Long-haul truck operators know how much a reliable vehicle matters when they need to spend hours, if not days, on the road and cover long distances. Your truck has to be ready to take on all kinds of conditions while ensuring your safety and the safety of those around you. This is why it is so important to follow a truck safety checklist before every long haul.
Here is a list of what should be done before every long-haul trucking adventure you embark on. A pre-long-haul inspection should take you no more than 30 minutes to complete.
1. Check the Tires
Start by checking the tire pressure and tread depth. The tires must not have any signs of damage. Every 10-degree change in air temperature can cause your truck’s tires to lose 1 psi of pressure. If the pressure is less than the recommended count, it can not only affect the truck’s fuel efficiency but also the stopping distance.
If the treads are not sufficient, you can lose control over snow, ice, or water due to sliding or hydroplaning. Also make sure there are no foreign objects between the wheels or gaps between tires and rims.
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2. Check the Brakes
The brake system needs to be checked both inside the cab and outside. Whether it is for air brakes, hydraulic brakes, or parking brakes, make the following checks:
- Ensure proper brake adjustment with the slack adjuster
- The air lines must not have leaks, damage, or loose sealing
- The brake linings must have proper thickness
Faulty brakes dramatically increase the chances of accidents.
3. Check the Fluid Levels & Condition
Check under the truck for any signs of leaks. This includes looking for leaks associated with:
- Engine & transmission oils
- Fuel
- Coolant
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
Check all the fluid levels and their condition. Also inspect the hoses, wires, and belts for any signs of damage or wear. Make sure the oil pressure gauge is working properly. Low levels of fluids can cause overheating and potentially damage the engine.
4. Test the Lighting
Next, check the headlights, tail lights, turn signals, and warning lights to see if they are working properly. Lights play an important role in making your truck more visible to others on the road. Reflectors shouldn’t have any cracks or missing sections and they must be free of dirt and debris. If you notice any problems, have the lighting fixed before embarking on the journey.
5. Check the Coupling System
It is also important to check and ensure the reliability of the coupling system before you move out on a long haul.
- Inspect the kingpin and the sliding fifth wheel locking pin
- Check the skid plate connecting the trailer and cab
- Make sure the air lines, glad hands, gap, mounting bolt, locking jaws, release arm, platform, and electrical connections are in good condition
6. Examine the Trailer
You should conduct a thorough examination of the trailer for any mechanical problems that may interfere with proper tractor mounting. Look for missing rivets, bends, cracks, holes, or breaks in the frame, headboard, release pins, locking pins, release handles, doors, hinges, and cross members.
Before you hook up the trailer, take a look at the back of the truck. The shocks and airbags must be intact, there should be no debris in the driveshaft’s U-joints, and the fifth wheel should be properly greased.
Conclusion
Besides these steps, you should ensure that your emergency equipment kit is not missing anything. Check the different components in the engine compartment for any physical signs of problems. Visually examine the battery area and fuel tank for leaks or cracks. Make sure the battery power levels are proper.
There should be no chips or cracks on the windshield. The mirrors should not be loose or frozen, but in good condition. Conduct a cabin interior inspection involving the seat belts, steering wheel, horns, gauges, pedals, and all the warning systems. Check the temperature and make sure the controls are working properly. Before you embark on a long haul, it is also important to ensure you are properly rested.