Questions and Answers
What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?
To ensure the safety of yourself and other drivers.
Name some key steering system parts.
Control arm, steering shaft, pitman arm, steering wheel.
What things should you check during a trip?
Gauges, mirrors, check vehicle cargo or load when instructed.
Name some suspension system defects.
Signup and view all the answers
What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have on your vehicle?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the minimum tread depth for front tires, and other tires?
Signup and view all the answers
Name some things you should check on the front of your vehicle during your trip.
Signup and view all the answers
What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?
Signup and view all the answers
How many red reflective triangles should you carry?
Signup and view all the answers
How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
Signup and view all the answers
Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during the pre-trip inspection?
Signup and view all the answers
Why should you back toward the driver's side?
Signup and view all the answers
If stopped on a hill, how can you start moving without rolling back?
Signup and view all the answers
Why is it important to use a helper when backing up?
Signup and view all the answers
What's the most important hand signal to agree on when backing up?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the 2 special conditions where you should downshift?
Signup and view all the answers
When should you downshift automatic transmissions?
Signup and view all the answers
Retarders keep you from skidding when the road is slippery?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the 2 ways to know when to shift?
Signup and view all the answers
How far ahead does the manual say you should look?
Signup and view all the answers
What are 2 main things to look for ahead of you?
Signup and view all the answers
What's your most important way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?
Signup and view all the answers
What does communicating mean in safe driving?
Signup and view all the answers
Where should your reflectors be placed when stopped on a divided highway?
Signup and view all the answers
What 3 things add up to total stopping distance?
Signup and view all the answers
If you go twice as fast, will your stopping distance increase by 2 or 4 times as much?
Signup and view all the answers
Empty trucks have the best braking.
Signup and view all the answers
What is hydroplaning?
Signup and view all the answers
What is black ice?
Signup and view all the answers
How do you find out how many seconds of following distance you have?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Vehicle Inspection
- Crucial for ensuring personal safety and safety of others on the road.
- Regular checks include gauges, mirrors, and cargo/load stability during trips.
Steering System
- Key components include control arm, steering shaft, pitman arm, and steering wheel.
Suspension System
- Common defects to watch for: broken or cracked leaf springs, broken hangers, and leaking hydraulic fluids.
Emergency Equipment
- Required items: spare electrical fuses, three red reflective triangles, and properly charged fire extinguishers.
Tire Maintenance
- Minimum tread depth requirements: front tires at 4/32 inches and other tires at 2/32 inches.
Front Vehicle Checks
- Inspect front axle condition, steering system, windshield, and lights/reflectors during trips.
Wheel Bearings
- Ensure cleanliness of wheel bearing seals, free from dirt and debris.
Reflective Triangles
- Must carry three red reflective triangles for safety.
Hydraulic Brakes Testing
- Conduct tests by pressing brake three times and holding for five seconds to check for leaks.
Safety Precautions
- Keep starter switch key in pocket during inspections to prevent unintended vehicle movement.
- Back toward driver’s side for better visibility with mirrors.
Hill Start Techniques
- To prevent rollback, engage the clutch partially before releasing the brake and use a parking brake if necessary.
Blind Spots
- Always utilize a helper when backing up to navigate blind spots safely.
Backing Up Signals
- Establish critical hand signals in advance, with "STOP" being the most important.
Downshifting Conditions
- Necessary to downshift before descending hills or entering curves.
Transmission Shifting
- Downshift in automatic transmissions as indicated above regarding special conditions.
Retarders
- Incorrectly thought to prevent skidding; they assist in vehicle control on downhill slopes.
Shifting Indicators
- Key indicators for shifting include Engine Speed and Road Speed.
Situational Awareness
- Maintain awareness by looking 12-15 seconds ahead, approximately 1/4 mile or one block in city driving.
Side and Rear Visibility
- Side mirrors are vital for visibility alongside and behind the vehicle.
Safe Driving Communication
- Utilize turn signals to communicate intentions to other drivers.
Reflector Placement
- When stopped on a divided highway, place reflectors at distances of 10, 100, and 200 feet behind the vehicle.
Total Stopping Distance
- Comprised of perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance.
Speed and Stopping Distance
- Doubling speed increases stopping distance by four times.
Braking Performance
- Empty trucks do not have better braking performance; they are less stable.
Hydroplaning Definition
- Occurs when tires lose traction due to water accumulation on the road.
Black Ice
- A deceptive clear ice layer that can mislead drivers into believing the road is dry.
Following Distance Calculation
- Measure following distance by counting seconds between passing a landmark after another vehicle passes it.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on vehicle inspection essential for CDL Class A drivers. This quiz covers key components and procedures for ensuring safety on the road. Perfect for studying and preparing for your CDL exam.