Pre-Trip Safety Inspection Checklist to Prevent Bre

100 Items

Comprehensive pre-trip vehicle inspection checklist covering safety, mechanical, and compliance requirements for commercial vehicles.

Commercial Vehicle Pre-Trip Safety Guide

This comprehensive pre-trip inspection checklist provides a systematic approach to evaluating commercial vehicle safety and compliance before operation. The inspection covers vehicle identification and documentation, engine compartment checks, tire and wheel inspection, brake system evaluation, steering and suspension assessment, lighting and electrical systems, windshield and mirror inspection, cab safety features, coupling and trailer systems, and fluid leak detection. Use this checklist to ensure vehicle safety, comply with DOT regulations, prevent breakdowns, and maintain commercial vehicle standards for professional drivers, fleet managers, and transportation companies.

1. Vehicle Identification & Documentation

1Vehicle registration / license plate is present, valid, clean and legible

2Vehicle inspection / safety stickers (if applicable) are current

3VIN / chassis number is intact, not tampered, visible

4Odometer reading recorded

5Driver's identification / license on board

6Insurance documents present and valid

7Cargo manifest / load papers (if applicable) present

8Maintenance log / last service record available

9Emergency contact / breakdown number documented

10Pre-trip inspection sheet / checklist form ready to complete

2. Engine Compartment & Under-hood

1Engine oil level (dipstick) – correct level, no contamination

2Coolant / antifreeze reservoir – level, cap secure, no leaks

3Power steering fluid level, hoses condition

4Belts (serpentine, alternator, fan) – no cracks, frays, proper tension

5Hoses (radiator, heater, vacuum) – no bulges, leaks, soft spots

6Air filter and intake – secure, clean, no debris

7Alternator / charging system – secure mounting, no damage

8Battery – clean terminals, secure hold-downs, no corrosion

9Wiring harnesses & connectors – secured, insulation intact

10Look under engine for leaks (oil, coolant, fuel, etc.)

3. Tires, Wheels & Rims

1Tire pressure (all tires) at manufacturer specification

2Tread depth adequate and even (no excessive wear)

3Inspect sidewalls for cuts, bulges, cracks, foreign objects

4Valve stems and caps present, undamaged

5Rims not cracked, bent or damaged

6Lug nuts present, torqued properly, no rust trails

7Hub seals (oil seals) not leaking

8Wheel bearings (if applicable) sound / no excessive play

9Dual wheels: no debris / foreign objects between tires

10Spare tire (if carried) condition, pressure, mount secure

4. Brakes & Air / Hydraulic Systems

1Brake lines / hoses – no leaks, kinks, abrasion

2Brake chambers (air) / calipers (hydraulic) – secure, no damage

3Slack adjusters & pushrods – correct travel, secure pins

4Brake drums / discs – no cracks, overheating signs

5Brake linings / pads – sufficient material, no contamination

6Parking brake mechanism operates / holds vehicle

7Service brakes – responsive, no dragging or delay

8Air system: build pressure, check for leaks, warning devices

9Low air (or hydraulic) pressure warning function

10ABS system (if equipped) – indicator light off, wiring intact

5. Steering & Suspension System

1Steering linkage (tie rods, drag link, pitman arm) – no loose joints

2Steering box / steering gear – no leaks, secure mounting

3Ball joints / kingpins – no excessive play

4Steering shaft / universal joints – secure, no play

5Leaf springs, coils, or torsion bars – intact, no cracks

6Spring mounts, hangers, shackles – secure, no wear

7Shock absorbers / struts – no leaks, mounted securely

8Air suspension (if applicable) – no leaks, bags intact

9U-bolts, bolts, fasteners for suspension – not loose or missing

10Frame rails & crossmembers – not cracked, bent, or rusted

6. Lights, Reflectors & Electrical

1Headlights — low beam, high beam working, lenses clean

2Turn signals (front, rear, side) operational

3Brake lights / tail lights functional

4Hazard / emergency flashers working

5Clearance, marker & side lights intact

6Reflectors and reflective tape are clean & undamaged

7Reverse lights (if equipped) functional

8Interior cab lighting functioning

9Horn(s) — air or electric operate correctly

10Electrical wiring — no exposed wires, connections secure

7. Windshield, Wipers & Mirrors

1Windshield – no major cracks, chips, or distortions

2Wiper blades – good condition, not torn or loose

3Windshield washer fluid reservoir – filled, no leaks

4Washer nozzles aimed properly and flow working

5Side mirrors – secure, properly adjusted, glass intact

6Rear view mirrors (if any) – clean, stable

7Mirror mounting brackets – no damage, secure

8Defroster / demister / heater vents – airflow working

9Glass in side & rear windows – clean, no damage

10Sun visor(s) – intact, operate, secure mounting

8. Cab / Driver's Compartment

1Seat and seat belts – secure, no frays, latch works

2Steering wheel / column adjustment operate

3Gauges and instruments (fuel, temp, oil pressure, voltmeter) functional

4Dashboard indicator lights — check on startup, then go off

5Air conditioning / heater controls functioning

6Shift lever / transmission selector works

7Parking brake lever / pedal functions

8Foot pedals (accelerator, brake, clutch) – no binding, free travel

9Fire extinguisher present, charged, mounted

10Emergency kit (flares, triangles, first aid) present & condition

9. Coupling / Trailer / Cargo (if applicable)

1Fifth wheel / kingpin / coupling plate – properly lubricated, locked

2Pintle hitch / drawbar / tongue (if used) – secure, no cracks

3Safety locks / latches engaged

4Electrical / air connectors (plug, pigtail) secure & functional

5Breakaway cables / chains present & in good condition

6Trailer landing gear / jacks – raise/lower, secure

7Trailer frame & structure – no damage, cracks, rust

8Cargo securement (straps, chains, tie-downs) tight & intact

9Load distribution proper, no overloading

10Reflective tape / markings on trailer intact

10. Fluid Leaks, Exhaust & Underbody

1Inspect underside for leaks (oil, coolant, fuel, air, power steering)

2Fuel tank & lines – secure, no leaks or cracks

3Exhaust system – no leaks, loose clamps, hangers secure

4Muffler / catalytic converter – secure, not damaged

5Heat shields / guard covers present and intact

6Underbody / frame – no cracks, damage, loose parts

7Crossmembers / supports – secure, no corrosion

8Drive shaft / U-joints – no play, secure, lubricant present

9Transmission / transfer case housing – no leaks

10Differential / axle housings – no leaks, gears secure

Overall Progress

Total Progress0/100

0% complete

Checklist Progress

1. Vehicle Identification & Documentation0/10

2. Engine Compartment & Under-hood0/10

3. Tires, Wheels & Rims0/10

4. Brakes & Air / Hydraulic Systems0/10

5. Steering & Suspension System0/10

6. Lights, Reflectors & Electrical0/10

7. Windshield, Wipers & Mirrors0/10

8. Cab / Driver's Compartment0/10

9. Coupling / Trailer / Cargo (if applicable)0/10

10. Fluid Leaks, Exhaust & Underbody0/10

Checklist Progress0 of 100 items completed

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