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Truck Pre-Trip Inspection

A few minutes with the truck before it leaves the yard can catch a flat tire, a failed light or a loose hitch. The habit costs little and often prevents a roadside problem.

Why inspect before each trip?

Trucks change from day to day, especially when several people use them. A tire can lose air overnight, a light can fail, or a load can shift. A short routine finds what you could otherwise discover on the road.

Commercial drivers have formal inspection rules. Farm trucks may or may not be covered, depending on size, use and state. Ask your state agency or the U.S. Department of Transportation whether rules apply to you.

A shared truck can hide problems, because each driver assumes someone else noticed them. A card on the dash that says who checked it, and when, helps.

• Check the parking brake before pulling away.
• Test the horn.
• Confirm that nothing blocks the pedals.

What is a good order for a walk-around?

Pick an order and stick to it, so that you do not miss a step. Many people start at the driver's door and walk around the truck, ending in the cab. Look for leaks under the truck, damage, loose parts and anything that looks different from yesterday.

Write the steps on a card and keep it in the glove box or by the keys.

Look under the truck for puddles or drips after it has been parked, since a new leak is easier to see before the engine runs.

• Tires and wheels: condition, air and lug nuts.
• Lights and reflectors: headlights, brake lights, signals and hazards.
• Mirrors, windshield and wipers.
• Under the hood: oil, coolant and other fluids as the manual lists.
• Hitch, safety chains and trailer connections if towing.
• Load: secure, balanced and within limits.

What should you check in the cab?

Adjust the seat and mirrors, and fasten your belt. Check the horn, the gauges and warning lights. Test the brakes with a gentle press before leaving the yard. Make sure the floor is clear of items that could slide under the pedals.

Look at the dashboard when you start the engine and pay attention to any warning light. Check the manual to learn what each one means.

Check the parking brake and any safety systems the manufacturer provides.

What about tires?

Tires are the truck's only contact with the road. Look for cuts, bulges, uneven wear, low pressure and objects in the tread. The correct pressure is given by the vehicle manufacturer on the door label or in the manual, not on the tire sidewall. Check pressure when the tires are cold.

Do not drive on a damaged tire. Replace or repair it according to the maker's guidance, using a qualified shop.

Use a gauge you trust. Check the spare tire as well, including the jack and wrench.

• Replace tires that are cracked, bulged or worn unevenly.
• Keep the spare, jack and wrench in the truck.
• Check pressure only when tires are cold.

What if you find a problem?

Decide whether it can be fixed on the spot, such as adding air or tightening a connection, or whether the truck should not leave. A brake, steering or tire problem calls for a mechanic. A single failed bulb is a small problem, but still one to fix before driving at night.

Tag the truck so that nobody else uses it until it is repaired.

Keep spare bulbs and fuses in the glovebox if the manual says they fit.

How do you keep the habit going?

Make the inspection part of the first task of the day, and let everyone know why. Keep a short log with the date and initials. Praise whoever finds a problem, since it is a catch, not a complaint.

Plan regular service with a qualified mechanic, using the manufacturer's schedule.

Teach younger drivers to do the inspection with you and explain what you see.

• Date and initial the card.
• Report problems the same day.
• Fix small issues before they become large ones.

When towing, what changes?

Add the trailer to the walk-around: tires, lights, brakes, hitch, coupler, chains and the load. A separate guide on this site covers towing in more detail. Never tow with a truck that is not rated for the load, and check the manual for ratings.

Slow down on rough ground and check the load again after the first stretch.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.