Keep your commercial vehicles running smoothly with this step-by-step guide. Here’s a pre-trip inspection list for daily, monthly, and annual vehicle inspections. Do thorough vehicle checkups with this convenient list – learn what can get inspected from brakes and tire inspection to suspension, headlights, mirrors, seatbelt, clutch, steering, defrosters and heating, horns, windshield and wipers, airbags, and fluid levels! You can also download free daily, monthly and annual vehicle inspection checklists from our fleet vehicle maintenance software for small business, Simply Fleet.

‍

Any company using a fleet of vehicles needs to do regular vehicle inspections in order to ensure the smooth running of their business. 

‍

Vehicle inspections are important for various reasons. They allow us to check if there are any problems with our vehicles. 

‍

We can also use them to keep tracking preventive maintenance schedules and ensure that the trucks are safe and reliable.

‍

Benefits of Conducting Regular Vehicle Maintenance Inspections 

‍

There are many benefits of executing vehicle inspections. Few of them are listed below:

‍

• Safety: Breakdowns and untimely accidents due to mechanical failures, are avoided thanks to regular and timely inspections.

‍

• Reliability: Through regular inspections, you can guarantee that the vehicles are in the best condition and thus you avoid the risk of any failure on the road.

‍

• Cost-savings: Get avoid even more expensive repairs because of the lack of on time service.

‍

• Longevity: Right maintenance is beneficial because it extends the lifespan of your cars which in turn will result in saving you the costs of replacement.

‍

• Compliance: With regular inspections you can comply with all the legal requirements for vehicle safety and emission standards.

‍

• Resale Value: It obviously raises the resale value of your vehicle. For instance, car with the records of all inspections conducted on time will surely be sold for more money later.

‍

20 Things to Check During Vehicle Inspections

‍

1. Brakes 

‍

A squishy brake pedal could mean you need to check your brake fluid levels before getting behind the wheel. Checking your brake fluid levels before starting your car is one way to ensure it’s working properly.

‍

The brakes won't work correctly if there’s no air in the lines.

‍

Brakes are one of the most common causes of accidents. If you notice anything unusual about your brake system, such as excessive wear, corrosion, or sticking, bring your truck to a reputable shop for repair.

‍

2. Leaking fluids 

‍

Fluid leaks can occur anywhere in your vehicle. Therefore, follow these guidelines:

• Check your oil level regularly

• Keep track of how much fluid you use

• Take your truck to a mechanic immediately after seeing leakage signs

‍

3. Loose parts 

‍

Parts like hoses and belts can break without warning. Make sure everything is tight and secure before hitting the road.

‍

4. Tires 

‍

The tires on your car are one of the most essential parts of your vehicle. They keep you safe while driving on the road. Tires are another area that can cause problems.

‍

Look for cracks, bulges, cuts, or uneven tread. If you find something out of place, contact a tire specialist immediately.

‍

5. Poor alignment 

‍

Alignment issues can cause steering problems and poor handling. Have your alignment checked before driving long distances.

‍

6. Lights

‍

Vehicle lights should be checked regularly to make sure they're working properly. Check your headlights, taillights, turn signals, fog lights, backup lights, and emergency flashers.

‍

Headlights help you see better during night driving. Replace bulbs if necessary.

‍

7. Under the Hood

‍

Before you open up your truck, check it over carefully. There could be problems under the hood that you don't even know about. Here are some things to check:

• Oil Level - If there isn't enough oil in the crankcase, the engine won't start. You'll see a dipstick sticking out of the filler neck

• Coolant Temperature - A coolant leak could cause serious damage to your engine. Look for a puddle of water near the radiator cap

‍

8. Steering

‍

Change the level of power steering fluids regularly (every three months) and replace them every 2 years or based on usage. 

‍

Besides, check the belt of the power-steering system. Once the steering box has covered 100,000 km or more, it might eventually require replacement. Check it regularly. 

‍

9. Clutch

‍

Make sure the clutch engages and disengages correctly. Keep the accelerator pressed down and move the car into drive. The gears should smoothly shift without any noise.

‍

Check the fluid levels in hydraulic clutches and check the condition of the cables in cable-operated clutches. The clutch should not be slipping and should not have any unpleasant smell or sound.

‍

10. Engine

‍

Fleet managers should prioritize routine engine inspections to ensure optimal performance and longevity of their vehicles.

‍

Regularly check for oil levels, coolant conditions, and any unusual noises or vibrations to enhance overall fleet efficiency

‍

11. Emergency equipment 

‍

Make sure all the emergency equipment like a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flashlight, etc are available in the vehicle in case of any contingency. 

‍

12. Seat Belts

‍

Seat Belts provide the required security to the truck driver, especially in case of any accidents. You need to make sure the seat belts get secured well so can don't get stuck.

‍

13. Horns

‍

With the ever-increasing traffic on highways, the role of horns is critical. Make sure the horn is loud enough and you blow the horn a few times to check if it’s working well.

‍

14. Defrosters and Heating

‍

Defrosters and heaters are the basic requirements during the cold winter months.

‍

The heater keeps the driver warm and shielded from the harsh cold weather outside. The fog or frost on the windshield makes it difficult for the truck driver to have a clear view of the road ahead.

‍

To ensure the safety of all the defrosters have to be analyzed to check if hot air blows from them. 

‍

15. Check windshield wiper blades

‍

Wipers clean off dirt and debris from your windshield. Blades must be replaced regularly.

‍

Check your windshield wipers regularly. Look at them while driving down a highway. If there are streaks on your windshield, your windshield wiper blades might need

replacing.

‍

16. Check battery voltage

‍

Your battery is responsible for starting your vehicle.

‍

If it doesn't hold a charge, you're likely to experience trouble getting your engine running. A low battery can cause problems such as stalling, overheating, or even fire.

‍

17. Check turn signals

‍

 Turn signals alert drivers behind you about your intentions. They work best when they are working correctly.

‍

18. Suspension

‍

A suspension system consists of four main components: springs, shocks/struts, bushings, and control arms.

• Springs are used to absorbing road bumps and vibrations

• Shocks help dampen the impact of hard landings

• Bushings connect the spring and shock together

• Control arms to keep everything aligned properly

‍

Your vehicle's suspension system should be checked periodically to make sure it works correctly. If you notice anything unusual about your suspension, such as

excessive noise, leaking fluids, or shaking, contact your local mechanic immediately.

‍

19. Bumpers

‍

Check if the front and rear bumpers are secured. There should not be any kind of damage on the bumpers.

‍

20. Mirrors

‍

Without your side and rear view mirror, you are driving blind. Your side and rear view mirror should be clean and clear.

‍

Mirrors are mandatory for parking the vehicle, changing lanes, and being aware of other vehicles around us on the road.

‍

Vehicle Inspection Log Template: Free Download

‍

Keeping track of your vehicle inspections can be a hassle. To help you out, we've created a free downloadable vehicle inspection log template that you can use to easily record the results of your inspections. By using this vehicle log template, you can ensure that your vehicle inspections are thorough and consistent. This will help you to identify potential problems early on and avoid costly repairs down the road.

How Often Should You Perform a Vehicle Inspection?

The frequency of a vehicle inspection checklist depends on factors such as the type of vehicle, its usage, and industry regulations. Regular inspections help ensure road safety and compliance with maintenance standards.

• Daily Vehicle Inspection: Essential for commercial fleets, trucks, and high-mileage vehicles.
• Weekly Checks: Recommended for personal cars and low-mileage vehicles to detect early signs of wear.
• Monthly Inspections: A more detailed assessment of fluid levels, tire conditions, and battery health.
• Annual Comprehensive Inspection: A full professional evaluation to comply with regulatory and safety standards.

What is Done During a Daily Vehicle Inspection?

A daily vehicle inspection involves systematically checking essential vehicle components before operation. This includes examining the brakes, tires, lights, mirrors, seat belts, and fluid levels. Identifying and addressing minor issues early can prevent major mechanical failures, ensuring compliance with vehicle safety inspection checklists.

Who Needs to Perform a Daily Vehicle Inspection?

A daily vehicle inspection is necessary for anyone operating a vehicle, whether for personal or commercial use. Fleet managers, truck drivers, delivery personnel, and even private car owners should follow a vehicle inspection checklist to ensure their vehicles are in safe working condition.

Vehicles that transport passengers, such as school buses, ambulances, and public transport vehicles, require extra attention to safety. Since they carry children, patients, or large groups of people, a vehicle safety inspection checklist is crucial to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents. Ensuring that brakes, emergency exits, and seat belts are in perfect condition is essential for protecting passengers. Regular daily vehicle inspection routines help maintain the highest safety standards for these critical vehicles.

Download Our Free Pre-Trip Daily Vehicle Inspection Checklist (Excel Sheet)

To simplify the daily vehicle inspection process, we offer a free pre-trip daily vehicle inspection checklist in Excel format. This resource helps drivers and fleet managers keep track of essential checks, ensuring nothing is overlooked. Download it today to make vehicle inspections easier and more efficient!

‍

‍Related Posts 

• Garbage Truck Inspection Checklist: Key Items to Include
• Tips for a Thorough and Effective Fleet Vehicle Inspection
• Why vehicle inspection is important for your business?

‍

Conclusion

‍

Regular vehicle inspections is a part of preventive fleet maintenance. There are many benefits associated with performing vehicle inspections. For instance, we can save time and money by regularly checking our vehicles. 

‍

These inspections may prevent us from having to spend hours repairing expensive parts. Also, we can avoid accidents caused by mechanical issues. Finally, we can reduce the risk of theft and vandalism. To yield these benefits, a vehicle inspection checklist can help ease your fleet task.

‍

However, to streamline vehicle inspections and their subsequent maintenance, vehicle inspection checklist software plays an important role. Digitalizing the whole process by use of mobile apps that allow you to do all these things such as preventive maintenance scheduling and report generation, etc will help you a lot.

‍