Heavy commercial vehicle check list

Items to be checked

   OK           

Needs attention

Identification

Vehicle data plate – fixed inside cab

Current licence and operator’s disc – displayed

Number plates – fixed and visible

Next service and certificate of fitness – due date

Emergency triangles – present in cab

Cab

Corporate appearance – paint

Cleanliness – inside and outside

Door locks – hinge closing and condition

Windows and winders – operation

Driver and passenger seat – condition

Floor mats – condition and tears

Brake and clutch pedals – rubbers

Sun visors – in position and operational

Gear stick knob and gear boot cover

Mirrors – clean and secure

Driver’s view – windows clean inside and out

Front windscreen – pass or fail in roadworthy test

Wiper blades – operational and in good condition

Entrance steps – not dangerous or damaged

Cab mountings – firm and not loose

Driver’s controls – all present and operational

Hooter – operational

Instrument panel – condition and lights all working

All lights and indicators – operational

Front bumper – appearance and not loose

Mudguards – appearance

Chassis and suspension

Cleanliness

Any damage and cracks

Fuel tank – no cracks and leaks

Chevron board – secured and clean

Reflective tape – secured and clean

Fifth wheel – no abnormal wear

Trailer couplings

Mud flaps – functional and securely mounted

Load body  – condition and mountings

Springs and U-bolts

Leaf springs – no bush wear

Front-axle kingpin – wear

Tie-rod ends and steering mechanism

Shock absorbers

Load-sensing valve

Air suspension

ABS cables – connected and working

Brakes and clutch

Build-up of air pressure – not excessively slow

Air leaks

Push-rod angles and slack adjusters

Trailer brake couplings

Air tanks – drain valves for moisture and dirt

Brake pads and brake linings

Retarder operation

Parking-brake function

Clutch – free play and functionality

Wheels and rims

Tyre pressures

Valve extensions and valve caps

All rims and wheels

Tyres – size and capacity

Tyres – evenly matched

Tyres – damage

Tyre tread depth – not less than one millimetre all round

All wheels – correctly fitted and fastened

All wheel nuts – correctly fitted and fastened

Steering

Power steering – no leaks

Steering linkage and steering box – free of play

Exhaust system

Exhaust – no leaks

Exhaust flex pipe

Exhaust mountings

Exhaust-brake operation

Engine

Smoke emission – blue, black or white smoke?

Oil leaks

Fluid levels

Engine mountings – firm when engine is revved

Fan belt and pulleys

Air-intake system

Cooling system

Radiator and hoses – no leaks

Radiator – core cleanliness

Coolant levels and header-tank

Anti-freeze – correct ratio

Batteries

General condition and terminal corrosion

Batteries should be a matched pair

Securing clamps

Battery water level

Driveline and suspension

Propshaft – free of play

Suspension – condition and alignment

General vehicle appearance and image

Paintwork – good condition

Paintwork on wheel rims – good condition

Body – free of damage and dents

Load securement – straps, curtains, etc.