NY CDL Vehicle Inspection Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the most important reason for vehicle inspection?

safety

What are things to check during a trip?

instruments, air pressure gauge, temp gauge, pressure gauge, ammeter/voltmeter, mirrors, tires, cargo/cargo covers, lights

Name some key steering system parts.

steering wheel, tie rod, steering shaft, hydraulic fluid reservoir, gear box, pitman arm, drag link, steering knuckle, spindle, steering arm, power steering cylinder

Name some suspension system defects.

spring hangers that allow movement of axle from proper position, cracked or broken spring hangers, missing or broken leaves in any leaf spring, leaking shock absorbers, air suspension systems that are damaged and/or leaking, any parts of the suspension or frame that are cracked or broken Signup and view all the answers

What are 3 kinds of emergency equipment you should have?

fire extinguisher, 3 reflective triangles, spare fuses Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum tread depth for tires?

4/32-inch front, 2/32-inch rear Signup and view all the answers

What things should be checked on the front of the vehicle during a walk-around inspection?

front axle, steering system, windshield, lights and reflectors Signup and view all the answers

What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?

not leaking Signup and view all the answers

How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaking?

pump the brake pedal 3 times and then hold, the pedal should not move Signup and view all the answers

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

for your safety Signup and view all the answers

Why should you back toward the driver's side?

you can see better Signup and view all the answers

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

partly engage the clutch before you take your foot off the brake, put on the parking brake whenever necessary to keep from rolling back Signup and view all the answers

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

because there are blind spots you can't see Signup and view all the answers

What's the most important hand signal that you and the helper should agree on?

stop Signup and view all the answers

What are 2 special conditions where you should downshift?

before starting down a hill, before entering a curve Signup and view all the answers

When should you downshift an automatic transmission?

when going down grades 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 the 2 ways to know when to shift?

RPM's or speed Signup and view all the answers

How far ahead does the manual say you should look?

12 to 15 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What are 2 main things to look for ahead?

look for vehicles coming onto the highway, into your lane or turning; watch for brake lights from slowing vehicles Signup and view all the answers

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

mirrors Signup and view all the answers

What does 'communicating' mean in safe driving?

signaling your intentions Signup and view all the answers

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

10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward the approaching traffic Signup and view all the answers

What are 3 things that add up to total stopping distance?

perception distance, reaction distance, braking distance Signup and view all the answers

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

4 Signup and view all the answers

Empty trucks have the best braking.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is hydroplaning?

tires water skiing on the road Signup and view all the answers

What is black ice?

a thin layer of ice that you can see the road through Signup and view all the answers

How do you find out how many seconds of following distance space you have?

1 second for every 10 feet of vehicle length under 40 mph, over 40 mph add a second per 10 feet Signup and view all the answers

If you are driving a 30-foot vehicle at 55 mph, how many seconds of following distance should you have?

5 Signup and view all the answers

You should decrease your following distance if someone is following you too closely.

False Signup and view all the answers

If you swing wide to the left before turning right, another driver may try to pass you on the right.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is a hazard?

any road condition or other road user that is a possible danger Signup and view all the answers

Why make emergency plans when you see a hazard?

to be prepared if you have to take action in an emergency Signup and view all the answers

What are some tips to follow so you won't become a distracted driver?

pre-program radio stations, clear the vehicle of unnecessary objects, don't attempt to read or write while you drive Signup and view all the answers

How do you use in-vehicle communications equipment cautiously?

position the cell phone in easy reach, pull over and stop when possible, hang up in tricky traffic situations Signup and view all the answers

How do you recognize distracted drivers?

vehicles drifting into other lanes, or traveling at inconsistent speeds, drivers that are preoccupied with objects Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between aggressive driving and road rage?

aggressive driving is selfish, bold and pushy; road rage is intent to do harm to someone else Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when confronted with an aggressive driver?

make every attempt to get out of their way, avoid eye contact, call the police if you can Signup and view all the answers

What are some things you can do to reduce your stress before and while you drive?

easy listening music, be realistic about your travel time, give others the benefit of the doubt Signup and view all the answers

You should use low beams whenever you can.

False Signup and view all the answers

What should you do before you drive if you are drowsy?

sleep Signup and view all the answers

What effects can wet brakes cause, and how can you avoid these problems?

wet brakes can be weak or grab; don't drive through deep puddles or running water if you can avoid it Signup and view all the answers

You should let air out of hot tires so the pressure goes back to normal.

False Signup and view all the answers

You can safely remove the radiator cap as long as the engine isn't overheated.

False Signup and view all the answers

What factors determine your selection of a 'safe' speed when driving down a long steep downgrade?

total weight of the vehicle and cargo, length of the grade, steepness of the grade, road conditions and weather Signup and view all the answers

Why should you be in the proper gear before starting down a hill?

you will not be able to shift into a lower gear once you are going; forcing an automatic transmission into a lower gear at high speed could damage the transmission Signup and view all the answers

Describe the proper braking technique when going down a long, steep downgrade.

apply the brakes just hard enough to feel a definite slowdown; when speed has been reduced to approximately five mph below your 'safe' speed, release the brakes; repeat when speed has increased to your 'safe' speed Signup and view all the answers

What type of vehicles can get stuck on a railroad-highway crossing?

low slung units (car carrier, moving van, possum belly livestock trailer, single axle tractor pulling a long trailer with its landing gear set to accommodate a tandem axle tractor) Signup and view all the answers

How long does it take for a typical tractor-trailer unit to clear a double track?

15 seconds Signup and view all the answers

Stopping is not always the safest thing to do in an emergency.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are some advantages of going right instead of left around an obstacle?

no oncoming traffic, clear shoulder, won't force someone else into oncoming traffic Signup and view all the answers

What is an 'escape ramp'?

usually located a few miles from the top of a downgrade Signup and view all the answers

If a tire blows out, you should put the brakes on hard to stop quickly.

False Signup and view all the answers

How do you know if your vehicle has antilock brakes?

they will have yellow malfunction lamps on the instrument panels and yellow malfunction lamps on the trailers; dollies after 1998 are required to have a lamp on the left side Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper braking technique when driving a vehicle with antilock brakes?

use only the force necessary to stop safely and stay in control Signup and view all the answers

How do antilock brakes help you?

help you avoid wheel lock-up and maintain control Signup and view all the answers

What are some things to do at an accident scene to prevent another accident?

protect the area, notify authorities, care for the injured Signup and view all the answers

Name two causes of tire fires.

under-inflated tires and duals that touch Signup and view all the answers

What kinds of fires is a B:C extinguisher not good for?

fires in combustible metals Signup and view all the answers

When using your extinguisher, should you get as close as possible to the fire?

False Signup and view all the answers

Name some causes of vehicle fires.

tires, spilled fuel, short circuits due to damaged insulation, flammable cargo Signup and view all the answers

Common medicines for colds can make you sleepy.

True Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you become sleepy while driving?

stop in a safe place and sleep Signup and view all the answers

Coffee and a little fresh air will help a drinker sober up.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is a hazardous materials placard?

placards are signs put on the outside of a vehicle that identify the hazard class of the cargo Signup and view all the answers

Why are placards used?

they are used to warn others of hazardous materials Signup and view all the answers

What is 'sleep debt'?

when you owe more sleep to yourself Signup and view all the answers

What are the danger signals of drowsy driving?

your eyes close or go out of focus by themselves, you have trouble keeping your head up, you can't stop yawning, you have wandering disconnected thoughts, you don't remember driving the last few miles Signup and view all the answers

What four things related to cargo are drivers responsible for?

Inspecting your cargo; recognizing overloads and poorly balanced weight; knowing your cargo is properly secured and does not obscure your view ahead or to the sides; knowing your cargo does not restrict your access to emergency equipment Signup and view all the answers

How often must you stop while on the road to check your cargo?

within the first 50 miles; after you have driven for 3 hours or 150 miles; after every break you take during driving Signup and view all the answers

What is Gross Combination Weight Rating?

the maximum Gross Combination Weight specified by the manufacturer for a specific combination of vehicles plus its load Signup and view all the answers

Name two situations where legal maximum weights may not be safe.

during bad weather or in mountains Signup and view all the answers

What can happen if you don't have enough weight on the front axle?

under-loaded front axles can make the steering axle weight too light to steer safely and can cause poor traction Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of tie downs for any flatbed load?

two Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of tiedowns for a 20-foot load?

two Signup and view all the answers

Name two basic reasons for covering cargo on an open bed.

to protect people from spilled cargo, to protect the cargo from weather Signup and view all the answers

What must you check before transporting a sealed load?

check that you don't exceed gross weight and axle weight limits Signup and view all the answers

Why must air tanks be drained?

to remove any water or oil Signup and view all the answers

What is a supply pressure gauge used for?

to tell you how much pressure is in the air tanks Signup and view all the answers

All vehicles with air brakes must have a low air pressure warning signal.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are spring brakes?

a heavy spring that will engage the brakes if all air is out of the brake system Signup and view all the answers

Front wheel brakes are good under all conditions.

True Signup and view all the answers

How do you know if your vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes?

vehicles with ABS have yellow malfunction lamps to tell you if something isn't working Signup and view all the answers

What is a dual air brake system?

has two separate air brake systems which use a single set of brake controls Signup and view all the answers

What are the slack adjusters?

a slack adjuster is a lever arm connected to the brake chamber's push rod at the clevis assembly; it adjusts the brakes to make up for lining wear Signup and view all the answers

How can you check slack adjusters?

pull hard in each slack adjuster you can reach; if it moves more than about 1 inch where the push rod attaches to it, it probably needs adjustment Signup and view all the answers

How can you test the low pressure warning signal?

shut the engine off when you have enough pressure that the low pressure warning signal is not on; turn the electrical power on and step on and off the brake pedal to reduce the air pressure in the tank; the warning signal must come on before the pressure drops to less than 60 psi Signup and view all the answers

How can you check that the spring brakes come on automatically?

reduce the air pressure in the tank by fanning the brake pedal; the tractor protection valve and parking brake valve should close; this should cause the spring brake to come on Signup and view all the answers

What are the maximum leakage rates?

less than 2 psi in one minute in single vehicles, less than 3 psi in one minute for combination vehicles; then apply 90 psi or more with the brake pedal; if the drop is more than 3 psi for singles or 4 psi for combos, the air loss rate is too much Signup and view all the answers

Why should you be in the proper gear before starting down a hill?

so you don't have to wear your brakes out slowing down Signup and view all the answers

What factors can cause brakes to fade or fail?

too much heat from overuse and not using engine braking Signup and view all the answers

The use of brakes on a long, steep downgrade is only a supplement to the braking effect of the engine.

True Signup and view all the answers

If you are away from your vehicle only a short time, you do not need to use the parking brake.

False Signup and view all the answers

How often should you drain air tanks?

at the end of each working day Signup and view all the answers

How do you brake when you drive a tractor-trailer combination with ABS?

normal braking procedures Signup and view all the answers

You still have normal brake functions if your ABS is not working.

True Signup and view all the answers

What two things are important to prevent rollover?

keep your cargo low and centered Signup and view all the answers

When you turn suddenly while pulling doubles, which trailer is most likely to turn over?

the rear trailer Signup and view all the answers

Why should you not use the trailer hand brake to straighten out a jackknifing trailer?

because the trailer tires are what caused the jackknife, they need to get traction not lock up Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vehicle Inspection and Safety

Vehicle inspection is primarily for ensuring safety.
Regular checks include instruments like air pressure gauge, temp gauge, pressure gauge, mirrors, tires, lights, and cargo security.

Steering and Suspension Systems

Important components of a steering system include the steering wheel, tie rod, steering shaft, and hydraulic fluid reservoir.
Common defects in suspension systems involve cracked hangers, leaking shock absorbers, and damaged air suspension systems.

Emergency Equipment and Tire Safety

Essential emergency equipment includes a fire extinguisher, three reflective triangles, and spare fuses.
Minimum tread depth for tires is 4/32 inch for front tires and 2/32 inch for rear tires.

Backing and Maneuvering Techniques

When backing up, using a helper is crucial due to blind spots.
It's safer to back towards the driver's side for better visibility.
Engage the clutch to prevent rolling back when starting on an incline.

Driving Practices

Maintain a following distance of one second for every 10 feet of vehicle length under 40 mph, adjusting accordingly for higher speeds.
Always look 12 to 15 seconds ahead to anticipate hazards.

Handling Hazards and Emergency Situations

Identify hazards as any potential danger present on the road.
Stay alert to avoid distractions while driving, such as pre-programming radio stations and minimizing clutter inside the vehicle.

Vehicle Brakes and Handling

Test hydraulic brakes for leaks by pumping the brake pedal and ensuring it remains firm.
Wet brakes can cause reduced effectiveness; avoid deep puddles and check brake function regularly.

Weight and Cargo Management

Properly secured cargo is crucial, with specific tie-down requirements based on the load size.
Inspect cargo after initial travels and subsequent breaks to ensure safety and compliance with weight limits.

Special Driving Conditions

Know that under-loaded front axles can impair steering ability and traction.
On steep downgrades, maintain a safe speed by balancing engine braking and hydraulic brakes.

Emergency Procedures

Use caution with fire extinguishers and assess your surroundings before using them to avoid getting too close to the flames.
In the event of a tire blowout, do not brake suddenly to prevent loss of control.

Drowsy Driving Awareness

Recognize signs of drowsiness such as inability to focus, frequent yawning, or drifting off the road; stop and rest if necessary.
Important to know that common over-the-counter cold medications can induce drowsiness.

Hazardous Materials and Regulations

Understand placards indicate hazardous cargo on vehicles, ensuring safety and awareness for other drivers.
Regularly check that air tanks are drained to avoid performance issues with the braking system.

Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)

Vehicles equipped with ABS have a yellow malfunction indicator; normal braking techniques are applicable even without ABS function.
Slack adjusters should be checked for proper brake function; movement beyond an inch may require adjustments.

Rollover Prevention

To prevent rollovers, keep cargo low and centered, especially while turning suddenly.
Understand that in double trailer configurations, it's often the rear trailer that is at greater risk of rolling over.

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Description

Test your knowledge on vehicle inspection topics for the New York Commercial Driver's License (CDL). These flashcards cover important aspects such as safety checks, essential instruments to examine during a trip, and key steering system components. Perfect for CDL aspirants looking to solidify their understanding.