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Driving - Vehicle Inspection

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Why is a vehicle inspection important?

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A vehicle inspection or circle check is a physical and visual inspection of the vehicle before you use it. Making a report of issues helps to make sure the vehicle is safe to use. Use the vehicle manual or manufacturer’s guide to help customize your inspection. Report all issues to your supervisor or to individuals responsible for vehicle maintenance.


When should a vehicle inspection be done?

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The inspection should be done before using the vehicle, at least daily, and can be done each time you use the vehicle (pre-operation inspection).
Walking around your vehicle before driving will also give you the opportunity to look for obstructions or hazards that are in the area that may be a concern when driving (e.g., people, pets, posts, poles, holes, other vehicles, etc.)

NOTE: This document covers typical vehicles such as cars, trucks, and SUVs (less than 3500 km gross vehicle weight). Commercial vehicles, transport trucks, or passenger carrying vehicles (e.g., ambulances, school buses, etc.) may be required to follow more strict legislation. Contact your jurisdiction for more information.


What is an example of a daily vehicle inspection checklist?

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Below is a sample inspection checklist. Determine the level of detail needed for your workplace. Customize this form to meet your needs.

In all cases, check that the item is in good working order, there are no leaks or damage, or the item is properly secured.

Daily Vehicle Inspection / Circle Check
Vehicle   Location:  
Inspected by:   Date(s):  
√ – Item satisfactory / X – Item needs attention
Report concerns immediately.
Do not operate a vehicle until you are sure it is safe to do so.
Keep form in glove compartment until complete, and then file with the vehicle maintentence office.
  Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Exterior          
Body/Frame          
Cab/Box/Trunk          
Cargo Secure          
Bumpers          
Hitch/coupling devices          
Licence plate/valid sticker          
Windshield          
Wipers          
Locks          
Mirrors          
Tires/Wheels          
Underneath          
Suspension          
           
Engine          
Hoses          
Fluids          
-Engine Oil          
-Brake          
-Transmission          
-Radiator          
-Washer          
-Power steering          
Clutch (if applicable)          
Belts          
Fuel          
Battery          
Exhaust          
           
Electrical          
Headlight-daytime running          
Headlight- low beam          
Headlight- high beam          
Indicators/signal lights/emergency flashers          
Backup lights          
           
Interior          
No clutter          
Area around feet/pedals clear          
Windows clean          
Instrument panel/indicator lights          
Horn          
Driver controls          
Steering          
Seats          
Seat belts          
Accessories (hands-free phone system, global positioning system (GPS), radio, etc.)          
Fan, heater/defroster, air conditioner          
Cargo secure          
Fire extinguisher          
First aid kit          
Other safety items (triangles, flares, etc.)          
           
Operation          
Sounds          
Vibrations          
Indicator or warning lights          
           
Other issues          
Comments          

  • Fact sheet first published: 2018-05-04
  • Fact sheet last revised: 2018-05-04