2.1.1 - 2.1.3 - Vehicle Inspection

Question 1

What is the most important reason
for doing a vehicle inspection?

Answer 1

Safety for yourself and for other road users is the most important reason you inspect your vehicle.

A vehicle defect found during an inspection could save you problems later. You could have a breakdown on the road that will cost time and money or, even worse, a crash caused by the defect.

Federal and state laws require that drivers inspect their vehicles. Federal and state inspectors also may inspect your vehicles. If they judge the vehicle to be unsafe, they will put it “out of service” until it is fixed.

Question 2

What things should you
check during a trip?

Answer 2

• Watch gauges for signs of trouble.
• Use your senses to check for problems (look, listen, smell, feel).
• Check critical items when you stop:
  ◊ Tires, wheels and rims.
  ◊ Brakes.
  ◊ Lights and reflectors.

Question 3

Name some key steering system parts.

Answer 3

• Tie Rod
• Steering Wheel
• Steering Shaft
• Steering Arms
• Hydraulic Fluid Reservoir
• Steering Gear Box
• Pitman Arm
• Drag Link
• Spindle
• Steering Knuckle

Question 4

Name some suspension system defects.

Answer 4

• Spring hangers that allow movement of the axle from the proper position. See Figure 2-2.
• Cracked or broken spring hangers.
• Missing or broken leaves in any leaf spring. If one fourth or more are missing, it will put the vehicle “out of service,” but any defect could be dangerous. See Figure 2-3.
• Broken leaves in a multi-leaf spring or leaves that have shifted so they might hit a tire or other part.
• Leaking shock absorbers.
• Torque rod or arm, U-bolts, spring hangers or other axle positioning parts that are cracked, damaged or missing.

Question 5

What three kinds of emergency
equipment must you have?

Answer 5

• Fire extinguisher(s).
• Spare electrical fuses (unless equipped with circuit breakers).
• Warning devices for parked vehicles: three reflective warning triangles or at least six fusees or three liquid burning flares.

Question 6

What is the minimum tread
depth for front tires?

Answer 6

4/32 inch

Question 7

What is the minimum tread
depth for other tires?

Answer 7

2/32 inch