Roadcheck 2016Roadcheck 2016 will take place June 7-9, 2016. Each year, International Roadcheck places special emphasis on a category of violations. This is an enforcement and educational program to enhance safety in the transportation industry. This year special emphasis for 2016 International Roadcheck is tire safety. While checking a vehicle’s tires is always part of roadside inspections, CVSA is highlighting tire safety as a reminder to drivers and carriers.

Over the 72-hour period approximately 10,000 CVSA-certified local, state, provincial, territorial and federal inspectors in jurisdictions across North America perform large truck and bus safety inspections. Len Dubois Trucking drivers, maintenance crew, and management expect zero violation for our fleet. As a team safety is our top priority.

Pay Special Attention to Your Tires During Your Pre-trip

As always we should be completing thorough pre-trip inspections every day. Pay close attention to your tires during this time. Check for:

  • Proper inflation, cuts, bulges, re-grooved tires on steering axle, tread wear and, major tread groove depth.
  • Inspect sidewalls for defects, improper repairs, exposed fabric or cord, contact with any part of the vehicle and tire markings excluding it from use on a steering axle.
  • Inspect wheels and rims for cracks, unseated locking rings and broken or missing lugs, studs or clamps.
  • Check for rims that are cracked or bent, have loose or damaged lug nuts and elongated stud holes, have cracks across spokes or in the web area and evidence of slippage in the clamp areas.
  • Check the hubs for lubricant leaks, missing caps or plugs, misalignment and, positioning and damaged, worn or missing parts.

Complete and Proper Vehicle Inspections

While tires will be the special focus of this years Roadcheck, drivers should always complete proper vehicle inspections and have necessary repairs done immediately. Lets go through what you should be checking during your pre-trip inspections.

Tractor & Trailer Inspection

Fuel Tank

Secure to frame with at least 2 metal bands with rubber backing. Ensure no visible damage and not cracked or leaking.

Battery Box

  • No visible signs of damage.
  • Batteries – Secured with no visible damage or signs of leaking. Wires and connectors nor corroded of damaged.

Catwalk and Steps

No visible damage and properly secured.

Drive Shafts

  • Secure, straight, no visible damage
  • U-joints – Secure with no visible damage.

Air and Electrical Lines

  • Air lines – No visible damage or leaking. Lines are to drag on catwalk.
  • Glad hands – Check seals are in good condition. Ensure they are properly hooked up and won’t disconnect.
  • Electrical line – No visible damage. Locked and secured into trailer outlet.

Suspension on Tractor & Trailer

  • U-bolts– Secured & no visible damage
  • Shocks – No visible damage.
  • Air bags – No damage or leaks. Ensure they are inflated.
  • Springs- No cracks, broken bolts, or other damage.

Brakes on Tractor & Trailer

  • Brake shoes – No visible damage or debris.
  • Brake drum – No cracks or visible damage.
  • Air lines – No leaks or damage.
  • Brake chamber – No visible damage.
  • Push rod & slack adjuster – No visible damage.

Tires & Rims on Tractor & Trailer

  • Check for unusual wear and damage. Tread depth should be at least 2/32 inch.
  • Valve stem – Secure, straight, not cracked, bent, broken or leaking. All valve caps are present and tight. A good rule of thumb is tire pressure should be around 100 psi at 70 degrees F.
  • Rim – No visible damage.
  • Lug nuts – All there and no visible cracks or damage.
  • Hub – No visible damage or leaks. Ensure lube is at proper level.

Mud Flaps on Tractor & Trailer

No damage or tares. None missing.

Trailer

  • Landing gear & pads – No visible damage.
  • Handle is secured.
  • Cross members – No visible damage.
  • Marking lamps – None missing, broken or burnt out.
  • Doors – No excessive damage. Check hinges and seals are in good condition. Handles are secured.
  • D.O.T. bumper – No excessive damage or wear. Check reflective tape is in good condition.
  • License plate – Secured and not obstructed. Clean enough to read.
  • License plate light – In working condition.

Inspect Under the Hood

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.
  • Fan blades – Secure, not cracked, bent 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.

Steering

  • Steering wheel shaft – Secure, straight not broken. Check for excessive play.
  • U-joints – Secure, not cracked or broken.
  • Steering gear box – Secure, not cracked or broken.
  • Spring hangers – Secure, not cracked, bent or broken.
  • Springs – Secure, not cracked or broken.
  • U-bolts and saddle – Secured not cracked or broken.
  • Shocks – Secure, not cracked or broken.

Brakes

  • Air lines – Secure to frame and brake chamber, not cracked or leaking.
  • Push rod slack adjuster – Secure not cracked or broken.
  • S-cam shaft to s-cam roller – No damage.
  • Brake shoes – No visible signs of damage or cracks.
  • Brake drum – No visible signs or damage, excessive wear or cracks.

Steer tires

  • Tread depth no less than 4/32”.
  • No separation cuts, cupping or bulging.
  • Valve stem – Secure, not broken or leaking.
  • Tire between 100 – 110 PSI.

Inspect Inside the Cab

In cab inspection

  • 10 lb ABC fire extinguisher – Fully charged, secured inside cab.
  • Red reflective emergency triangles – 3 triangles, not broken.
  • Safety belt – Secured, not cut or broken, latches properly.
  • Dashboard – Clean, and free of debris.
  • Windshield – Not cracked or damaged.
  • Wiper arms – Not cracked broken, working properly.
  • Wiper blades – Not damaged and making contact with the windshield.
  • Windshield washer – Working properly.
  • Mirrors – Not cracked or broken, properly adjusted.
  • Horns both city & highway – Working properly.
  • Gauges – Work properly and activated.
  • Heater, defroster, and blower – Working properly.

Brake check

  • Tractor parking brake – Ensure yellow knob is out and the red knob is in. In low gear – tug.
  • Trailer parking brake – Ensure red knob is out and the yellow knob is in. In low gear – tug.

Lights

  • Low beams – Physically get out and check to ensure lights are working.
  • Running lights – Physically get out and check to ensure lights are working on tractor & trailer.
  • Turn signals – Physically get out and check to ensure lights are working on tractor & trailer for both left and right signal.
  • Hazards (4 way) – Physically get out and check to ensure lights are working on tractor & trailer.
  • Brake lights – Pull spike (trailer hand brake) and physically get out and check to ensure lights are working on tractor & trailer.
  • High beams – Physically get out and check to ensure lights are working.