Vehicle Inspection Guidelines

Vehicle Inspection

• Primary reason for vehicle inspection: Safety.
• Senses utilized for inspections: Look, hear, smell, feel.

Tire Conditions

• Minimum tread depth for front tires: 4/32 inches.
• Problems to avoid: Mismatched tire sizes, using radial and bias-ply tires together, or retreaded tires on front wheels of a bus.
• Rear tire checks: Ensure proper inflation, no serious cuts or tread wear, and uniformity in tire type and size.

Steering and Suspension

• Steering wheel play: More than 10 degrees or 2 inches movement at the rim can hinder steering ability.
• Suspension defects: Missing or broken leaf springs; if 1/4 or more are missing, vehicle is out of service.

Emergency Equipment

• Required items include a fire extinguisher (rated B/C), spare electric fuses, and three reflective warning triangles.

Pre-Trip Procedures

• If parked on a street, walk around facing oncoming traffic.
• When raising the hood, secure loose items to prevent damage.

Brake System Checks

• Testing hydraulic leaks: Pump brake pedal three times, hold firmly; if pedal sinks, there may be leaks.
• Testing parking brake effectiveness: Fasten seatbelt, allow vehicle to move forward, apply parking brake; it should stop the vehicle.
• Service brake stopping action: At 5 mph, pushing the brake firmly should not pull the vehicle to one side.

Load Management

• Check cargo within the first 25 miles of a trip and every 150 miles or 3 hours thereafter.
• Accelerating: Partially engage the clutch to prevent rolling back and apply sufficient engine power before releasing the parking brake.

Driving Techniques

• Smooth and gradual acceleration is vital to prevent mechanical damage, especially when towing.
• Avoid backing up when possible; aim to park for a forward exit.
• Safety rules for backing: Look at your path, back slowly, and if available, use a helper.

Shifting Gears

• Double clutching technique: Depress clutch, shift to neutral, release clutch, increase RPM, then shift into gear.
• Shift based on engine speed (RPM) using the tachometer.

Speed and Stopping Distance

• Total stopping distance at 55 mph includes perception, reaction, and braking distances, totaling approximately 290 feet.
• When speed doubles, the stopping distance increases fourfold.

Driving Adjustments

• Greater stopping distances for empty trucks due to reduced traction.
• Reduce speed before entering curves and downhill grades to prevent rollover risks.

Hazard Awareness

• Understand the definition of a hazard: any road condition or user that may pose a danger.
• Use caution when crossing into oncoming lanes to make turns; ensure sufficient visibility.

Weather and Visibility

• In fog, reduce speed, and use low beam headlights.
• Avoid using retarders in winter conditions; focus on coolant levels, defrosters, and tire readiness.

Vehicle Maintenance

• Engine oil maintains engine temperature.
• Inspect hoses and belts for wear; broken hoses can lead to engine failure.
• Escapability ramps are designed to slow down runaway vehicles.

Cargo Safety

• Check for safe combinations of cargo when loading multiple products.
• Always secure cargo with tiedowns; a minimum of one tiedown per 10 feet of cargo is required.

Weight and Load Ratings

• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the total weight of the vehicle and its load.
• Gross Combination Weight (GCW) includes the powered unit, trailer, and cargo.
• Ratings (GVWR and GCWR) represent the manufacturer's maximum safe weights for vehicles and combinations.

Safe Practices

• Maintain a safe following distance of approximately 4 seconds at 40 mph for a 40-foot trailer, increasing with speed.
• Avoid tailgating situations by adjusting following distances; do not speed up when tailgated.
• Manage strong winds and overhead clearances to maintain lane position and safety.