Visit the NZ Transport Agency website
www.nzta.govt.nz
You are here: Home › Vehicle ownership › Trade plates heavy
Heavy vehicle safety check sheet
Vehicle safety check inspection requirements - heavy vehicles (GVM greater than 3,500 kg)
| Item | Inspection requirements | Checked | Passed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall condition | Check the general condition of the vehicle visually. Check that there are no obvious signs that may indicate that the vehicle is unsafe. | ||
| Steering system | Check the condition of the steering by turning the steering wheel from lock to lock whilst driving at slow speed. There should be no abnormal noise, stiffness or looseness. The steering wheel should then be rotated back and forth quickly about its straight-ahead position (by about 30 degrees) with the vehicle stationary. There should be no knocking or looseness. | ||
| Power steering | Check the power steering for correct fluid level and for leaks. Check power steering pump drive-belt for serviceability and correct tension. | ||
| Tyre pressure & condition | Check tyre inflation is suitable for the journey. Check all road tyres for damage. Check that the tread depth is within legal requirements. | ||
| Wheels and rims | Check that there is no damage to wheels or rims that could affect the safe operation of the vehicle. Check wheel nuts for tightness. Check security of the spare wheel. | ||
| Lighting system | Check that all lights function correctly and that there are no broken lamp lenses. Check headlight aim if the vehicle is to be operated in the hours of darkness or in poor visibility. | ||
| Brake hydraulic system and Master cylinder (as applicable) | Check the system integrity by putting full pressure on the brake pedal with the engine running and hold this for 20 seconds. There should be no creep of the pedal and there should be a minimum of 20% brake-pedal travel before it contacts the floor or any stop. Check the brake master cylinder for correct brake fluid level and for leaks. | ||
| Brake air system (as applicable) | Check brake pipes and fittings for air leaks and for damage. Check that the air-brake reservoir is clear of fluids (drain). Charge the air system by running the engine. With the engine stopped, apply the service brake fully five times. The low air pressure warning must not come on. Apply the service brake repeatedly until the low air pressure warning comes on. Start the engine and check that the full system pressure is achieved within reasonable time. | ||
| Service brakes (foot brake) | Check that the service brake is functioning correctly by driving the vehicle in a straight line on a level surface and lightly applying the foot brake. There should be no abnormal noise or knocking from the brakes. During this test, the steering wheel should be very lightly held and there should be no discernible pull from the straight-ahead position. | ||
| Parking brake | Check the park (hand) brake for correct operation. | ||
| Horn | Horn Check that the horn functions correctly. | ||
| Exhaust system | Check that there is no abnormal noise from the exhaust system that would suggest there is a leak or it is not properly mounted. | ||
| Glazing and windscreen wipers | Glazing and windscreen wipers Check that the windscreen and other glazing necessary for driving visibility is clear, clean and is not damaged in the vision area, and that the windscreen washers and wipers are working correctly. | ||
| Bodywork and chassis | Check the vehicle bodywork and chassis for damage and corrosion that is likely to affect its safe operation. If the vehicle is fitted with a tilting cab, check that it is properly locked. Check that any parts shipped with the vehicle are secured and/or tied down. Drive the vehicle at a low speed and in low gear, push down the accelerator pedal fully then release it repeatedly. Check that there is no abnormal noise from the driveline that would indicate excessive wear or looseness. | ||
| Mirrors | Mirrors Check the mirrors to ensure they are securely mounted, adjustable and afford the driver a clear view of the road behind. | ||
| Over-dimension permit (as applicable) | Over-dimension permit (as applicable) If the vehicle is over-dimension, a permit is to be obtained for the single journey. (A permit can be obtained from the over-dimension permit issuing office). |
Last updated: 20 January 2004