Vehicle Inspection Checklist: What to Check Before Every Shift
A practical pre-trip vehicle inspection checklist for small service fleets, plus tips for keeping inspection records consistent.
Why a written checklist helps
When each driver checks a work vehicle a different way, small problems get missed. A short written vehicle inspection checklist makes the walk-around the same every time, and it leaves a record you can look back on.
A basic pre-trip checklist
Adapt this list to your vehicles and to any rules that apply in your state or industry:
- Tires: pressure, tread, visible damage
- Lights: headlights, brake lights, turn signals
- Fluids: oil, coolant, washer fluid, any leaks under the vehicle
- Brakes: pedal feel and parking brake
- Mirrors, windshield, and wipers
- Horn, seat belts, and warning lights on the dash
- Cargo secured; required safety gear on board
Keep the records together
A checklist only helps if the results are easy to find later. Log the date, vehicle, mileage, who inspected it, and anything that needs follow-up. Then review open items every week.
Important note
This is a general starting point, not a regulatory checklist. Commercial vehicles may have specific inspection requirements. Check what applies to your vehicles and location.