Missouri CDL Vehicle Inspection Flashcards

Questions and Answers

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?

Instruments, air pressure gauges, temperature gauges, pressure gauges, ammeter & voltmeter, mirrors, tires, cargo & cargo covers.

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.

Cracked or broken spring hangers, spring hangers that allow movement of the axle, missing or broken leaves in any leaf spring, leaking shock absorbers, damaged or leaking air suspension systems. Signup and view all the answers

What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have?

Spare electrical fuses, fire extinguisher, warning devices (3 triangle reflectors). Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum tread depth for front tires?

4/32". Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum tread depth for your other tires?

2/32". Signup and view all the answers

Name some things you should check on the front of your vehicle during a walk-around inspection.

Condition of front axle, condition of steering system, condition of lights & reflectors, condition of windshield. Signup and view all the answers

What should wheel bearings seals be checked for?

Leaks. Signup and view all the answers

How many reflective triangles should you carry?

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How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?

Pump brakes 3 times, apply firmly to brake pedal for 5 seconds; pedal should not move. Signup and view all the answers

Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during the pre-trip inspection?

So that no one can move the vehicle while you are inspecting it. Signup and view all the answers

Why should you back towards the driver's side?

You maximize the ability to see your vehicle and the area around it. Signup and view all the answers

If stopped on a hill, how can you start moving without rolling back?

Partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake, use the parking brake. Signup and view all the answers

When backing, why is it important to use a helper?

They can direct you & see the blind spots you cannot. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important hand sign you and your helper must agree on?

Stop. Signup and view all the answers

What are 2 special conditions where you should downshift?

Before starting downhill, before entering a curve. Signup and view all the answers

When should you downshift an automatic transmission?

Before starting downgrades (downhill). Signup and view all the answers

Retarders keep you from skidding when the road is slippery.

False Signup and view all the answers

What are 2 ways to know when to shift?

Engine speed (rpm), road speed (mph). Signup and view all the answers

How far does the manual say you should look?

12-15 seconds ahead, or 1/4 mile at 55 mph. Signup and view all the answers

What are 2 main things to look for ahead?

Traffic and road conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What's your most important way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?

Checking your mirrors. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'communicating' mean in safe driving?

Signal your intentions. Signup and view all the answers

Where should your reflectors be placed when stopped on a divided highway?

Reflectors should be placed 10ft, 100ft & 200ft towards approaching traffic. Signup and view all the answers

What 3 things add up to total stopping distance?

Perception distance + reaction distance + brake distance. Signup and view all the answers

If you go 2x as fast, will your stopping distance increase by 2 or 4 times?

Will increase by 4. Signup and view all the answers

Empty trucks have the best braking.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is hydroplaning?

When tires lose contact with the road & have little or no traction. Signup and view all the answers

What is black ice?

A thin layer of ice clear enough that it can be difficult to see. Signup and view all the answers

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.