Why a good pre-trip pays off
A solid pre-trip catches small problems before they become roadside violations, breakdowns or crashes. Brakes, tires and lights are among the most common out-of-service items at roadside inspections, and most of them can be spotted in a walk-around.
What the rules say
In the US, FMCSA rule 49 CFR 396.13 says that before driving, you must be satisfied the vehicle is in safe operating condition. You must also review the last driver vehicle inspection report (DVIR) if one lists defects. Rule 396.11 covers the end-of-day report: you note defects in it, and the carrier must sign off that any listed defects were repaired.
A written pre-trip form isn't required by federal rule, but many carriers require one. Your log time must match the work you actually did.
Seeing a light on the dash? Snap it with DERATE and know if you can keep driving
The walk-around, step by step
Do it the same way every time so you don't skip anything.
1. Approach and under the truck
- Look for leaks under the truck: oil, coolant, fuel, DEF.
- Check if the truck is leaning, which can mean a suspension or air bag problem.
2. Engine compartment
- Oil level, coolant level, power steering fluid.
- Belts: tight, not cracked or frayed.
- Hoses: no cracks, bulges or leaks.
- Air compressor and its lines secure.
- Wiring: no chafing or loose connections.
3. Steer axle and front
- Steer tires: tread depth, cuts, bulges, proper inflation. Federal minimum is 4/32 inch on steer tires.
- Rims and lug nuts: no cracks, missing nuts or rust streaks.
- Hub oil seal: no leaks, level OK.
- Brakes: chambers, slack adjusters, hoses, pushrods.
- Steering linkage and shocks.
4. Side and fuel area
- Fuel tanks and caps secure, no leaks.
- DEF tank and cap secure.
- Battery box and cables secure.
- Exhaust and aftertreatment: no leaks, no soot trails.
5. Drive axles and rear of tractor
- Drive and trailer tires: at least 2/32 inch tread, no flats, nothing stuck between duals.
- Brakes on every axle: chambers, slack adjusters, linings, drums.
- Suspension: springs, air bags, U-bolts, torque rods.
- Mud flaps.
6. Coupling
- Fifth wheel locked, jaws closed around the kingpin, no gap.
- Release arm in the locked position.
- Air lines and electrical cord connected, not dragging or chafed.
- Landing gear fully raised, crank handle secured.
7. Trailer
- Doors, hinges and seals.
- Cargo secured (if you can see it).
- Tires, brakes and suspension, same checks as the tractor.
- Reflective tape and all lights.
8. Lights
Turn on headlights, flashers and marker lights, then walk around. Check brake lights with a helper or a brake hold tool.
9. In the cab
- Gauges: oil pressure and voltage come up after start. No warning lamps stay on.
- Mirrors, windshield, wipers and washer.
- Horn, heater and defroster.
- Seat belt.
- Emergency kit: fire extinguisher, reflective triangles, spare fuses if required.
- Air brake check. See our air brake guide for the steps.
Paperwork in the cab
- License and medical card
- Registration and insurance
- Last DVIR
- ELD working, with the instruction sheet
Tips that save time
- Use the same route around the truck every day.
- Photograph anything odd so you can show the shop later.
- Report defects right away, in writing.
- If a warning lamp is on at start-up, read the code before you leave.
When to stop and call a mechanic
Don't leave the yard with air leaks, brake defects, tires below the legal tread, a fifth wheel that isn't locked, or a red warning lamp. Those can put you out of service and are unsafe. Write it up and get it fixed first.
FAQ
How long should a pre-trip take?
There's no federal minimum time. Take as long as it takes to check everything properly, and log that time accurately.
Is a written pre-trip report required?
Federal rules don't require one. Many carriers do. A post-trip DVIR is required when you find defects.
What's the minimum tread depth?
4/32 inch on steer tires and 2/32 inch on other positions, measured in a major groove.