
Frame
Brake Chamber Mount
Slack Adjuster
TIRES
oProper inflation - company or manufacturer specification.
o No bulges or cuts, can have retreads o Minimum tread depth of 2/32”
RIMS
oNot bent or cracked
oNo welding repairs
LUG NUTS
oNone missing
oTight – no shinny threads, or rust trails
OUTER AXLE SEAL
oNot leaking, no missing bolts
SPACE OR SPACER
oCheck for objects between wheels
oCheck for proper spacing
Lug Nuts
Outer Axle Seal
DRIVE WHEELS
Tire
Bud Rim
Dayton Rim |
Spacer |
Reference Items |
9
Class A CDL
®
REAR OF TRACTOR
LIGHTS & REFLECTORS o Not cracked, or broken
o Working and proper color
SPLASH GUARDS
oNot missing or torn and properly mounted
Locking Jaws |
|
|
Reflectors |
|
Lights |
Splash Guard |
Air Bags |
Reference Items |
MOUNTING BOLTS
oNone missing or broken
RELEASE ARM
oNot bent, broken, or damaged
oEngaged in the lock position
LOCKING PINS
oNo missing or broken parts
oEngaged and locked
PLATFORM
oSecurely holds skid plate
oNot cracked, or broken
SKID PLATE
oMounted properly on the platform
oProperly greased
oTilting freely
Mounting Bolts
Slide Stops (all 4 corners)
COUPLING SYSTEM
Skid Plate |
Pivot Pin |
Release Arm |
Platform |
KING PIN |
Welds |
oNot broken, bent, or damaged
APRON
oNo bends or damage to visible portions
GAP
oCheck that the trailer apron is lying flat on the fifth wheel skid plate
Frame |
Slide Locking Pin |
Spring Mount |
JAWS |
Reference Items |
|
|
|
|
o Check that the locking jaws are fully |
|
|
closed around the shank of the king pin |
10 |
|
Documents used along the form
When preparing for a trip, especially in a commercial or professional context, several documents work in conjunction with the Pre Trip Inspection Checklist. Each of these forms plays a crucial role in ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency. Below is a list of commonly used documents that accompany the checklist.
- Driver's Logbook: This document records a driver's hours of service, including driving time, rest breaks, and off-duty hours. It helps ensure compliance with regulations regarding driving limits and promotes road safety.
- Vehicle Maintenance Record: This form tracks all maintenance and repair activities performed on the vehicle. Keeping an accurate record helps identify patterns that may indicate recurring issues and ensures that the vehicle remains in good working condition.
- Fuel Purchase Receipts: These receipts provide a record of fuel purchases made during trips. They are important for tracking expenses and can be useful for budgeting and accounting purposes.
- Route Plan: A route plan outlines the intended path for the trip, including stops and estimated arrival times. It aids in navigation and can help identify potential hazards or delays along the way.
- Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale: For those involved in vehicle sales, utilizing a comprehensive Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale form guide streamlines the documentation process and ensures all legal requirements are met.
- Emergency Contact List: This document contains contact information for key personnel, including dispatchers, supervisors, and emergency services. Having this information readily available can be critical in case of an emergency.
- Safety Training Certificates: These certificates demonstrate that drivers have completed necessary safety training programs. They can be important for compliance with industry regulations and for promoting a culture of safety within the organization.
Each of these documents serves a unique purpose, contributing to a comprehensive approach to trip preparation. By ensuring that all necessary forms are completed and reviewed, individuals and organizations can enhance safety, efficiency, and compliance throughout their journeys.