Proper Pre-Trip For Newbies

Re checking tire pressures during the pre-trip, will the inspector(s) expect me to physically apply a tire gauge to each tire, or can I simply whack 'em with something to verify inflation? The GA handbook says "Check for proper inflation by using a tire gauge, or inflation by striking tires with a mallet or other similar device. Note: You will not get credit if you simply kick the tires to check for proper inflation"

 

A-t...........



B e c o m e

t h e

w a t e r !!!!!!!!

 

"I will check to make sure the tires are properly inflated to manufacturers specifications".

Yeah as much as I doubted it I have that friggin pti memorized front to back and back to front. I was doing the dam thing in my sleep. But here they let you cheat. You do the first drive axle then can say you will check the rear drive axle and trailer tandoms like you did the first.

 

I'm taking the pre-trip/skills/road tests in a few days, and I have a question about the skills test. When the examiner asks that you back into a space, parallel park and/or alley dock, should e-flashers or directional signals be used? Doesn't really mention it in the DDS handbook

 

Make sure you get out and look even if you think you have it.

 

May be a dumb question, but in my DDS handbook they have me in the parked/engine running tractor checking the dash indicators for all lights and flashers, and then they say check the EXTERNAL lights. I wonder if I should leave the truck running while I exit to check external lights/flashers, and how the heck would I check operation of the back up lights and brake lights without somebody IN the truck actuating those lights?

 

Ah yes the pre -trip inspection, I remember when I tested I got LIKE A 98 on that part. Failed to acknowledge the windshield . I should have said "the windsheild is clean and free of cracks and chips". The tester said I sounded like I was recighting the pre trip. That being said , new drivers will learn that there will come a point in their career where they stop inspecting good equipment and start saying,"whats wrong with this POS?". When you hook up a trailer , get the light going and find the ones that are busted . Get the air going in the trailer to see if the bags fill. If you have trouble sticking your hand between the top of the tire and the underside of the trailer , it means the suspension is crud and your gonna tear up the tires if you go any distance with it. Check the lugs and rims . if there's any kind of gap it means the lugs are loose. Drive that for a few hours and you cud end up with a 17 wheeler. I had 2 of those in a week. The wheels didnt come off ,thankfully.