Semi-Truck Maintenance and Inspections: What Matters Most?

David W. Craig | August 10, 2023 | Truck Accidents

Mechanical failures cause many commercial truck accidents. Air brakes fail, or a tire blows out, causing a driver to lose control of a tractor-trailer, and serious injuries follow.

Truck drivers and trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that the large trucks they operate are safe. Federal rules require daily inspections when a truck is on the road. If a mechanical issue should have been identified in an inspection before a failure occurred, it may indicate negligence on the part of the truck driver or trucking company. Anyone injured in a commercial truck accident caused by negligence may be entitled to seek compensation.

The Indianapolis truck accident lawyers of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC can help you determine whether a mechanical failure led to an accident and why it occurred. Our knowledgeable attorneys can help you hold a negligent semi-truck driver financially accountable for your medical bills and other losses if you’ve been injured in a truck accident. Contact us for a free review of your case today.

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Truck Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which regulates the U.S. trucking industry, emphasizes preventative maintenance for the safe operation of commercial vehicles. The 8,300-word section of its rules addressing vehicle “Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance” states:

Every trucking company and intermodal equipment provider must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain, or cause to be systematically inspected, repaired, and maintained, all motor vehicles and intermodal equipment subject to its control.

What Every Driver Should Inspect on Their Semi-Truck

FMCSA rules detail inspection requirements for just about every component on a truck. A driver should inspect their rig from front to back and top to bottom before each day’s run. Schneider National, Inc., a provider of truckload, intermodal and logistics services, has published the ultimate guide to a commercial driver’s pre-trip inspection.

Semi-truck Maintenance To-Do List:

1. Passenger side engine

Air filter housing: Secure mounting, cover in place.
Windshield washer fluid reservoir: No leaks, proper fluid level.
Turbocharger: No oil or exhaust leaks.
Engine air duct work: No cuts, clamps secured.
Alternator: Mounting secured, no broken or loose wire.
Accessory drive belt: Not cracked or frayed.
Air conditioner compressor: Mounting secure.

2. Front brakes

Brake drum: No cracks.
Brake lining: No damage.
Inner oil seal: Check for leaks, such as oil running down the brake drum or tire.
Slack adjuster: Proper angle to the brake chamber and cotter pin intact.
Brake air line: No bulges or cuts, fitting tight.
Brake chamber: Mounting bolts and band clamp secured.

3. Front wheel

Tire: Inspect for abrasions, bulges, or cuts and proper pressure.
Wheel: Not cracked or bent.
Hub oil: Not leaking.
Oil seal: Not leaking.
Valve cap: Not missing.
Lug nuts: None missing or loose.

4. Driver side of engine

Radiator brace: No cracks, no missing bolts.
Radiator: Not leaking.
Water pump: No cracks or leaks
Fuel water separator/filter: Not leaking.
Pitman arm/drag link: Not cracked.
Steering gear box: Secured to frame, not leaking.
Power steering reservoir: No leaks, proper level.
Dipstick: Right level.
Steering shaft: Secure, not damaged.
Fuel pump: No cracks, not damaged.
Engine air duct work: No cuts, clamps secured.
Brake master cylinder: Correct fluid level, no leaks.
Oil filler cap: No cracks.
Engine coolant reservoir: No leaks, proper fluid level.

5. Steer axle suspension

U-bolts: No cracks, no loose or missing nuts.
Leak spring: No cracks, not loose, not shifting.
Tie rod: Secured with castle nuts and cotter pins.
Shock absorber: Secure mounting, not leaking oil.
Axle: Not cracked.

6. Rear suspension

Spring mount: No cracks, secure mounting.
Air bag (bellows): Fully inflated, not ruptured.
Shock absorber: Not leaking oil.

7. Side of cab

Mirrors: Mounting secure, no broken glass.
Doors: No damage, glass not broken, hinges secured.
Lights and turn signals: Working, not cracked.
Steps: Mounted, secured to skirting.
Battery box: Mounting secured, cover latched.
Fuel cap/tank: Gasket in place, vent in place.
Side skirting: No damage, panels secure.
Side box: Secured, safety triangles present.
Sleeper berth window: No cracks.

8. Rear of cab

Electrical cord: No bare wire, no corrosion
Air line: Not tangled or worn.
Cab shock absorber: Secure mounting, not leaking oil.
Cab air bag (bellows): Not ruptured, securely mounted.

9. Drive shaft/rear frame

Drive shaft: Not cracked.
Universal joint: Not cracked, not missing bolts.
Differential: Not leaking oil.
Frame: Straight, no non-factory welds.

10. 5th wheel area

Pivot pin: Keeper pin and cotter key intact.
Slider lock pins: Fully engaged.
Release arm: Not bent.
Slider rail: No broken welds, no missing bolts.
Slider stop blocks: Welds not broken, not missing bolts.

11. Front of trailer

Top rail: No cracks or collision damage.
Clearance lights: Not broken, working properly.
Registration: Not missing, readable.
Document box: Not missing or loose.
Air line/glad hands: No bulges or cuts in air lines, rubber grommets not damaged on glad hands.
Electric hook up: No broken pins, cover intact.
PM sticker: Current, legible.
Height sticker: Legible, legal for route.
Placard holder: Not broken or missing rivets.

12. Side of trailer

Top rail: Not cracked, no collision damage.
Clearance light: Not broken, operational.
Bottom light: Not cracked, no collision damage, no missing bolts.
Landing gear: Legs straight, no broken welds in bracing, and clean handle in the cradle.
Placard holder: Not broken, all rivets intact.
Side panels: No holes or cuts, no missing rivets.

13. Rear of trailer

Latches: Secured, not damaged.
Placard holders: Not broken, no missing rivets.
Lights: Not broken or missing.
Splash guard: Brackets and guard secured.
License plate: Secure and clean, light working.
Bumper: Not damaged, no broken welds.
Door hooks: Not loose, no missing bolts.
Hinges: Not cracked, no missing bolts on either side.

14. Trailer suspension

Air line: No bulges or cuts.
Axle: Not bent or broken.
Slack adjuster: Proper angle, clevis pin, and cotter pin intact.
Brake linings: Minimum of ¼-inch thickness, not cracked.
Brake drum: Not cracked.
Tire: adequate tread depth and air pressure.
Spring: Not broken, not shifted.
Spring mount: No broken welds.
U bolts: Not loose, not cracked.
Torque rod: Secure mounting, bushings intact.
Spring brake chamber: Mounting secure, band clamp secure.

15. Gauges/inside the truck

Tachometer: 1000-1500.
Water temp: 180-205 degrees.
Fuel: Matches visual when looking in the tank.
Oil pressure: 25-50 PSI.
Speedometer: 0-60 MPH.
Air pressure: 90-120 PSI.

Get Legal Help From an Experienced Indianapolis Truck Accident Attorney

When trucking companies neglect proper inspection and truck maintenance, accidents occur. If you have suffered serious injuries in a truck accident, contact an Indianapolis truck accident lawyer at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC for a free case review. Our knowledgeable team can determine whether a mechanical failure contributed to the truck accident and hold those responsible fully accountable on your behalf.