Vehicle safety inspections: a step-by-step guide

Pre-trip motor vehicle inspections—also known as circle checks—should be performed regularly.

Whether you’re a commercial trucker or just someone who drives for work, inspecting your vehicle before hitting the road helps you identify potential hazards that could cause a breakdown or worse. And ensuring that safety features are functioning properly reduces the risk of collisions and injuries to yourself and others. You should perform certain checks every day and others at least weekly—and report any concerns to ensure they’re addressed before you start driving.

What to inspect daily

Oil and fluids

• With engine off, pop the hood and pull out the oil dipstick; wipe off any excess oil.
• Put dipstick all the way back into oil tank tube, then withdraw it again slowly. Make sure dipstick indicates that oil is at operating level.
• Check all fluid levels—including brake fluid, engine coolant, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper reservoirs—to ensure that they are within safe operating range.

Belts, hoses, and cables

• Visually inspect belts and hoses for evidence of leaks, kinks, splits, cracks, or abrasions.
• Tug them gently to confirm they’re secure.
• On commercial vehicles, check cables connecting the tractor and trailer.

Tires

• Visually inspect for proper inflation, or use a rubber mallet: a hollow sound indicates reduced air pressure.
• Check for any unusual wear or damage.

Air brakes (if applicable)

• Secure the vehicle and test the low air pressure warning device and air pressure buildup time.
• Confirm air compressor governor settings.
• Test the air loss rate.
• If you have a trailer, test the automatic application of trailer brakes and tractor protection valve.
• Check proper operation of the spring brakes.
• Drain air tanks and inspect air brake adjustment at each wheel.

Lights

• Turn on your vehicle and switch on headlights.
• From outside the vehicle, check that headlights are working and bright.
• Repeat with high beams, low beams, fog lights, tail lights, and four-way hazard lights.

Windshield

• Check for chips and cracks—and make sure the inside and outside of the windshield is clean.
• In winter, clear any accumulated snow and ice—and ensure your snow brush/scraper is in good condition.

Wipers

• Run a finger along the edge of the rubber blade to feel for cracks or damage.
• Turn on wipers and confirm they work; they should move quietly and smoothly.
• Check windshield washer operation.

Heat and defrost

• Check that fan and flow direction controls work properly.
• Note any strong, unpleasant odours, such as burning plastic or rubber.
• Turn on defrost setting and check for proper defrosting action.

Rearview mirrors

• From the driver’s seat, adjust mirrors so you can see traffic behind you without leaning forward or to the side.
• Check for cracks or damage.

Seatbelts

• Confirm seatbelts and mechanisms (latches, emergency restraint, recoil) work properly.
• If possible, adjust shoulder strap height so it rests on the middle of your collarbone.

Vehicle body

• Check for loose hubcaps, body stripping, and damage to structural elements of the truck and trailer.
• Ensure all vehicle doors open and close securely.

Parking brake

• With the vehicle in neutral or park, engage the parking brake.
• Put vehicle into gear and try moving forward gently.
• If the wheels turn, have the parking brake checked by a certified technician.

Instrument panel

• Confirm that no warning lights are flashing.
• Confirm all gauges (e.g., oil pressure, charge rate, coolant temperature) indicate normal operating temperatures/pressures.
• Check fuel level to ensure you have the required amount for your trip.

And more...

• Check that the horn works: press the button and listen for a loud, clear sound.
• Adjust seat position, steering column, and headrest location for your optimal driving position.
• Confirm all items in cab area are securely stowed.
• Before entering traffic, gently apply your brakes to confirm they’re working properly.

What to inspect weekly*

Tires

• Check tread depth: it should be at least 2 mm for summer tires and 4 mm for winter tires.
• Confirm spare tire is inflated to recommended pressure and stowed securely.
• Ensure vehicle jack and tire wrench are in good working order and stowed securely.

Brakes and steering

• Confirm the ABS system is working: while driving, find a quiet location with no other traffic
• (oncoming or behind you), grip the steering wheel, and then firmly apply brakes.
• Assess “free play” in your steering system to confirm it remains tight (i.e., no excess free play).

Battery

• Confirm battery is mounted securely and terminal connections are tight.
• Check battery terminals for signs of corrosion (e.g., white powdery substance around the terminals).

Licence plate and documents

• Visually inspect to ensure that plate-illuminating lights turn on.
• Check for any damage, cracks, or dirt on the light covers.
• Check expiry dates of insurance documents.
• Ensure expired documents are renewed before they expire.

And more...

• Make sure you have a fully stocked first aid kit. In winter, an emergency vehicle kit is also recommended.
• Have a spare jug of windshield washer fluid available (and stowed safely).
• Most vehicles are scheduled for service by certified technicians based on either mileage or by date. Observe your vehicle’s current mileage and schedule a maintenance appointment if the recommended service date is approaching.

*If you drive a different vehicle each day, the suggested weekly inspection items should instead be checked daily (i.e., before you drive the “different” vehicle). Commercial drivers must complete a daily vehicle inspection report confirming that all inspection items meet the standards of the Highway Traffic Act and its regulations before driving on public roads.