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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).

Multiple-Choice Questions:

Question #50 (1 of 2)

Give a brief explanation of the problem:

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Which of the following describes what you're checking for when inspecting truck tires?

  • Properly inflated, slightly different size dual tires on trailer, maximum 4/32 tread depth
  • Properly inflated, valve stems and caps OK, no serious cuts, bulges, tread wear, tires not rubbing each other and nothing stuck between them
  • Properly inflated, only slight peeling of retread cap allowed, minimum 3/4 inch tread depth
  • Properly inflated, steer tires must be recaps or retreads, dual trailer tires must be a combination of bias ply and radial, no rust streaks
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.
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Question #51 (2 of 2)

Give a brief explanation of the problem:

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If you see rust-streaked lug nuts, check them with a wrench because rust streaks may indicate what?

  • Under-inflated tire
  • Brakes out of adjustment
  • Loose lug nuts (looseness)
  • Aluminum rims
Use a wrench to test rust-streaked lug nuts, indicating looseness
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