- All of these
- That you know how to tell whether or not the vehicle is safe to drive
- That you can locate and identify specific critical components
- That you understand how the vehicle operates
From The CDL Manual
During the pre-trip inspection, you must show that the vehicle is safe to drive. You may have to walk around the vehicle and point to or touch each item and explain to the examiner what you are checking and why. You will NOT have to crawl under the hood or under the vehicle. In addition to this section, drivers should also review Section 2 prior to conducting the pre-trip inspection.
Drivers need to have knowledge of how the actual vehicle(s) that they are conducting the test in operate. The drivers need to be able to explain and demonstrate different checks for the examiner as requested.
- Check for hose leaks
- Verify correct type of oil is being used
- Check belt condition
- Check oil level
From The CDL Manual
Engine Compartment (Engine Off)
Leaks/Hoses:
- Look for puddles on the ground.
- Look for dripping fluids on underside of engine and transmission.
- Inspect hoses for condition and leaks.
Oil Level:
- Indicate where dipstick is located.
- See that oil level is within safe operating range. Level must be above refill mark.
Coolant Level:
- Inspect reservoir sight glass, or
- If engine is not hot, remove radiator cap and check for visible coolant level.
Power Steering Fluid:
- Indicate where power steering fluid dipstick is located.
- Check for adequate power steering fluid level. Level must be above refill mark.
Engine Compartment Belts:
Check the following belts for snugness (up to 1/4-inch play at center of belt), cracks or frays:
- Power steering belt.
- Water pump belt.
- Alternator belt.
- Air compressor belt.
Check the following belts for snugness (up to 1/4-inch play at center of belt), cracks or frays:
- Power steering belt.
- Water pump belt.
- Alternator belt.
- Air compressor belt.
- Dripping fluids on the transmission and engine
- These are all issues to look for when inspecting hoses
- Visible leaks and/or poor condition of the hoses
- Puddles on the ground
From The CDL Manual
Leaks/Hoses:
- Look for puddles on the ground.
- Look for dripping fluids on underside of engine and transmission.
- Inspect hoses for condition and leaks.
- Completely covers the dipstick
- Is above the refill mark
- Is as low as possible
- Regardless, you should add oil every day
From The CDL Manual
Oil Level:
- Indicate where dipstick is located.
- See that oil level is within safe operating range. Level must be above refill mark.
- When the engine is hot
- When the engine is cool
- While the engine is running
- Only after driving
From The CDL Manual
Coolant Level:
- Inspect reservoir sight glass, or
- If engine is not hot, remove radiator cap and check for visible coolant level.
- 1/2-inch
- 1 inch
- 1/4-inch
- 3 fingers
From The CDL Manual
Engine Compartment Belts:
- Power steering belt.
- Water pump belt.
- Alternator belt.
- Air compressor belt.
Check the following belts for snugness (up to 1/4-inch play at center of belt), cracks or frays:
- Water pump
- Oil pump
- Power steering
- Alternator
From The CDL Manual
Engine Compartment Belts:
- Power steering belt.
- Water pump belt.
- Alternator belt.
- Air compressor belt.
Check the following belts for snugness (up to 1/4-inch play at center of belt), cracks or frays:
- Oil
- Coolant
- Power steering
- Drivers will need to check all of these during pre-trip
From The CDL Manual
Oil Level:
- Indicate where dipstick is located.
- See that oil level is within safe operating range. Level must be above refill mark.
Coolant Level:
- Inspect reservoir sight glass, or
- If engine is not hot, remove radiator cap and check for visible coolant level.
Power Steering Fluid:
- Indicate where power steering fluid dipstick is located.
- Check for adequate power steering fluid level. Level must be above refill mark.
- Coolant level
- Air pressure
- Temperature
- Oil pressure
From The CDL Manual
Cab Check/Engine Start
Oil Pressure Gauge:
- Make sure oil pressure gauge is working.
- Check that pressure gauge shows increasing or normal oil pressure or that the warning light goes off.
- If equipped, oil temperature gauge should begin a gradual rise to the normal operating range.
Temperature Gauge:
- Make sure the temperature gauge is working.
- Temperature should begin to climb to the normal operating range or temperature light should be off.
Air Gauge:
- Make sure the air gauge is working properly.
- Build air pressure to governor cut-out, roughly 120-140 psi.
- 100 psi
- 60-80 psi
- 180 psi
- Between 120-140 psi
From The CDL Manual
Air Gauge:
- Make sure the air gauge is working properly.
- Build air pressure to governor cut-out, roughly 120-140 psi.