- Check for mis-matched tires
- Use a mallet or tire gauge to check tires for proper inflation
- Kick the tires to check for proper inflation
- Check for minimum tire tread depth
From The CDL Manual
Tires:
The following items must be inspected on every tire:
- Tread depth: Check for minimum tread depth (4/32 on steering axle tires and 2/32 on all other tires).
- Tire condition: Check that tread is evenly worn and look for cuts or other damage to tread or sidewalls. Also, make sure that valve caps and stems are not missing, broken or damaged.
- Tire inflation: Check for proper inflation by using a tire gauge or a mallet. Note: You will not get credit if you simply kick the tires to check for proper inflation.
- That there is no mismatch tires (size and construction).
- Re-grooved or re-capped tires not permitted on bus steer tires.
- Damaged valve stems
- Leaking fluids
- Low air pressure
- Loose lug nuts
From The CDL Manual
Lug Nuts:
Check that all lug nuts are present, free of cracks and distortions and show no signs of looseness such as rust trails or shiny threads.
Make sure all bolt holes are not cracked or distorted.
- Obstructions around or under the pedals
- Grooved surface and good pedal pad
- These are all things that should be noted
- The pedal is in proper working order
From The CDL Manual
Pedals:
- Check for obstructions under or around the floor pedals.
- Check for good pedal pad or grooved surface.
- Check for proper pedal working order.
- Connections should be easily removeable
- End caps should be removed
- Connections tight, and end caps present
- Painted bright orange
From The CDL Manual
Battery/Box
- Wherever located, see that battery(s) are secure, connections are tight and cell caps are present.
- Battery connections should not show signs of excessive corrosion.
- Battery box and cover or door must be secure.
- Frame
- Low air pressure gauge
- Drive shaft
- Fuel tank
From The CDL Manual
- All straps, ties, binders and chains must be secure
- Damage and proper operation of all doors
- Cargo lift must be in working order, and physically sound
- You should be prepared to check and explain all of these things
From The CDL Manual
Doors/Ties/Lifts:
- Check that doors and hinges are not damaged and that they open, close and latch properly from the outside, if equipped.
- Ties, straps, chains and binders must also be secure.
- If equipped with a cargo lift, look for leaking, damaged or missing parts and explain how it should be checked for correct operation.
- Lift must be fully retracted and latched securely.
- You should be able to hear leaking air
- Should not be leaking, pinched, dragging, or tangled
- Should be the correct color
- Checked to be sure steel braid is showing through
From The CDL Manual
Air/Electric Lines:
- Listen for air leaks. Check that air hoses and electrical lines are not cut, chafed, spliced or worn (steel braid should not show through).
- Make sure air and electrical lines are not tangled, pinched or dragging against tractor parts.
- Mounting bolts
- Fifth wheel skid plate
- All of these should be inspected
- Locking jaws
From The CDL Manual
Mounting Bolts:
Look for loose or missing mounting brackets, clamps, bolts or nuts. Both the fifth wheel and the slide mounting must be solidly attached.
On other types of coupling systems (i.e., ball hitch, pintle hook, etc.), inspect all coupling components and mounting brackets for missing or broken parts.
Locking Jaws:
Look into fifth wheel gap and check that locking jaws are fully closed around the kingpin.
On other types of coupling systems (i.e., ball hitch, pintle hook, etc.), inspect the locking mechanism for missing or broken parts and make sure it is locked securely. If present, safety cables or chains must be secure and free of kinks and excessive slack.
Fifth Wheel Skid Plate:
Check for proper lubrication and that fifth wheel skid plate is securely mounted to the platform and that all bolts and pins are secure and not missing.
- Completely left out of the pre-trip inspection
- Fully opened around the kingpin
- Unlubricated
- Fully closed around the kingpin
From The CDL Manual
Locking Jaws:
Look into fifth wheel gap and check that locking jaws are fully closed around the kingpin.
On other types of coupling systems (i.e., ball hitch, pintle hook, etc.), inspect the locking mechanism for missing or broken parts and make sure it is locked securely. If present, safety cables or chains must be secure and free of kinks and excessive slack.
- Thickness
- Hardness
- Lubrication
- Cleanliness
From The CDL Manual
Fifth Wheel Skid Plate:
Check for proper lubrication and that fifth wheel skid plate is securely mounted to the platform and that all bolts and pins are secure and not missing.