Vehicle Inspections

Vehicle inspections help you ensure your safety and the safety of others, maintain vehicles
and keep them in a good operating condition, and avoid fines and accident or liability costs.

When, Where and How to Inspect

Inspect your vehicle at least once per day and as required by your employer. Use your
employer's checklists and forms, as required.

Inspect your vehicle in an area that is:

• Open (not enclosed, where carbon monoxide can poison you)
• Isolated (away from traffic)
• Safe (well-lit, secure)

Inspections include:
• Driver readiness
• Visual inspection
• Operational inspection

Drivers should be:

• Licensed • Free of substances
• Alert • Familiar with the vehicle
• Focused • Trained

Visual Inspection

When you visually inspect your vehicle, move around the vehicle and look from the ground up.
Address any issues before you drive. If your employer owns the vehicle, they may require that
it goes to a specific vendor or location for service.

Tires and Wheels

• Check the air pressure in the tires and make sure it is within the boundary set in the
owner's manual
• Tire tread depth should be adequate. Most tires need at least 1/16-inch (1.5 mm) of
tread depth. Some tires have wear indicators that become visible when tread is too
shallow. Uneven wear may indicate improper inflation or the need for an alignment
• Look for problems like bulging tire walls, rim damage, loose or cracked lug nuts,
embedded objects or debris. Debris, such as mud or ice, can strike other vehicles if it
dislodges while you are driving

Undercarriage
Look under the vehicle. Pooled oil or fluid, chemical smells and residues may indicate that
service is required. If you run over objects or animals or if you hear your car scrape along
steep surfaces, check the undercarriage for damage or have a qualified mechanic check. Do
NOT touch fluids, residues or areas that may be hot.

This job aid is intended to provide you with supplemental information associated with UL Solutions courseware.
© UL LLC. All rights reserved.
Exhaust
A properly maintained exhaust system helps reduce noise and emissions. If you notice odd
sounds, excessive soot build-up or damage to your exhaust, consult a qualified mechanic.

Engine
Only look at engines with vehicles off and keys secured. Don't touch hot engine parts or
unknown liquids or residues. In the engine compartment:
• Belts should not be worn, loose, cracked, frayed or glazed
• Wires/hoses/connections should be secured and not broken, frayed or corroded
• The battery should be free of chalky residue, corrosion, cracks and bulging
• The engine and filters should be clean and free of debris and built-up residue
• If you check and adjust fluids, let the engine cool first and avoid contamination

Exterior
• Check the body and bed of the vehicle for cracks, dents or damage (note all damage)
• Make sure mirrors, windows and light covers are attached and unbroken
• Verify that any inspection and registration stickers or decals are current and in place

Interior
• Make sure the interior is tidy. Secure loose items
• Remove things that could distract you, such as cell phones. Set global positioning
system (GPS) destinations before you drive
• Note any damage

Operational Inspection

During the operational inspection, drivers will test their vehicles and familiarize themselves with
the controls. Test your vehicle in a safe area, away from people and activities. This helps you
focus on the inspection and avoid injuries and damage if the inspection fails.

• Make sure your seatbelt extends, retracts and clips in place securely. Wear the
seatbelt, even during inspections
• Check and adjust mirrors. Center your rearview mirror and position the side mirrors so
that you can just see the rear edge of your vehicle. Mirror configuration may vary,
depending on vehicle type
• Look and listen for warnings and consult the owner's manual, as needed. Address any
warnings before you drive. If your employer owns the vehicle, they may require that it
goes to a specific vendor or location for service
• Check fuel and/or charge levels. Running out of power can ruin batteries, cause drivers
to lose control of the vehicle and require towing, refueling or recharging on-the-spot.
o Vehicles may be powered by gas, diesel, electricity or a combination. Know
which type of fuel your vehicle requires. The wrong type can permanently
damage your vehicle
• Test your horn, lights and signals to make sure they function as expected. To verify
that your lights are working, you may need to enlist help or use reflective surfaces

This job aid is intended to provide you with supplemental information associated with UL Solutions courseware.
© UL LLC. All rights reserved.
 • To test brakes, drive slowly forward while applying the brakes and then repeat the
process while driving in reverse. Apply the emergency or parking brake and check for a
visual indicator on the dash. Consult a qualified mechanic if it is too hard or easy to
press the brakes, if they don't reset to the raised position quickly or if braking results in
sounds (squeaking, etc.) that may indicate a problem
• Test the steering system by rotating the steering wheel from side to side to make sure
it is smooth and responsive

If you find anything unsafe during your visual or operational inspection, follow your company's
procedures to report it. If you discover a serious issue that may make the vehicle unsafe to
drive, speak with your supervisor to determine next steps.

This job aid is intended to provide you with supplemental information associated with UL Solutions courseware.
© UL LLC. All rights reserved.