All Vehicles Inspection Checklist

Introduction

This lesson covers

• Internal Inspection
• External Inspection

During the vehicle inspection, you must show that the vehicle is safe to drive. You will have to walk around the vehicle, name and point to or touch each item to be inspected. You will explain to the examiner what you are checking and why. Any vehicle that has components marked or labeled cannot be used for the Vehicle Inspection test.

Engine Compartment (Engine Off)

Leaks/Hoses

Make sure coolant hoses are in good condition. A broken hose while driving can lead to engine failure and even fire.

• Look for puddles on the ground.
• Look for dripping fluids on underside of engine and transmission.
• Inspect hoses for condition and leaks.

Oil Level

• Check oil level when engine is off.
• Indicate where dipstick is located.
• Check that oil level is within safe operating range. Level must be above refill mark.

Coolant Level

• Look at sight glass on radiator or coolant reservoir.
• Check for adequate level of coolant.
• If no sight glass is available (if engine is not hot), remove radiator cap and check for visible coolant level.

Special Note: If the engine is hot, do not remove the radiator cap. If there is no sight glass or coolant reservoir, tell the examiner that the radiator cap would be removed to view presence of coolant .

Engine Components and Belts

Check the following engine components and make sure the belts driving them are snug.

• Power steering belt.
• Water pump belt.
• Alternator belt.
• Air compressor belt.

Belts that are too loose might slip on the pulley and not properly drive the component. Loose belts should be adjusted. Belts should not be excessively tight. Push the belt inward to determine the amount of deflection.

• Belts should have about 1/2 to 3/4 inch play at center of belt.
• Belts should be free of cracks, frays, loose fibers and should not be excessively worn.

Note: If any of the components listed below are not belt driven, you must:

• Tell the examiner which component(s) are not belt driven.
• Make sure component(s) are operating properly, are not damaged or leaking, and are mounted securely.

Power Steering Reservoir

• Indicate where power steering fluid dipstick is located.
• Check for adequate power steering fluid level. Level must be above refill mark.

Water Pump

A leaking water pump can lead to loss of coolant and overheating of the engine. Know where the water pump is on your vehicle, and if it is belt or gear driven.

• With engine off, point to or touch the water pump.
• Check to see that the water pump is securely mounted and not leaking coolant.
• Check belt deflection and condition

Alternator

The alternator charges the battery to power a vehicle’s electrical system when the engine is running.

Check to see that alternator:

• Is securely mounted
• wires are securely fastened, not damaged
• belt has 1/2 - 3/4” belt deflection and is in good condition

Air Compressor

An air compressor maintains air pressure in air brake system and may be belt or gear driven.

• With engine off, point to or touch the air compressor.
• Check to see that the compressor is securely mounted and not leaking.
• Check belt deflection and condition

Hydraulic Brakes: Master Cylinder & Brake Fluid

If your vehicle does not have air brakes:

• Check that the master cylinder is securely mounted and not leaking
• Check brake fluid level to ensure it is between the add and full marks.

Engine Fan

Engine coolant goes into the radiator to dissipate the heat that it collected in the engine. The heat is drawn off by air passing through the radiator. If the vehicle is not moving fast enough to push air through the radiator, the fan will come on and pull the air through. The fan can be mounted on the water pump shaft or elsewhere on the engine and can be powered by the same belt that runs the water pump or electrically. Running the fan takes power from the engine, so it’s only turned on when it is needed. The fan is controlled by a thermostat switch that tells it when the temperature has risen to a point where the fan is needed.

• Check to see that fan is securely mounted.
• Check fan for missing and/or damaged blades.