A Guide to Performing a Pre-Trip Inspection of Your Truck
If you’re a fleet manager or a truck driver, you need to know how to thoroughly inspect your trucks before every drive. This is a crucial step to help prevent a serious issue from causing a breakdown in the middle of nowhere. An unaddressed problem with your truck can also turn into an expensive maintenance bill. Also, in many places, you’re legally required to complete an inspection before you hop in the driver’s seat if you want to avoid a DOT violation.
Draco Isuzu Truck Center in San Diego is your southern California truck dealer. Here are the things you’ll want to
1. Inspect the Truck Side & Rear
When you’re walking around your truck, examine the hoses, exhaust and the catwalk for any signs of damage or loose connections. Bend down to look at the suspension of your truck to make sure there’s nothing dangling or loose.
2. Check Tires
All the tires on your truck need to be in great condition before a drive. Examine the treads and make sure that none of your tires are balding. Look for cracks in the sidewall or embedded objects that may cause a flat. Use a tire-pressure gauge to check the pressure of each tire and air them up as needed to the psi levels stipulated in your owner’s manual. Never drive on bad tires!
3. Open the Hood
Your truck’s engine should be full of fluids and ready to go. Make sure that you’ve got plenty of power steering fluid, coolant and windshield-wiper solution. Check the oil using the dipstick and change it if it looks sludgy or opaque. Have the truck inspected by a professional mechanic immediately if you find metal filings in the oil. Also, always top up your gas tank before a trip, since you never know where the next station will be.
4. Look Over Your Cab
Finally, you should make sure that the cab of your truck is clean and ready to go. Test your brakes to make sure that they’re functioning properly. Try out your lights and signals to ensure proper operation and test your windshield wipers. Make sure that your truck cab also contains a fire extinguisher, too.
Remember: if you ever require some professional attention for your truck, you can always contact the Draco Isuzu Truck Center service department. Make an appointment with us and our mechanics can get down to the root of whatever problem you’re having to get you back on the road as soon as possible.
Looking to purchase a new truck? Stop by our San Diego, CA, dealership today to take a look at our fine selection of new and used trucks for sale. We can also provide you financing options if you’d like to use them. Draco Isuzu Truck Center proudly serves all of San Diego County, CA.