Annual DOT inspections
The yearly federal inspection for commercial vehicles, done in the same shop that can fix whatever it finds.
Every commercial motor vehicle needs a periodic inspection at least once a year, and the paperwork has to be in the truck. Our inspectors go through the truck against the federal checklist, and because the inspection happens in a repair shop, a failed item can usually be put right the same day instead of sending you somewhere else.
Book it with a PM service and the truck is only off the road once.
What the inspection covers
| Brakes | Service and parking brakes, drums or rotors, hoses and tubing, the low pressure warning, tractor protection valve, compressor, and electric, hydraulic or vacuum systems where fitted |
|---|---|
| Coupling devices | Fifth wheels, pintle hooks, drawbar and towbar eyes and tongues, safety devices and saddle mounts |
| Exhaust | Leaks under or ahead of the cab or sleeper, and any part of the system close enough to burn wiring, fuel lines or other parts |
| Fuel system | Visible leaks, the filler cap, and the tank mounting |
| Lighting | Every lamp and reflector the regulations require, working |
| Safe loading | Anything that could fall onto the road, including the spare, and cargo securement, including intermodal container locks |
| Steering | Wheel free play, the column, the front axle beam, the steering gear, pitman arm, power steering, ball joints, tie rods, drag links and their nuts |
| Suspension | U-bolts, spring hangers and axle locating parts, the spring assemblies, torque rods and radius rods |
| Frame | Cracked or loose frame rails, room around the tires and wheels, and sliding subframes on trailers |
| Tires | Steer axle tires and all other tires |
| Wheels and rims | Lock and side rings, wheels, rims, fasteners and welds |
| Windshield and wipers | Cracks or damage in the driver's view, and working wipers on every power unit |
What to bring
The truck or trailer, its registration, and the previous inspection report if you have it. If the unit is a trailer, bring it on a tractor we can use to test the brakes and lights.
Bring it in or call ahead
Tell us the truck, the symptom and when it has to be back on the road. We will tell you when we can get it in.