Pre-trips are important to trucking safety and truck maintenance. Pre-trips should be done when you start your trip and at the beginning of each work day. By completing a pre-trip you can avoid unnecessary breakdowns on the road, which come with hefty tow and roadside assistance fees. There are many things truck drivers have to inspect during the pre-trip inspection but today we’re focusing on what to look for under the hood.

  • Oil – Ensure safe operating level.
  • Oil fill tube – Secure, not bent or broken.
  • Alternator – Secure and not broken.
  • Water pump – Secure, not cracked or broken and not leaking.
  • Radiator & radiator hoses – Secure, not cracked, broken or leaking.
  • Antifreeze level – Check for safe operating level.
  • Fan shroud – Secure, not cracked or broken.
  • Frame – Secure, not cracked, bent or broken.
  • Water pump – Secure, not cracked, broken or leaking.
  • Power steering reservoir – Secure, not cracked, broken or leaking.
  • Air compressor and air lines – Check fluid is at proper level. Secure, not cracked, bent or broken and not leaking.
  • Starter – Secure, not cracked or broken.
  • Windshield washer – Check fluid is full. Secure, not cracked, broken or leaking.
  • Fan blades – Secure, not cracked, bent or broken.