Vehicle Inspections

Here's your step-by-step guide to a comprehensive morning vehicle inspection:

1. Approach and Initial Walk-Around:

• Look Underneath: Before you even open the door, take a quick glance underneath the vehicle. Look for any fresh leaks (oil, coolant, fuel, brake fluid) or anything out of the ordinary (loose parts, hanging wires).

• Tire Check (Visual): As you walk around the vehicle, visually inspect each tire. Look for:

  • Inflation: Does it look properly inflated? Compare it to the other tires. Don't just kick it; get down and look at the sidewall.

  • Damage: Check for cuts, bulges, sidewall cracks, or embedded objects (nails, screws).

• Body Damage: Scan the exterior of the vehicle for any new dents, scratches, or damage that might have occurred since the last time it was used. Check mirrors and lights for cracks or damage.

2. Lights and Signals:

• Headlights (Low and High Beam): Turn on the ignition. Check both low and high beam headlights to ensure they are working and properly aimed.

• Turn Signals (Front and Rear): Activate both left and right turn signals, front and rear, and visually confirm they are flashing correctly.

• Brake Lights: Have a colleague stand behind the vehicle while you press the brake pedal, or back up carefully to a reflective surface to check that both brake lights are functioning.

• Hazard Lights: Turn on the hazard lights and walk around the vehicle to ensure all four are flashing simultaneously.

• Other Lights: Check any other lights relevant to your vehicle type (e.g., fog lights, running lights, work lights).

3. Fluid Levels (Under the Hood):

• Engine Oil: Locate the dipstick, pull it out, wipe it clean with a rag, reinsert it fully, and then pull it out again. Check the oil level against the "full" and "low" marks. Note the color and consistency – is it milky or excessively dirty?

• Coolant: Check the coolant level in the reservoir. It should be between the "full" and "low" marks (or "min" and "max"). Never open the radiator cap when the engine is hot.

• Brake Fluid: Locate the brake fluid reservoir and check the level. It should be near the "full" mark. Note the color – is it dark or cloudy? A low level could indicate a leak.

• Windshield Washer Fluid: Ensure the reservoir has an adequate amount of washer fluid.

• Power Steering Fluid (if applicable): Check the level in the power steering fluid reservoir.

4. Belts and Hoses (Under the Hood):

• Belts: Visually inspect all belts for cracks, fraying, excessive wear, or looseness. Press on them lightly – they shouldn't have excessive play.

• Hoses: Check all visible hoses for leaks, bulges, cracks, or swelling. Pay attention to connections and clamps.

5. Interior Checks:

• Seat and Mirrors: Check the mirrors against damage, or visibility issues.

• Seat Belts: Inspect the seat belts for any rips, tears, or fraying. Ensure they latch and retract smoothly.

• Horn: Briefly test the horn to ensure it's working.

• Windshield Wipers: Test the windshield wipers and ensure they clear the windshield effectively. Check the wiper blades for damage or wear.

• Dashboard Warning Lights: Turn the ignition to the "on" position (without starting the engine) and observe the dashboard warning lights. Ensure all the necessary lights illuminate and then go off after a few seconds (except for those that remain on until the engine is started, like the battery light). Note any lights that stay on or illuminate unexpectedly.

• Brakes (Initial Feel): Before moving the vehicle, gently press the brake pedal to ensure it feels firm and doesn't go all the way to the floor.

6. Final Walk-Around Before Moving:

• Take one last quick walk around the vehicle to ensure nothing has been missed and that the immediate surroundings are clear.

Reporting Issues:

• If you find any issues during your inspection, you MUST report them immediately to the designated manager, according to company policy.

• This inspection process should take less than 15 minutes in all.

• Do not operate a vehicle that you believe is unsafe, unless that vehicle has been inspected & cleared.

Here's a guide for a company driver on what to do when your vehicle exhibits unusual behavior while on the road:

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Immediate Situation

• Don't Panic: Your first reaction might be alarm, but a calm mind allows for clearer thinking and safer decisions.

• Identify the Sound/Sensation: Try to pinpoint what the noise is (squealing, grinding, clunking, hissing, whining), where it's coming from (brakes, engine, suspension), and when it occurs (only when braking, accelerating, turning, or constantly).

• Look for Warning Lights: Immediately check your dashboard for any new illuminated warning lights (e.g., check engine, oil pressure, brake warning). These are critical indicators.

2. Prioritize Safety: Pull Over When Safe to Do So

• Signal and Move to the Shoulder: If the issue seems significant or immediately compromises your ability to control the vehicle, activate your turn signal and safely pull over to the side of the road or into a parking lot as soon as possible.

• Avoid Abrupt Stops: If the issue is brake-related, try to brake gently and progressively to avoid locking up or losing control.

• Engage Hazard Lights: Once safely pulled over, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

3. Initial Investigation (If Safe)

• Brakes Squealing While Stopping:

  • Listen Closely: Is it a light squeal, often indicating worn brake pads that need replacement soon? Or is it a harsh grinding, which suggests metal-on-metal contact and requires immediate attention?

  • Check Brake Feel: Does the pedal feel spongy, hard, or does it pulsate?

  • Visual Check (Limited): If safe, briefly step out and look at the wheels. Do you see anything obviously wrong, like a hanging part or excessive dust? Do not get under the vehicle.

• Something Under the Hood Making Noise (Hissing, Whining, Clunking):

  • Look for Smoke/Steam: Immediately check for any smoke, steam, or unusual smells (burning oil, sweet coolant smell, burning rubber). If you see smoke or steam, turn off the engine immediately.

  • Listen from Outside: Once safely parked, and with the engine off (if there's smoke/steam) or running (if just a new noise), listen from the outside. Can you better pinpoint the source?

  • Fluid Leaks: Briefly look underneath the vehicle for any new puddles or drips.

• Vehicle Doing Something Unusual (e.g., Pulling, Vibrating, Steering Issues):

  • Observe Behavior: Note when the behavior occurs. Does it pull to one side during braking, acceleration, or constantly? Is the vibration only at certain speeds?

  • Steering Feel: Does the steering feel loose, stiff, or is there a new sound when turning?

4. Contact Your Supervisor/Fleet Manager

This is the most critical step once you've assessed the situation and ensured your immediate safety.

• Do Not Attempt Major Repairs: As a driver, your role is to identify and report, not to diagnose or repair complex mechanical issues.

• Provide Detailed Information: Clearly and calmly explain to your supervisor:

  • The exact nature of the problem (what noise, what sensation, what unusual behavior).

  • When it started and under what conditions.

  • Any warning lights that are on.

  • Your current location.

  • Your assessment of the vehicle's operability (e.g., "I don't feel it's safe to drive," "I think I can make it to the nearest service center slowly").

• Follow Instructions: Your supervisor or fleet manager will provide instructions, which may include:

  • Bringing the vehicle to a specific service center.

  • Waiting for roadside assistance or a tow truck.

  • Continuing with caution if the issue is deemed minor and non-critical.

5. Document the Incident

• Internal Reporting: Fill out any internal company incident or vehicle defect reports as required. The more detail you provide, the better.

• Time and Date: Note the time and date the issue first occurred.

• Mileage: Record the approximate mileage when the issue started.

Key Takeaways for Every Driver:

• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels "off" or sounds "wrong," it probably is. Don't dismiss new noises or sensations.

• Safety First, Always: Your safety and the safety of others on the road are paramount. Never operate a vehicle that you genuinely believe is unsafe.

• Communicate Clearly: Effective communication with your supervisor or fleet manager is vital for prompt and appropriate action.

• Prevention is Key: Regular morning inspections (as discussed previously) can often catch minor issues before they escalate into roadside emergencies.