Published 18 Aug 2023
What is a Vehicle Pre Start Checklist?
A vehicle pre-start checklist is a tool that lists tasks and inspections needed to be performed to assess and document the condition of a vehicle before it’s used. It helps drivers, operators, and supervisors ensure that the vehicle is in a safe and operational order, minimizing the risk of accidents, breakdowns, and other issues while on the road.
The checklist should be completed daily or before each trip or use of the vehicle. It’s considered a preventive measure aimed at identifying potential problems or safety concerns before they become more significant while driving.
In this article
- Benefits of Using a Checklist for Vehicle Pre Start Inspections
- What to Include in a Vehicle Pre Start Checklist
- Guide to Creating a Vehicle Pre Start Checklist
- How to Conduct Vehicle Pre Start Inspections Using a Checklist
- FAQs About Vehicle Pre Start Checklists
- Perform Efficient Vehicle Pre Start Checks with SafetyCulture
- Related Vehicle Pre Start Checklists
Benefits of Using a Checklist for Vehicle Pre Start Inspections
A vehicle pre-start checklist is a key component of responsible vehicle operation. It doesn’t only help ensure the safety of the driver and passengers but also contributes to the overall maintenance and reliability of the vehicle. Regularly conducting these checks before each trip can prevent potential problems and promote a proactive approach to vehicle care.
With the help of a checklist, vehicle pre-start inspections can be beneficial in the following ways:
- Preventing financial losses – helps identify minor issues before they turn into major problems that are expensive to fix and cause unexpected downtime
- Uncovering defects – uncovers defects that might cause damage to the equipment if it’s started
- Legal and regulatory compliance – ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational policies
- Preventive maintenance – encourages drivers to stay on top of maintenance tasks, ensuring that vehicles operate optimally and are less likely to develop unexpected issues
- Eco-friendly driving – ensures that components like air filters, tire pressure, and engine systems are in good condition, contributing to eco-friendly driving
- Consistency and accountability – provides a consistent and structured approach to vehicle inspections, reducing the chances of overlooking important aspects
- Recordkeeping – lets you maintain a record of your pre-start inspections for tracking maintenance history, identifying recurring issues, and demonstrating compliance if required
What to Include in a Vehicle Pre Start Checklist
While checklists can be unique to cater to various vehicle types, the following sections and elements must be included in a general vehicle pre-start checklist to cover a comprehensive range of aspects:
- Vehicle Information
- Safety Checks
- Vehicle Equipment
- External Bodywork
- Cleaning
- Fuel
It’s also recommended to include a title page where you can record the vehicle’s make and model and the site and location of the pre-start inspection being carried out. Lastly, have a completion page where the driver or operator can put their signature.
Guide to Creating a Vehicle Pre Start Checklist
To help you ensure an effective checklist that you can standardize and implement in your organization’s pre-start checks, here’s a quick step-by-step guide you can follow:
- Determine the specific purpose of the checklist depending on the type of vehicle and its intended use. Alternatively, you can create a general checklist and include a multiple-choice dropdown or text field to allow users to indicate unique vehicle information.
- Brainstorm all the critical aspects of your vehicle that need regular inspection. Seek feedback from respective teams and employees to help enrich the checklist with the necessary fields and sections.
- Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or manufacturer guidelines for recommended inspection points. These guidelines can help you identify specific items that need attention.
- Depending on your geographic location, you might need to include checks for weather-related elements like snow chains, antifreeze, or cooling system checks.
- Place safety-related items at the top of the list to ensure they receive immediate attention.
- Include specific instructions for each item to make it easier for all users to understand and perform the inspection.
- Make sure to leave room for users to write notes or comments about any issues they observe.
- As technology evolves and vehicle models change, update the checklist to stay relevant and effective.
How to Conduct Vehicle Pre Start Inspections Using a Checklist
Vehicle pre-start checks utilize a systematic approach to ensure that all key aspects are thoroughly checked before drivers hit the road. To effectively perform these inspections, here are some steps to take using a vehicle pre-start checklist:
- Familiarize yourself with the checklist and understand the items that need to be inspected.
- Before using the vehicle, go through each item on the checklist and inspect the corresponding component. Answer each question on the checklist as “Compliant,” “Non-Compliant,” or “N/A” based on the condition of the component or equipment.
- If any issues or non-compliant items are identified during the inspection, make sure to note them and assign corrective actions such as repairs and maintenance for prompt resolution.
- If possible, attach media files to capture visual evidence or add notes to provide additional details about specific items for further documentation.
- Once you have completed the inspection, review the checklist to ensure all items have been addressed. If required, have a supervisor or manager review the checklist as well.
- You can then export the checklist as a PDF or share it digitally for recordkeeping purposes.
FAQs About Vehicle Pre Start Checklists
Here are some things you should inspect in your car on a daily basis:
- Fluid levels (engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid)
- Fuel level
- Tires (tire pressure, signs of wear and tear, etc.)
- Lights (headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals)
- Wipers
- Seatbelts
- Jack and wheel brace
- Fire extinguisher and first aid kit
In some regions and industries, especially for commercial vehicles or certain professions (such as trucking), there may be regulations or guidelines that mandate the use of pre-start checklists to ensure safety and compliance. However, for personal vehicles, the use of a pre-start checklist is generally not a legal requirement.
That said, even if not legally mandated, using a pre-start checklist is a responsible practice that can help you ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle.
Yes, mobile apps can be used to create, customize, and use vehicle pre-start checklists. In fact, using a mobile app offers more benefits over traditional paper checklists, such as the following:
- Convenience
- Customization
- Accuracy
- Photos and Notes
- Time Stamping
- Recordkeeping
- Accessibility
- Sustainability
- Alerts and Reminders
Perform Efficient Vehicle Pre Start Checks with SafetyCulture
Why use SafetyCulture?
Embracing the integration of apps and technology into the process of conducting vehicle pre-start checks marks a significant leap forward in ensuring safety, efficiency, and modernity. In addition, this can help streamline the overall process of standardizing pre-start checks on vehicles, especially on an organizational level.
SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor) is a holistic operations platform that allows vehicle drivers, operators, and transport supervisors to perform efficient pre-start inspections to ensure the safety of both vehicles and their drivers.
Using the SafetyCulture vehicle pre-start checklist app, be able to do the following:
- Ensure regularly scheduled pre-start checks and routine inspections so that all vehicles and their components are safe using standardized checklists and templates.
- Enrich pre-start reports on conducted inspections with visual evidence to efficiently document action plans and recommendations by attaching media such as photos and other files.
- Empower drivers and operators to report any defects, damages, or concerns in their vehicles by raising Issues and creating Actions as needed.
- Communicate the results of vehicle pre-start checks to relevant stakeholders by generating reports in various formats, including PDF, Excel, Word, or Weblink. You can store them on SafetyCulture’s secure cloud for recordkeeping.
- Organize and maintain a digital repository of vehicle information, maintenance history, and other key data using the Asset Management feature.
- Ensure all drivers, operators, and other employees are well-equipped on vehicle upkeep by deploying Training programs and sharing key updates via Heads Ups.
- Manage the safety of workers involved in vehicle maintenance and inspections across various sites by ensuring they’re wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Replenish your PPE stocks via the SafetyCulture Marketplace.
- Review vehicle and fleet performance to benchmark recurring trends and recommend continuous improvement actions using the Analytics dashboard.
- Stay connected with drivers and operators when they’re conducting vehicle pre-start checks to help them feel safe and secure on the job using SHEQSY by SafetyCulture.
Related Vehicle Pre Start Checklists
Daily Vehicle Pre Start Checklist
Download this free daily vehicle pre-start checklist that you can use to track and monitor the condition and performance of your vehicle before using it. Fill out the checklist carefully and make comments to note any faults or damages.
Light Vehicle Pre Start Checklist
This checklist is to be completed at the start of each shift prior to operating a light vehicle. Indicate the driver’s name, vehicle registration details, and whether each aspect or component of the vehicle is working or not.
Heavy Vehicle Pre Start Checklist Template
Indicate whether the vehicle’s components are Safe or Defective using this heavy vehicle pre-start checklist. Be able to immediately report issues and refrain from using the vehicle until they’re rectified.