General Knowledge Flashcards
What is the most important reason for doing a vehicle inspection?
Federal and State law requires drivers to inspect their vehicle. The vehicle inspection is a crucial preventative safety and maintenance measure that minimizes breakdowns, reduces collision risk, and saves lives.
What things should you check during a trip?
a) Before, During, and After: Check gauges:Air Pressure Supply, Fuel, Coolant Fuel (if pulling reefer unit).
b) Before, at Stops, and After:Tires, Wheels, Rims, Tractor and Trailer Brakes, Lights and Reflectors, Trailer electrical connections, Trailer coupling devices, Cargo Securement devices.
c) Use 5 senses to stay aware of any potential engine or vehicle handling issues.
Name some key steering system parts.
Parts of the steering systems include: Steering wheel, steering shaft, gear box, hydraulic fuel reservoir, power steering cylinder, pitman arm, drag link, steering arm, steering knuckle, spindle, and tie rod.
Name some suspension system defects.
Suspension system defects include: air suspension leak, shock absorber leak, broken spring hangers, missing or broken spring leaves, missing or broken torque rod, u bolts, etc.
What three kinds of emergency equipment must you have?
You must carry at all times: fire extinguisher, electrical fuses, warning devices (three reflective triangles, 6 fuses, or 3 liquid burning flares).
What is the minimum tread depth for front tires? For other tires?
Front Tire Minimum Tread Depth: 4/32 in.
Rear/Other Tire Minimum Tread Depth: 2/32 in.
Name some things you should check on the front of your vehicle during the walk around inspection.
a) Check fluids: Engine oil, coolant, power steering, windshield washer, battery, automatic transmission.
b) Check hoses: radiator hoses, power steering hose.
c) Check for fluid leaks: fuel, oil, coolant, power steering, hydraulic, battery.
d) Check belts for tightness and wear: alternator, water pump, air compressor.
e) Check wiring: Look for worn electrical wiring insulation.
f) Check windows, and mirrors: Look for cracks, dirt, etc.
g) Check sensors: Clear any dirt off of sensors.
h) Check front wheels, tires, and brakes: look for rim damage, tire depth, tire damage,slack adjustor, suspension, etc.
What should wheel bearing seals be checked for?
Leaking
How many red reflective triangles should you carry?
Four
How do you test hydraulic brakes for leaks?
a) Pump brake pedal three times.
b) Hold brake pedal firmly for five seconds.
c) Feel for movement. The pedal should not move, if it does, get it fixed!
Why put the starter switch key in your pocket during the Vehicle inspection?
To avoid potential theft or accident.
Why should you back toward the driver’s side?
It is easier to see the rear of the trailer from the driver’s side window than the passenger side window.
If stopped on a hill, how can you start moving without rolling back?
Use the parking brake and keep the brake engaged until RPMs are high enough to accelerate without rolling back. You can also use the trolley hand valve if equipped. For manual, partially engage the clutch before releasing the pedal brake.
When backing, why is it important to use a helper?
Using a helper reduces the risk of collision when backing up. A helper can warn you of obstructions and guide you safely into a parking spot.
What’s the most important hand signal that you and the helper should agree on?
STOP!
What are the two special conditions where you should downshift?
The two most important moments when you should downshift is before starting down a hill and when you are entering a curve.
When should you downshift automatic transmissions?
Use downshifting when descending a hill to limit the RPM of the engine to use the engine braking effect.
Retarders keep you from skidding when the road is slippery. True or False?
False, if the drive wheels have poor traction wear the retarders will make it more likely for skidding to occur.
What are the two ways to know when to shift?
Two ways to know when to shift are: monitoring the RPM gauge to determine the appropriate time to shift based on the operating speed of each gear, or using the speed gauge to determine the best time to shift based upon the speed the vehicle is traveling.
How far ahead does the manual say you should look?
It is important to look ahead at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead.
What are two main things to look for ahead?
It is important to look ahead for traffic merging into your lane and to look ahead for vehicles slowing down or stopping.
What’s your most important way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?
To view the sides and rear of the vehicle it is important to use both side mirrors.
What does “communicating” mean in safe driving?
Communicating in “safe driving” means communicating your intentions and your presence using your signals, lights, and horn.
Where should you place reflectors when stopped on a divided highway?
When stopped on a highway place reflective triangles behind the trailer 10, 100, and 200 feet.
What three things add up to total stopping distance?
The vehicle’s total stopping distance is equal to the sum of Perception Distance, Reaction Distance, and Braking Distance.
If you go twice as fast, will your stopping distance increase by two or four times?
If your speed increases by a factor of 2, your stopping distance must increase by a factor of 4.
Empty trucks have the best braking. True or False?
False.
What is hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning is when the tires of the vehicle lose traction due to excessive water on the roadway, causing a water skiing effect.
What is “black ice”?
Black ice is a thin sheet of frozen water on the roadway that appears clear, in other words, invisible ice. Look for wetness on the road during freezing temperatures.
How do you find out how many seconds of following distance space you have?
Depending on the length of the vehicle and your traveling speed, adjust your following distance accordingly. Keep a distance of 4 secs for a 40 ft truck if driving under 40mph. Keep a distance of 5 secs for a 40 ft truck if driving over 40mph. Keep a distance of 6 secs for a 60 ft truck if driving under 40mph. Keep a distance of 7 secs for a 40 ft truck if driving over 40mph.
