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The purpose of conducting your daily inspection
is to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive on the public roads and
that it is currently legal.
Vehicle defects only account for about 5% of all collisions.
A good driver will eliminate this risk and will far as possible rectify
any potential defects so as to reduce the chance of being involved in
a collision.
External Damage Defects:-
Conduct a visual examination of exterior for damage and
defects. Will any new damage have an adverse effect on your vehicle? If
you are unsure seek expert advice.
Tyres:-
- check tyre pressures when cold.
- check tread depth and tyre conditions. (Including your
spare wheel)
- Wheels:- check condition of wheels, rims & see wheel
nuts are tight.
Look for any cuts, serious scuffs or bulges to the tyre
sidewalls (inner & outer) in the sidewalls. Tread, must have at least
1.6mm over ¾’s of the centre of the available tread width.
Be aware of “skinny wheels” they will have a
lower speed rating than your usual tyres and will have an adverse effect
on the vehicles characteristics
Some high performance tyres they are constructed so that
they rotate in a single direction, care MUST be taken to ensure that if
changing wheels that they rotate in the correct direction.
Fluids:-
- visual check of brake fluid level.
- power steering oil
- engine oil level.
- engine coolant level
- windscreen washer reservoir. (remember some vehicle
have a separate reservoir for the rear wash)
Always carry spare fluids, e.g.
- water
- oil
- brake fluid
- hydraulic fluid
- screen wash
- anti-freeze if in winter
- petrol
Fan Belts, etc:-
Visual check of fan belt, power steering pump belt. Remember to check
with the engine switched off. Look for chaffing of belts & signs or
wear or slipping.
Electrics:-
Check operation of all electrical equipment...
- Lights, all round side lights, dipped beam and main
& headlight flash
- Indicators & hazard lights
- Brake lights
- Horn
- Reversing light(s)
Always carry spare lights, e.g.
Seatbelts:-
check for wear and free running.
Always check all seat belts at least once a week just in case you may
carry more people than usual.
| Motorcycles |
In addition
to the above checks the following will also be carried out in relation
to motorcycles.
Cables:- |
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check condition
and correct routing. Riders must ensure that the cables do not get
trapped.
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Look for chaffing cables
& signs of rubbing or wear or tightness of movement particularly
when moving the handle bars from side to side.
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| Chains
/ shaft:- |
| Check adjustment,
lubrication, split pin and security of fittings. |
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Check for excessive
chain movement particularly when under a load.
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Ensure chains are lubricated
according to the manufactures advice.
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Look for missing split
pins & signs of rubbing or wear. |
As the driver or rider of a vehicle You are responsible for ensuring
that;-
- Your vehicle is roadworthy, well maintained
and legal.
- Ensure that your lights are maintained and kept
clean.
- Keep all window and windscreen clear of obstructions
and clean.
t
Stewart Rivers Chief Observer NET RoADA
Stewart Rivers is a Superintendent with
the Metropolitan Police and their most senior practicing Class 1 driver
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