Tips on Passing the Pre-Trip Inspection

Passing the pre-trip inspection can be very easy but than again and can be very hard depending upon how you study. If you are organized then it will be a piece of cake to pass but if not you have just got yourself into major drama. if you learn first all of the main contents you will be alright nothing to it. Once you know all the contents you will automatically remember each subject to talk about in each category. To make a long story short simply point to the part that you are taking about at that time inspect it explain it tell everything that you know about that certain part so you want miss anything. Always know the requirements of the state that you will be tested because each state have small difference so know there expectations. Be sure to know there rules about the pre-trip inspections but regardless of what state that you will be testing in you can't go wrong for knowing to much information so learn as much as you can. Knowing what the job duties that each part performs is a big must. One of the best ways to pass a pre-trip inspection is to set up a procedure and follow it in order being organized will really pay off. Follow it in the way that you will work yourself around the vehicle. I find it well to start with the over view inspection. Always have the keys in your pocket, always check for broken lights, checking to see if the truck is leaning, leaking any fluids this is all great to start out with. Then after that is finish move to the inspection of the engine you need to cover all bases like the covering the oil level, coolant level, power steering fluid, checking the water pump for leaks, hoses, exhaust leaks, air compressor and check for any type damages big or small. Now it's time for the cab inspection be sure that everything is working properly. Check the horn, windshield wiper, defrost, seat belt, mirrors and steering wheel also take good notice of the steering wheel no more than 2 inches of free play. Be aware if the clutch is sticking or not the clutch also needs 2 inches of free play. Make sure the gear shifter is not binding. You need three emergency devices which is extra fuses, fire extinguisher, and the three reflective triangles. When you start the truck up make sure that it is in neutral to check the gages work properly, check the turning signals, be sure the instructor checks to see if the outside lights are working properly. Lastly check your brakes properly and that will conclude the cab inspection.

For the steering inspection check the component for any damages or leaks or missing parts check the steering gear box, shaft, pitman arm, steering knuckle, and the tie rod. Now do the suspension the same way : Remember that you are checking for any damages or leaks or missing parts throughout the entire pre-trip inspection. Check the front steer brakes, which is the hoses, brake chambers, slack adjusters ( not more than one inch of play)check the brake shoes to see if the lining is worn to thin. Be sure that your tires has 100 pounds of air in them and check the rims. The fuel tank and cap needs to be check to see if there are any leaks or damages and be sure that it is strapped tight. The drivers windows, mirrors, and doors all have to works properly. There is alot of items to check like the battery box, utility lights, air supply lines, electrical cord, and the front end axles it is alot that you have to know so if you organize your information and study hard your instructor will be saying congratulations, you have completed and passed the class a cdl pre-trip inspection.