When hauling a load with the vehicle, inspect thefollowing:. Ensure all cargo is properly blocked, braced, tied,chained, and so forth.. Ensure the tailboards are up and properly secured(if so equipped).. Ensure the rear doors are securely closed,latched, or locked.LEFT SIDE.— When inspecting the left side, youinspect all items the same as on the right side, plus thefollowing:. Ensure the battery box (if not located in theengine compartment) is securely mounted to thevehicle.. Ensure the battery box cover is secured.. Ensure the batteries are secured.. Ensure the batteries are not broken or leaking,and the fluid level in the battery is at the properlevel.c Ensure the battery cell caps are present and aresecurely tightened.. Ensure the vents in the cell caps are free offoreign material.Cab InspectionYou begin the cab inspection by ensuring theparking brake is on and the transmission is in neutral orpark, if automatic. Start the engine and listen for unusualnoises. Allow the engine to warmup properly. This takesbetween 3 to 5 minutes.GAUGES.— Look at the gauges, such as the oilpressure, ammeter and/or voltmeter, coolant temper-ature, and engine oil temperature. These systems shouldcome up to read normal within seconds after the enginehas started. Warning lights and buzzers for oil, coolant,and charging system should go out once the systemregisters normal.CONTROLS.— Check the condition of the follow-ing for looseness, sticking, damage, or improper setting:lllSteering wheelClutchAccelerator pedal7-8llllllBrake controls, such as foot brakes, trailerbrakes, parking brakes, and retarder controlsTransmission controlsInner axle differential lock (if so equipped)Horn(s)Windshield wiper/washerLights, such as headlights, dimmer switch, turnsignals, four-way flashers, clearance, identifica-tion, and marker lightsMIRRORS AND WINDSHIELD.— Inspectmirrors for cracks, dirt, looseness, and obstructions.Clean, tighten, and adjust as necesary.EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT.— Check forsafetylllllequipment, such as the following:Spare electrical fuses (unless the vehicle hascircuit breakers)Three red reflective trianglesA properly charged and rated fire extinguisherTire changing equipment (obtain from collateralequipage)Accident reporting packageBrake TestIf your vehicle is equipped with hydraulic brakes,perform the following test to check the brake system.Pump the brakes three times, then apply firm pressureto the pedal and hold for 5 seconds. The pedal shouldnot move. If it does, there may be a leak or otherproblems.To test the parking brake, you should allow thevehicle to move forward slowly and then apply theparking brake.To test the service braking action, you shouldproceed at about 5 mph, then push the brake pedalfirmly. A pull of the vehicle to one side or the other orany delay in stopping action is an indication of braketrouble. Any brake problems that occurred during thistesting must be documented and repaired beforeoperating the piece of equipment.
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