Truck safety checklist and Report

Does it stress you out to think about roadside checks, or worse, a breakdown mid-trip? The daily truck safety inspection in Quebec is the kind of checklist that changes everything. Here’s what you need to do to pass the inspection in no time – brakes, tires, headlights and cargo in top condition, without getting bogged down in regulations.

Brakes

No compromise on brakes: a daily check avoids unpleasant surprises. Check oil levels, pad thickness and potential leaks. A suspicious squeaking noise or a spongy pedal? It’s time to call in a pro. Our complete Hino truck maintenance guide details every step in the process.

Don’t forget to carry out annual servicing: drain the fluid every two years and inspect the hoses. Uneven wear or bluish discs? A sign that you need to act fast before the bill soars. The secret? A watchful eye and an up-to-date service book.

Tires

Top inflation and even wear: the winning combo for tires. Get out the pressure gauge and the 25¢ coin – if the caribou becomes visible, it’s time for a change. Winter requires a minimum of 4.8 mm for grip on Quebec roads.

Rotated every 80,000 km and eagle-eyed for micro-cracks. Sawtooth wear? Red alert for alignment. The secret to optimum longevity? Proper running-in and leakproof valves.

Headlamps and lights

Visibility is life on the road. A daily check of the five mandatory lights is essential:

• Position lights – Show the truck silhouette at night
• Stop lights – Flash at the rear as soon as the foot is lifted.
• Flashers – Essential for lane changes
• Clearance lights – Delineate the width of the behemoth
• License plate illumination – Legible at a minimum distance of 20 metres

Clean optics with neutral soap after every ride. For burnt-out bulbs, go to SAAQ-approved parts. Don’t tinker with non-compliant equipment.

Cargo securing

There’s no room for error when it comes to securing: EN 12195-2 straps for light loads, steel chains for heavy loads. Weight should be distributed on the rear axle as a priority – an unbalanced load is the best way to end up in a jackknife.

Take a look at the protective corners before setting off, and check the anchorages every 4 hours on long trips. Download your complete guide here on lashing techniques by type of merchandise by Transport Québec.

Liquid levels

There’s no room for error when it comes to vital fluids: engine oil, coolant and windscreen washer top the list. Check the dipsticks morning and night – under the hood for oil, near the windshield for washer fluid. Oil level dropping too fast? Potential leak alert.

For leaks, we inspect the hoses and seals when the engine is at rest. Traces under the truck or a suspicious smell? Head for the garage without delay. Our tip: mark tank levels with a felt-tip pen to detect variations at a glance.

Steering and suspension

A floating steering wheel or rattling in corners? First sign that the steering has taken a beating. Check it out by shaking the steering wheel at standstill – over 15 degrees of freedom, it’s time to replace the ball joints. Premature tire wear often betrays alignment problems.

The tired suspension makes the truck dance over potholes. A weekly check of the shock absorbers is a must: less than two bounces after a firm lean on the bumper is a good sign. Our pro tips for keeping your springs in shape despite the rough Quebec roads.

Lighting and reflectors

Reflectors are your nighttime calling card. We place them strategically: white at the front, orange on the sides, red at the rear. These passive devices double your visibility when other people’s headlights dazzle you – especially in Quebec rain or fog.

Express cleaning after each use: microfiber cloth and antistatic product to prevent magnetic dust. Pro tip? Apply WD-40 to electrical terminals to remove oxidation. And if your headlamps turn yellow, a special headlamp polish will restore their original shine in no time.

Windshield wipers

Brooms that scrape more than they wipe? Quick check every morning: soft rubber with no cracks, even pressure on the windshield. Persistent streaking despite windshield washer fluid? Time to replace the blades – count $20 to $80 depending on the model. For de-icing, forget boiling water: a telescopic scraper and antifreeze spray do the job without the risk of bursting.

The choice of washer fluid depends on the season: -35°C in winter, demister formula in summer. Drain the reservoir before switching to avoid explosive cocktails. Download your truck safety checklist here to keep your visibility crystal-clear, whatever the weather.

Horn

A faulty horn can be expensive – test it every morning. Canadian regulations require a sound level of between 82 and 102 dB at 15 meters. Fireman-style sirens? Prohibited except for emergency vehicles.

If the horn looks a bit grey, check the fuse and connectors. A little contact cleaner will often bring the system back to life. For fans of original noises, stick to the rules: only certified Hino horns can avoid hefty fines.

Mirrors

Precision adjustment reduces blind spots: sit behind the wheel and adjust each mirror until you can see 10% of the body and 90% of the road. Convexes at the bottom catch cyclists and pedestrians – test when parked before driving off. A suspicious chip or crack? Replace immediately to avoid surprises.

Annual greasing of hinges with silicone oil, and checking of electric motors at the slightest squeak. Our maintenance checklist details how to prolong their life. Newer models accept bull’s-eye extensions for effortless 360° visibility.

Comparison

For long-haul trucks, focus on brakes and tires. For city trucks, focus on steering and lighting. Our TCO analysis shows that a targeted check reduces costs by 40% over 10 years.

Checking brakes, tires and lighting becomes a vital reflex with this Hino truck safety checklist. By mastering the key controls, you can avoid mechanical and regulatory problems at a glance. Make this safety round your winning ritual: safe roads, intact cargo and peace of mind at the counter. The next inspection? Already in your pocket.

Frequently asked questions about truck safety rounds (FAQ)