Roadside inspections are conducted 365 days a year, but the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck provides an opportunity to raise awareness and educate the industry and general public on the importance of commercial motor vehicle safety.
Roadcheck is the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial motor vehicles in the world, with around 17 trucks and buses inspected, on average, every minute in Canada, the United States and Mexico during a 72-hour period. During the three day event, CVSA-certified inspectors conduct inspections that examine both driver operating requirements and vehicle fitness. This year’s Roadcheck will take place June 4 through 6.
What to Expect from Roadcheck 2019
Other than an increase in the number of inspections completed, Roadcheck isn’t very different from inspections performed before and after this three day event. What changes each year is the CVSA’s special emphasis on a category of violations. This year’s focus will be on steering and suspension systems.
In addition to this year’s focus, inspectors will also be checking the following critical components:
- Brake systems
- Cargo securement
- Coupling devices
- Driveline/driveshaft
- Exhaust systems
- Frames
- Fuel systems
- Lighting devices
- Tires
- Wheels, rims and hubs
- Windshield wipers
Drivers will also be required to provide certain credentials and certificates, such as a commercial driver’s license and Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
Preparing for the Road(check) Ahead
Whether you’re preparing for Roadcheck or not, pre, mid and post-trip inspections are critical for many reasons. Not only do these inspections provide an opportunity to find damage before the DOT does, they allow you to discover minor issues on your vehicle before they become a bigger (and more expensive) problem.
To make sure you’re prepared for Roadcheck (and to safely complete your route), be sure to complete regular pre-trip inspections, at a minimum checking the critical areas listed above. Since this year’s focus is on steering and suspension systems, you should pay extra attention to these areas when completing pre-trips leading up to Roadcheck.
- Check ball joints and tie rods to ensure tightness.
- Check steering gear box for leaks.
- Confirm that all steering gear mounting hardware is tight and secure.
- Make sure pitman arm pinch bolt and nut are tight.
- Ensure there are no visible fluid leaks anywhere in the steering system.
- Inspect suspension components such as u-bolts, air bags and mounting, springs and all suspension mounting hardware.
- Listen for any air leaks in the air ride suspension system.
Lastly, almost every year, thousands of vehicles are placed out-of-service due to brake violations that are related to brake stroke in particular. Make sure your brakes are operating properly and ensure the brake stroke on each wheel end is correct. Also check your brake lining or pad for condition and proper thickness.
TA Truck Service is Here to Help
To help you hit the road with confidence this Roadcheck, we’re offering a free mid-trip inspection at participating TA Truck Service locations across the country. Our technicians will perform a quick, non-measured inspection that includes your tire tread depth, brake shoe thickness and condition, mud flaps, air leaks, wheel seals, fluid leaks, exhaust, mirrors, fire extinguisher, triangles, lights and conspicuity tape.
Find a TA Truck Service near you to get your free mid-trip inspection between May 1 and June 6.