Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the most important reason for vehicle inspection?
What is the most important reason for vehicle inspection?
Safety
What things should you check during a trip?
What things should you 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.
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.
Name some suspension system defects.
What 3 kinds of emergency equipment should you have?
What 3 kinds of emergency equipment should you have?
What is the minimum tread depth for tires?
What is the minimum tread depth for tires?
What should you check on the front of the vehicle during a walk-around inspection?
What should you check on the front of the vehicle during a walk-around inspection?
What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?
What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?
How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaking?
How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaking?
Why should you put the starter switch key in your pocket during pre-trip inspection?
Why should you put the starter switch key in your pocket during pre-trip inspection?
Why should you back toward the driver's side?
Why should you back toward the driver's side?
If stopped on a hill, how can you start without rolling back?
If stopped on a hill, how can you start without rolling back?
When backing, why is it important to use a helper?
When backing, why is it important to use a helper?
What's the most important hand signal that you and the helper should agree on?
What's the most important hand signal that you and the helper should 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 the 2 ways to know when to shift?
What are the 2 ways to know when to shift?
How far ahead does the manual say you should look?
How far ahead 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 twice as fast, will your stopping distance increase by 2 or 4 times?
If you go twice 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?
How do you find out how many seconds of following distance space you have?
How do you find out how many seconds of following distance space you have?
If you are driving a 30 foot vehicle at 55 mph, how many seconds of following distance should you have?
If you are driving a 30 foot vehicle at 55 mph, how many seconds of following distance should you have?
You should decrease your following distance if someone is following you too closely.
You should decrease your following distance if someone is following you too closely.
If you swing wide to the left before turning right, another driver may try to pass you on the right.
If you swing wide to the left before turning right, another driver may try to pass you on the right.
Study Notes
Vehicle Inspection and Safety
- Vehicle inspection is primarily for ensuring safety.
- During a trip, check instruments, gauges, mirrors, tires, cargo, lights, and more.
Steering and Suspension Systems
- Key steering components include: steering wheel, tie rod, hydraulic fluid reservoir, gear box, and power steering cylinder.
- Suspension defects can involve: broken spring hangers, damaged air suspension, and leaking shock absorbers.
Emergency Equipment and Tire Requirements
- Essential emergency equipment includes: fire extinguisher, three reflective triangles, and spare fuses.
- Minimum tread depth is 4/32 inch for front tires and 2/32 inch for rear tires.
Pre-Trip and Backing Procedures
- Walk-around inspection checks: front axle, steering system, windshield, lights, and wipers.
- Check wheel bearing seals for leaks.
- For safety, keep starter key in your pocket during pre-trip inspection.
Backing Techniques
- Back toward the driver’s side for improved visibility.
- Engage the clutch partially to prevent rolling back on a hill; use the parking brake as needed.
- Use a helper when backing due to blind spots.
Shifting and Braking
- Most crucial hand signal to agree on with a helper is "stop."
- Downshift before descending hills or entering curves; for automatic vehicles, downshift when going downhill.
- Shift timing is determined by engine RPMs or road speed.
Safe Driving Practices
- Look ahead 12 to 15 seconds for potential hazards.
- Key observations include vehicles emerging into your lane or brake lights from slowing vehicles.
- Use mirrors as the primary way to monitor sides and rear of the vehicle.
Communication and Reflector Placement
- Communicating in driving means signaling intentions to other drivers.
- When stopped on a divided highway, position reflectors at 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet from your vehicle towards oncoming traffic.
Stopping Distance and Driving Conditions
- Total stopping distance consists of perception, reaction, and braking distances.
- Doubling your speed increases stopping distance by four times.
- Empty trucks do not have better braking capabilities.
Weather-Related Driving Hazards
- Hydroplaning occurs when tires lose contact with the road surface, leading to a lack of traction.
- Black ice is a thin, invisible layer of ice that reflects the underlying road surface.
Following Distance
- To gauge following distance, count seconds from when the vehicle ahead passes a landmark until you reach it.
- Recommended following distance for a 30-foot vehicle at 55 mph is four seconds.
- Do not reduce following distance if tailgated; maintain it for safety.
- Swinging wide left before a right turn can create passing risks on the right side.
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Description
Test your knowledge on vehicle inspection and safety protocols. This quiz covers essential checks, emergency equipment requirements, and steering and suspension system components. Ensure you know the proper backing techniques and pre-trip procedures for safe driving.
