Published 19 May 2023

Top Pre-trip Inspection Apps of 2023

employee doing a vehicle inspection using a Pre-trip Inspection App

What is Pre-trip Inspection App?

A pre-trip inspection app is a free tool that allows you to conduct smart and efficient pre-trip inspections for better vehicle performance. Accurately identify and alert your team of vehicular issues and immediately address them to prevent mechanical failure.

Making Pre-trip Inspections Efficient: 5 Items to Look Out For

Fleet managers have a wide array of responsibilities in running the business. One of those is staying on top of vehicle conditions to ensure high-quality service and consistent operation. However, challenges arise when drivers fail to conduct daily-pre trip inspections properly. 

While inspecting vehicles before driving each day is a federal requirement, it should not be the only reason why inspections are done. Proper pre-trip inspections benefit both fleet managers and drivers in the long run by identifying issues and corresponding solutions. As a fleet manager, enforce consistency and accuracy in performing pre-trip inspections by replacing paper workflows with a digital tool. Provide your team the tools to not only complete vehicle inspections but also conduct them efficiently each day. 

The traditional method using pen and paper has made vehicle inspections impractical, as evident in the fleet industry even today. As a result, drivers or operators tend to rush through inspections and end up skipping and overlooking certain items. 

Below are the top 5 items you should not miss during pre-trip inspections:

Brakes

During pre-trip inspections, checking brakes is very crucial. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 22% of car accidents are caused by brake failures. Following this, always check brakes inside and out and make sure they are undamaged and in good condition, as checked brakes can lead to serious accidents and even casualties. 

Lights and Reflectors

Lights and reflectors on vehicles help with visibility during the night. Check each light and replace any that are broken or have burned down. Avoid hazards and stay away from violations by ensuring that all vehicle lights and reflectors are free of cracks and any dirt.

Wheels

Damaged wheels affect operations and can even be the cause of an accident. When checking wheels, pay careful attention to lug nuts and signs of rust. Rust can weaken or deform areas of the wheels over time if left unattended. 

Aside from tires and axles, consider also checking for items lodged underneath the vehicle that could get stuck in the tires and cause accidents or further damage.

Seatbelts

It may seem minor, but a seatbelt is a safety feature that helps protect the driver and passengers from injuries caused by collisions and other accidents. 

Ensure that seatbelts are in good working condition and regularly check for frayed edges and signs of wear and tear. Also, check if it locks when you clip it in place. Otherwise, this is an indication that they need to be replaced.

Emergency Kit

Every vehicle should contain an emergency kit containing spare fuses/circuit breakers, warning hazard triangles, and a fire extinguisher. Emergencies can arise at any given moment, and a fully stocked emergency kit will prepare your drivers for these situations, reducing the hassle and allowing them to come up with better solutions.

roselin manawis safetyculture content specialist

SafetyCulture Content Specialist

Roselin Manawis

Roselin Manawis is a content writer and researcher for SafetyCulture. She has experience in news writing and content marketing across different fields of discipline. Her background in Communication Arts enables her to leverage multimedia and improve the quality of her work. She also contributed as a research assistant for an international study and as a co-author for two books in 2020. With her informative articles, she aims to ignite digital transformation in workplaces around the world.

Roselin Manawis is a content writer and researcher for SafetyCulture. She has experience in news writing and content marketing across different fields of discipline. Her background in Communication Arts enables her to leverage multimedia and improve the quality of her work. She also contributed as a research assistant for an international study and as a co-author for two books in 2020. With her informative articles, she aims to ignite digital transformation in workplaces around the world.