Which items should be inspected during the enroute inspection?

During an enroute inspection, the focus is primarily on critical safety components that directly affect the vehicle’s performance and safety on the road. Inspecting tires, brakes, and cargo securement is essential for several reasons.

Tires are crucial for maintaining traction, handling, and stability. Regular checks can prevent blowouts and ensure sufficient tread depth, which is vital for safe braking and cornering.

Brakes are central to vehicle safety, and any issues with braking performance need to be identified immediately during an enroute inspection to avoid potential accidents. A driver must be aware of how the brakes are functioning and detect any unusual sounds or behavior that could indicate a malfunction.

Cargo securement is equally important, as unsecured loads can shift during transport, causing loss of control or endangering other road users. Ensuring that cargo is properly secured can prevent accidents and comply with regulations.

While lights, oil levels, mirrors, batteries, the exhaust system, fluids, wipers, windows, and horns are all necessary checks during pre-trip or post-trip inspections, the enroute inspection specifically emphasizes components that impact immediate driving safety and vehicle control. Hence, the selection of tires, brakes, and cargo securement as items to inspect during an enroute inspection aligns with