In the US, there are 15.5 million commercial trucks on the highways. These trucks play a vital role in the movement of products and materials throughout the nation, and our economy depends on their dependability and safety. If your company relies on vans or trucks to deliver goods to consumers, you know how crippling it can be when one of your vehicles breaks down.
Preventive maintenance is the most excellent approach to avoid breakdowns from happening. Use this daily truck inspection report template and modify it to suit your requirements to ensure that your vehicles are professionally inspected and maintained.
What is a checklist for a daily truck inspection?
A thorough report that drivers can use to regularly evaluate specific parts of their trucks will help them assure safety and prevent damage by identifying any changes or problems with their vehicles early on. Some components of an inspection report may be reviewed every few months or at certain mileage benchmarks, while other components must be examined daily. Daily pre-trip truck inspection reports are used by many companies that depend on trucks to transport goods in order to maintain their fleets' performance.
What should be written on the truck inspection sheet?
Each fleet is unique. This means that the inspection report for a commercial vehicle operating in different industries may vary somewhat from the inspection sheet for your truck. This is why being able to design unique pre-trip inspection reports specifically for your fleet is so essential for keeping your vehicles in top condition. Your report needs to start by covering the following essential topics:
Fuel and Engine Systems
Even if you don't have much experience with truck mechanics, you may still help by keeping an eye out for problems with the vehicle's primary systems, such as the engine and fuel system.
- Pay attention to the engine for odd sounds, such as rattles, knocks, or tics.
- Examine the belts and hoses for leaks, cracks, splits, or abrasions.
- Check the amount of engine oil.
- Check the fuel level
- Verify the external fuel tank caps.
Trailer
It's crucial to examine your truck's trailer components for any damage. Examine the trailer’s body by walking around it and looking for the following:
- Scratches and dings on the doors
- Vandalism indicators
- Sents or scrapes.
- Body slating
- Rust or other wear and tear
Lighting Systems
Your truck's lighting system has to be in good operating order regardless of whether you’re driving at night or during daytime hours. Spend some time verifying that:
- Fog lights, high beams, and low beams all function.
- Each tail light works correctly.
- Turn signals function.
- Emergency lights are working.
- The dashboard doesn't light up with warning lights.
Interior examination
The truck's cab has a lot of gadgets and controls. These may be examined daily to keep your driver and other motorists safe. Verify that:
- The windshield is undamaged, spotless, and uncracked.
- The wiper fluid is topped off, and windshield wipers operate as intended.
- The heater, air conditioner, and defroster are fully functional.
- The horn works.
- All seatbelt-related systems and their functionality are in good operating order.
- The headrest, steering column, and seats may all be readily altered and maintained while driving.
- Examine each mirror for damage or fractures. Please make sure they are all secure and readily adjustable.
Brakes
One of your truck's most crucial components, the brakes, keeps your drivers and other motorists safe while on the road. Before you hit the road, you should check your brakes.
- When leaving the garage or driveway, gently use the brakes to ensure they function correctly.
- To test the ABS, press the brakes firmly.
- Test the parking brake.
- Check the level of the brake fluid.
Vehicle/driver documents
You must always have the required papers and documents with you for legal and liability concerns when you go on the road. These papers include, among others:
- A valid driving permit
- Registration for vehicles
- The easily recognizable and affixed license plate
- Evidence of insurance
- An up-to-date maintenance schedule and accident report
Inspecting tires and wheels
Walk around the vehicle before driving and check the wheels and tires for damage. Among the things to watch for are:
- The tire pressure is correct.
- No tire damage exists.
- No indication of exceptional wear
- There are spare tires available, and they are accessible and in good condition.
Final words
While it may seem like a lot of work to complete and document a pre-trip inspection every day, it can prevent accidents, breakdowns, and other costly incidents. Additionally, a pre-trip inspection helps to maintain the overall condition of your vehicle, which can extend its lifespan and reduce maintenance costs. Overall, a pre-trip inspection is an essential task for any truck driver and fleet to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.
