1. Vehicle Maintenance Inspection
CHAPTER 8
Vehicle Maintenance Inspection

2. Introduction
Regular inspection of a vehicle helps ensure the safe and reliable operation of a vehicle.
Types of inspections
Underhood inspection
Exterior inspection
Certain in-vehicle inspections
Under-vehicle inspection
Check fluid levels, lighting systems, etc.
Faults or concerns should be noted for service or repair.

3. Performing a Visual Inspection
Vehicle should be checked for overall roadworthiness.
Owner may perform this inspection.
Work in a systematic manner.
Use inspection sheet.
Inspect each vehicle in the same way.

4. Checking the Wiper Blades (1 of 2)
Checked as part of the exterior inspection
More than year old is ready for replacement
Wiper blade and arm should be checked.
Should flex at the hinge and be held firmly against the windshield by wiper arm spring
Check rear wiper blade in the same way.

5. Checking the Wiper Blades (2 of 2)
Never operate the wipers when they are dry.
Never bend the arms to make better contact with the windshield.
Replace if it seems to have lost its spring tension.

6. Inspecting the Windshield
Inspected during the wiper blade inspection
Scratched, scored, or pitted glass will not wipe clean.
Windshields may become etched or pitted, causing the wipers to function poorly.
Some small chips or cracks can be repaired with special resin and tools.
Large chips or cracks larger than 3″ may be reason to replace the windshield.

7. Inspecting the Interior and Exterior Lights
The lighting system:
Allows the driver to see the road when driving at night or in poor-visibility conditions
Signals to other drivers
Check all interior lights.
Check all exterior lights. 7

8. Inspecting the Tires (1 of 2)
Tires are checked for:
Pressure
Wear patterns
Cuts
Tread depth
Tire condition is one of the most important safety considerations.

9. Inspecting the Tires (2 of 2)
Tires are inflated using pressurized air or nitrogen to support the weight of the vehicle.
Normal tire pressure varies.
Recommended tire pressures for vehicle are located on the tire placard.
Maximum tire pressure on the tire sidewall is the maximum pressure for that tire.
Never inflate the tire above the recommended maximum pressure. 9

10. Summary (3 of 5)
The windshield wiper blades and arms are an important safety system on every vehicle.
The windshield should be inspected during the wiper blade inspection process.
The lighting system allows the driver to see when driving at night or in poor-visibility conditions and to signal to other drivers.
The tires and their condition are one of the most important safety considerations on the vehicle.

11. Credits
Unless otherwise indicated, all photographs and illustrations are under copyright of Jones & Bartlett Learning.