Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?
What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?
Safety is the most important reason you inspect your vehicle.
What things should you check during a trip?
What things should you check during a trip?
Instruments, air pressure gauges, temperature gauges, pressure gauges, ammeter & voltmeter, mirrors, tires, cargo & cargo covers.
Name some key steering system parts.
Name some key steering system parts.
Steering wheel, tie rod, steering shaft, hydraulic fluid reservoir, gear box, Pitman arm, drag link, steering knuckle, spindle, power steering cylinder, steering arm.
Name some suspension system defects.
Name some suspension system defects.
What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have?
What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have?
What is the minimum tread depth for front tires?
What is the minimum tread depth for front tires?
What is the minimum tread depth for your other tires?
What is the minimum tread depth for your other tires?
Name some things you should check on the front of your vehicle during a walk-around inspection.
Name some things you should check on the front of your vehicle during a walk-around inspection.
What should wheel bearings seals be checked for?
What should wheel bearings seals be checked for?
How many reflective triangles should you carry?
How many reflective triangles should you carry?
How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during the pre-trip inspection?
Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during the pre-trip inspection?
Why should you back towards the driver's side?
Why should you back towards the driver's side?
If stopped on a hill, how can you start moving without rolling back?
If stopped on a hill, how can you start moving without rolling back?
When backing, why is it important to use a helper?
When backing, why is it important to use a helper?
What is the most important hand sign you and your helper must agree on?
What is the most important hand sign you and your helper must agree on?
What are 2 special conditions where you should downshift?
What are 2 special conditions where you should downshift?
When should you downshift an automatic transmission?
When should you downshift an automatic transmission?
Retarders keep you from skidding when the road is slippery.
Retarders keep you from skidding when the road is slippery.
What are 2 ways to know when to shift?
What are 2 ways to know when to shift?
How far does the manual say you should look?
How far does the manual say you should look?
What are 2 main things to look for ahead?
What are 2 main things to look for ahead?
What's your most important way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?
What's your most important way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?
What does 'communicating' mean in safe driving?
What does 'communicating' mean in safe driving?
Where should your reflectors be placed when stopped on a divided highway?
Where should your reflectors be placed when stopped on a divided highway?
What 3 things add up to total stopping distance?
What 3 things add up to total stopping distance?
If you go 2x as fast, will your stopping distance increase by 2 or 4 times?
If you go 2x as fast, will your stopping distance increase by 2 or 4 times?
Empty trucks have the best braking.
Empty trucks have the best braking.
What is hydroplaning?
What is hydroplaning?
What is black ice?
What is black ice?
Study Notes
Vehicle Inspection and Safety
- Conducting a vehicle inspection ensures safety for yourself and other road users.
- During a trip, check instruments, air pressure gauges, temperature gauges, pressure gauges, ammeter & voltmeter, mirrors, tires, and cargo.
Steering and Suspension Systems
- Key steering components include the steering wheel, tie rod, steering shaft, hydraulic fluid reservoir, gear box, pitman arm, drag link, steering knuckle, spindle, power steering cylinder, and steering arm.
- Defects in suspension system can be identified as cracked/broken spring hangers, missing leaves in leaf springs, leaking shock absorbers, and damaged air suspension systems.
Emergency Equipment
- Mandatory emergency gear includes spare electrical fuses, a fire extinguisher, and three reflective triangles.
Tire Regulations
- Minimum tread depth for front tires is 4/32"; for other tires, it is 2/32".
Pre-Trip and Walk-Around Inspection
- Inspect the front of the vehicle for issues with the front axle, steering system, lights & reflectors, and windshield condition.
- Check wheel bearing seals for leaks during inspections.
Backing and Driving Techniques
- Carry three reflective triangles for visibility in case of emergencies.
- Test hydraulic brakes for leaks by pumping the brakes three times and holding the pedal firm for five seconds; any movement indicates an issue.
- Keep the starter switch key in your pocket during pre-trip inspections to prevent vehicle movement or theft.
Maneuvering Techniques
- Backing towards the driver's side enhances visibility of the vehicle and surroundings.
- Starting on a hill can be managed by partly engaging the clutch or using the parking brake.
- In backing situations, utilize a helper to guide and watch for blind spots, with an agreed hand sign for "stop."
Gear Changing Mechanics
- Downshift before descending a hill or entering a curve.
- For automatic transmissions, downshift before going downhill.
- Retarders can increase skidding risk on slippery roads; it’s essential to know the difference.
Awareness and Communication
- Check mirrors frequently to monitor the sides and rear of the vehicle.
- Communicate intentions clearly using signals, horns, or flashers to ensure safe driving.
- Place reflectors 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet from the vehicle on divided highways when stopped for maximum visibility.
Stopping Distance and Speed Relationship
- Total stopping distance comprises perception distance, reaction distance, and brake distance.
- Doubling speed results in quadrupling the stopping distance due to physics of momentum.
- Empty trucks have poorer braking performance due to reduced traction.
Weather Conditions and Hazards
- Hydroplaning occurs when tires lose road contact, leading to reduced traction.
- Black ice is a thin, clear ice layer on the road that poses significant slip risks.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the essential aspects of vehicle inspections for Missouri's CDL. This quiz covers crucial safety checks and procedures you must follow before, during, and after trips. Perfect for aspiring truck drivers to ensure road safety.
