TEXAS CDL Q&A

Question 1

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

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What things should you check during a trip?

Answer 2

Watch gauges for signs of trouble.
Use your senses — look, listen, smell, feel — to check for problems.
When stopped, critical items to check are:

• Tires
• wheels and rims
• Brakes
• Lights and reflectors
• Brake and electrical connections to trailer
• Trailer coupling devices
• Cargo securement devices

Question 3

Name some key steering system parts.

Answer 3

Steering wheel, steering gear box, tie rod, spindle, drag link, steering ring knuckle, steering arm. Steering wheel shaft.

Question 4

Name some suspension system defects.

Answer 4

• Spring hangers that allow movement of axle from proper position.
• Cracked or broken spring hangers.
• Missing or broken leaves in any leaf spring.
• If onefourth or more are missing, it will put the vehicle “out of service” but any defect could be dangerous
• Broken leaves in a multileaf spring or leaves that have shifted so that

they might hit a tire or other part.

• leaking shock absorbers.
• Torque rod or arm, ubolts, spring hangers, or other axle position parts

that are cracked, damaged, or missing

• Air suspension systems that are damaged and/or leaking.
• Any loose, cracked, broken, or missing frame members.