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2.1.5 – Seven-step Inspection Method (continued)

Step 4: Turn Off Engine and Check Lights

Make sure the parking brake is set, turn off the engine, and take the key with you. Turn on headlights (low beams) and four-way emergency flashers, and get out of the vehicle.

• Go to front of vehicle and check that low beams are on and both of the four-way flashers are working.
• Push dimmer switch and check that high beams work. Turn off headlights and four-way emergency flashers.
• Turn on parking, clearance, side-marker, and identification lights.
• Turn on right turn signal, and start walk-around inspection.

Step 5: Do Walk-around Inspection

General Inspection

Walk around and inspect the vehicle. Clean all lights, reflectors, and glass as you go along.

Left Front Side

• Driver's door glass should be clean.
• Door latches or locks should work properly.
• Left front wheel:
  • Condition of wheel and rim — missing, bent, broken studs, clamps, lugs or any signs of misalignment.
  • Condition of tires — properly inflated, valve stem and cap OK, no serious cuts, bulges or tread wear.
  • Use wrench to test rust-streaked lug nuts, indicating looseness.
  • Hub oil level OK, no leaks.
• Left front suspension:
  • Condition of spring, spring hangers, shackles and U-bolts.
  • Shock absorber condition.
• left front brake
  • Condition of brake drum or disc.
  • Condition of hoses.

Front

• Condition of front axle.
• Condition of steering system:
  • No loose, worn, bent, damaged or missing parts.
  • Must grab steering mechanism to test for looseness.
• Condition of windshield:
  • Check for damage and clean if dirty.
  • Check windshield wiper arms for proper spring tension.
  • Check wiper blades for damage, “stiff” rubber and securement.
• Lights and reflectors:
  • Parking, clearance and identification lights clean, operating and proper color (amber at front).
  • Reflectors clean and proper color (amber at front).
  • Right-front turn signal light clean, operating and proper color (amber or white on signals facing forward).

Right Side

• Right front: Check all items as done on left front.
• Primary and secondary safety cab locks engaged (if cab-over-engine design).
• Right fuel tank(s):
  • Securely mounted, not damaged or leaking.
  • Fuel crossover line secure.
  • Tank(s) contain enough fuel.
  • Cap(s) on and secure.
• Condition of visible parts:
  • Rear of engine — not leaking.
  • Transmission — not leaking.
  • Exhaust system — secure, not leaking, not touching wires, fuel or air lines.
  • Frame and cross members — no bends or cracks.
  • Air lines and electrical wiring — secured against snagging, rubbing and wearing. — Spare tire carrier or rack not damaged (if so equipped).
  • Spare tire and/or wheel securely mounted in rack.
  • Spare tire and wheel adequate (proper size, properly inflated).
• Cargo securement (trucks):
  • Cargo properly blocked, braced, tied, chained, etc.
  • Header board adequate, secure (if required).
  • Side boards, stakes strong enough, free of damage, properly set in place (if so equipped).
  • Canvas or tarp (if required) properly secured to prevent tearing, billowing or blocking of mirrors.
  • If oversize, all required signs (flags, lamps and reflectors) safely and properly mounted and all required permits in driver's possession.
  • Curbside cargo compartment doors in good condition, securely closed, latched/locked and required security seals in place.

Right Rear

• Condition of wheels and rims — no missing, bent or broken spacers, studs, clamps or lugs.
• Condition of tires — properly inflated, valve stems and caps OK, no serious cuts, bulges, tread wear, tires not rubbing each other and nothing stuck between them.
• Tires same type, e.g., not mixed radial and bias types.
• Tires evenly matched (same sizes).
• Wheel bearing/seals not leaking.
• Suspension:
  • Condition of spring(s), spring hangers, shackles and U-bolts.
  • Axle secure.
  • Powered axle(s) not leaking lube (gear oil).
  • Condition of torque rod arms, bushings.
  • Condition of shock absorber(s).
  • If retractable axle equipped, check condition of lift mechanism. If air powered, check for leaks.
  • Condition of air ride components.
• Brakes:
  • Brake adjustment:
  • Condition of brake drum(s) or discs.
  • Condition of hoses — look for any wear due to rubbing.
• Lights and reflectors:
  • Side-marker lights clean, operating and proper color (red at rear, others amber).
  • Side-marker reflectors clean and proper color (red at rear, others amber).

Rear

• Lights and reflectors:
  • Rear clearance and identification lights clean, operating and proper color (red at rear).
  • Reflectors clean and proper color (red at rear).
  • Taillights clean, operating and proper color (red at rear).
  • Right rear turn signal operating and proper color (red, yellow or amber at rear).
  • License plate(s) present, clean and secured.
  • Splash guards present, not damaged, properly fastened, not dragging on ground or rubbing tires.
  • Cargo secure (trucks).
  • Cargo properly blocked, braced, tied, chained, etc.
  • Tailboards up and properly secured.
  • End gates free of damage and properly secured in stake sockets.
  • Canvas or tarp (if required) properly secured to prevent tearing, billowing or blocking of either the rearview mirrors or rear lights.
  • If over length or over width, make sure all signs and/or additional lights/flags are safely and properly mounted and all required permits are in driver's possession.
  • Rear doors securely closed, latched/locked.

Left Side

Check all items as done on right side, plus:

• Battery(ies) (if not mounted in engine compartment).
• Battery box(es) securely mounted to vehicle.
• Box has secure cover.
• Battery(ies) secured against movement.
• Battery(ies) not broken or leaking.
• Fluid in battery(ies) at proper level (except maintenance-free type).
• Cell caps present and securely tightened (except maintenance-free type).
• Vents in cell caps free of foreign material (except maintenance-free type).