Pretrip inspection

[Captain Chaos]

At my company, the brothers that own it encourage us to get into the habit of pretripping our vehicles. And not just the company trucks, but our personal rigs too. A quick walk around in a crowded parking lot could save you a lot of time and money. Someone could have pulled out the winch cable and attached it to something. Or maybe you parked closer to something than you thought, and if you turn the wrong way backing out you'll hit it.

What do you do before you leave in your rig? Do you do a walk around to inspect, or just hop in and go? How often do you open the hood to check fluid levels?

I'm going to start working on a checklist. I will post up when I get a good list going.

 

[Knitron]

A great time to check your fluids is everytime you are fill up at the gas station. What else are you going to do besides pray your gas gauge is broken and your tank is actually full as you put 30 gallons in it.....

Sent from my SPH-L720T using OB Talk mobile app

 

[Steve]

This might help get you started: Overland Trip Planning: What do you NEED to Check?

 

[4xFar Adventures]

I've been working on a training manual for a while now and this is the checklist I have. Some of these things are checked just from daily driving, like the horn and turn signals. Others may not need to be checked for every trip, but it's good to know when it was last checked, like the ATF.

Pre & Post Trip Vehicle Inspection Checklist



Engine oil and filter
Transmission fluid, level and color, should be bright red
Brakes, brake fluid, pad thickness
Parking brake, handle adjustment
Brake lines, rubbing, connections,
Power steering fluid
Engine coolant and hoses, check for bulges, cracks
Battery, clean terminals
Air filter, check housing for cracks
Headlights, high/low beams
Turn signal, brake, and reverse lights
Mirrors, side view and rear
Windshield wipers, and fluid level
Tires, check pressure and for signs of damage
Seat belts, latch and tensioner
Horn sounds
Steering, suspension and drivetrain components
Spare tire, wheel wrench and the jack
Engine belts, check for cracking and tension
Exhaust manifold to muffler, O2 plugs, look for cracks/holes
Spare tire, lugs nuts, lug wrench
Springs, cracks
Shocks, bushings, leaks
Current registration, insurance card

Daily Check:

A quick 5-10 minute walkaround should be completed at the end of the day, or first thing in the morning. If a leak repair was made at night, check to make sure it’s still holding before heading out the next morning. On longer trips, keep a log to track issues as they arise. Note the day and any details (location on vehicle, damage, if leak what amount, etc.) and show them to a mechanic when needed.

 

[Zargon]

This is some great information. I do a pretty regular day to day walk around of my vehicle before I start driving, just doing a quick visual inspection of the obvious such as how the vehicle is sitting, if there is a leak on the floor, if the tires are in good condition, the spare is in good condition, the roof rack and brush guard are still secure, making sure people haven't left things on my roof rack (happened more then once).

I'm definitely following this thread to see what others do!

Sent from my Nexus 6P using OB Talk mobile app

 

[Big E]

Read a training manual for a class A or B license endorsement. I learned years ago to basically look at everything. I usually give a good look at my vehicle before leaving work or the house, just to see if anything is around it or been damaged. Fluids on the ground, tires flat, animals, obvious damage. I check fluids every Friday on all vehicles, tires monthly for pressure, Always look in the backseat for a dude with an ax or chainsaw.

 

[Dunco]

Defiantly a good thing to be doing i do my own personal vehicle at least once a week and our work vehicles get done daily
Ill attach the list we use it might give you some idea's