CDL Vehicle Combination Practice Test

During a pre-trip inspection, what should a driver check on the trailer?

1. The trailer's paint condition

2. The tire pressure and tread

3. The elevation of the landing gear

4. The color of the brake lights

The correct answer is: The tire pressure and tread

A pre-trip inspection is a critical step in ensuring the safety and functionality of a trailer before it is put on the road. Checking the tire pressure and tread is essential for several reasons. Proper tire pressure ensures that the tires can support the weight of the cargo safely and maintain optimal contact with the road, reducing the risk of blowouts or uneven wear. Additionally, adequate tread on the tires is crucial for maintaining traction, especially in adverse weather conditions. Worn tires can significantly affect handling and stopping distances, which are vital for safe driving. Therefore, examining the tire pressure and tread is a fundamental part of ensuring that the trailer is in good working condition and ready for safe operation. The other aspects such as the trailer’s paint condition and brake light color, while they might be visually appealing or indicate some maintenance needs, do not directly impact the immediate safety and performance of the vehicle in the same critical manner as the tire health does. Checking the elevation of the landing gear is also important, but it is primarily related to loading and unloading operations rather than the overall safety checks needed to assess trailer readiness for travel.