Learn From the Sprout

CDL Pre-Trip

Next I am verifying that my HEATER AND DEFROSTER are working correctly. I'm feeling for air both above and below the consul.

Next I will require your assistance in order to perform the EXTERNAL SAFETY CHECK.
Please exit the vehicle and stand in front of the truck while I verify that all of my EXTERNAL LIGHTS AND SIGNALS are working correctly.

I'm rolling down the window so that you can hear me call out. Please confirm with an affirming hand gesture. Thank you.

Clearance Lights and Marker Lights, Right, Left, 4 Way, High Beam, and Low Beam!

Now let's test the rear trailer as well. Please verify that all of my Rear Marker and Clearance Lights are on.

Now I'm testing my REAR SIGNALS:
Right, Left, 4 Way, Tail Lights, and Break Lights!

Next I will perform an EXTERNAL INSPECTION of the vehicle.
I am exiting the cab using three points of contact.

Using my pointer I can confirm that the truck has two Headlights.
They are clean, not cracked, broken or missing. And they are clear, facing forward.

The vehicle also has two Running Lights on the side. These also serve as Turn Signal Lights, and Hazard Lights. They are clean, not cracked, broken or missing. They are all amber in color, and facing forward.

Looking up on top of the cab, I have five Clearance Lights, and two Marker Lights. They are all clean, not cracked, broken or missing. They are all amber, and facing forward.

I also have an oval shaped Marker Light here above my driver side wheel well.
It is clean, not cracked, broken or missing. It is amber, and facing forward.

On the side and at the base of the trailer, there are two pieces of Reflective Tape. One is Amber towards the front, and the other is Red towards the rear. They are both clean and secure.

Looking up at the top rear side of the trailer there is another Marker Light. It is clean, not cracked, broken or missing. It is red and facing forward.

As I inspect the top rear portion of the trailer, there are five additional Marker Lights. They are clean, not cracked, broken or missing. They are red and facing towards the rear.

I have two Tail Lights. These also serve as Running Lights, Hazards, Break Lights, and as Turn Signals.
They are clean, not cracked, broken or missing. They are red, and facing towards the rear.

Finally, there is a strip of Reflective Tape running across the base of the rear trailer.
It is clean and secure.

"I will check the passenger side the same as I did the driver side."

Next I will open the hood and conduct a Mechanical Inspection of the Vehicle.

Beginning with my FLUID LEVELS I will confirm that the Coolant, Engine Oil, and Power Steering Fluid are all between half and full.

Next I will inspect for Fluid and Air Leaks. Neither my Transmission nor Engine are dripping. There are no visible puddles on the ground. My Air Hoses are secure. They are not cracked or leaking. Additionally, my Clamps and Fittings are secure. And they are not cracked or leaking.

Here you can see that the Power Steering Gearbox is secured to the frame, and it is not leaking.

The connecting Hoses are secure, not cracked, nor leaking. Additionally. The Hose Clamps and Fittings are secure, not cracked nor leaking.

Now, I'm verifying that my Power Steering Linkage is in good working order. The Links, Arms, and Rods are all securely mounted, and not bent or cracked.

I'm also verifying that my Joints and Sockets are all securely mounted, and properly lubricated.
The Bushings are not excessively worn. None of the Nuts, Bolts, or Coder Pins damaged, missing or loose.

Next I'm looking at the Mounts and Hangers to verify that they are securely mounted, not cracked, bent, or broken. Additionally, the bushings are not damaged, nor missing.

My Springs are also securely mounted, not cracked, missing or shifted.

And I can confirm that the truck is level Side to Side and front to rear.

Moving on to my Shocks. They are securely mounted, not cracked, leaking nor damaged.

While I'm here I'm inspecting my Air Break Hose, and Air Hose Fittings. They are securely mounted, not cracked or leaking.

Also, my Can Supply Air to Break Chamber is securely mounted, not cracked leaking, nor damaged.

Looking behind my tire, the Break Pads and Drums have no visible oil or grease, and are not excessively worn.

Now, I'm, looking at the Tires. The Steer Tread is evenly worn and has at least 4/32 tread depth on the front wheel, and 2/32 everywhere else. I will also check the tread depth and air pressure with a gauge.

I will confirm that the Tires are not cracked, nor damaged exposing body plies. And there is no tread separation.

The Side Walls have no abrasions, bulges, or cuts inside and out.

While I'm here I am inspecting that the Valve Stem is accessible, and that the Cap is present.

Now, I'm inspecting the Rims for cracks inside and out, and that there are no aftermarket welds.
The Rim is not bent, and there are no oblong holes.

I'm visually inspecting my Lug Nuts. They are securely mounted, not missing, nor rusted. There are no shiny threads on the Studs. Also, the Studs are not broken nor elongated.

Now I'm looking at my Mirror Bracket. It is securely mounted, not cracked, or bent. It's not missing, and there are no missing parts.

Next are my Fuel Tank and Lines. Both are securely mounted and not damaged. The Cap is on tight, not cracked, nor leaking.

Moving on to the Battery. It is securely mounted and has a cover that is secured. The connections are tight. There is no corrosion on the terminals, and the electrical cables and lines are secure, not cracked, nor worn.

Finally, I am inspecting the Frame. It is securely mounted, not cracked. There are no holes, broken welds, nor any other visible damage.

"I will check the passenger side the same way I checked the driver side."

"This concludes my Pre-Trip Inspection."