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The CDL examiner. Of course, I'll plan on doing it even after I get my license, but I wanted to make sure I knew how to please him first.
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Well that might not be the same procedures that apply to reality. This being secure, no abrasions, bruises, bulges, cuts .. proper inflation ... and going through an exercise knowing the parts and if they should be tight or loose or if they should drip or not -- is way different than "Hmmm the road felt a little bit different yesterday I think I will spend extra time checking to see whats up"
Example, I start noticing a very very slight separation of tread and the tire pressure is slightly low (80 pounds). I filled it up and then drove 100 miles and rechecked the pressure. 80 pounds. I took the tire in to be looked at and sure enough the valve stem had a crack. It was intermittently releasing air and had done so for quite some time. Somebody ran that tire low and somebody else filled the tire. Since it held air .. that cycle continued.
Eventually this tire would have separated but we caught it early.
Just one example of the difference between I checked this and that, and really understanding what is a normal sound, bump, vibration, and what have you from "that is not normal".
Another example . oil level within normal limits but the oil seemed thin and bubbly. Tracked the oil level and although the level stayed within normal limits it was increasing on the stick. Had it checked out. Eventually the problem was narrowed down to a ECM problem where fuel was being dumped into the cylinders and this fuel ended up in the oil.
One saved engine.
Another example ... Voltage indicator goes down to 12 volts and then increases back to 13.6. This cycle continues while I drive. Belts OK .. Alternator is snug .. Hmm normal pre-trip ok .. but things are not normal. Bad belt slack adjuster with an intermittent problem.
That is what I mean when I say there is a big difference between checking this and that according to normal limits, and really understanding your truck and noting things are not normal and I need to really check things out. My point being that the pre-trip according to Hoyle can be A OK and things be very very wrong. The CDL pre-trip is a great start but there is another level of understanding.
Ask GMAN or others on this list that avoid road service like the plaugue. Then ask somebody that has had three or more road service encouters in less than a year how they pre-trip. You will get a different perspective.