Vehicle parade refers to the basic checks that must be considered on a motor vehicle daily before it is put into use.
I. First "parade"
WOFT: (For petrol engines)
W = Water: Check water level in the radiator
0 = Oil: Check the level of engine oil in the sump using dip stick
F = Fan belt: Check fan belt for tension and cuts
T = Tyre: Check for cuts, punctures, depth of threading, pressure, alignment symptoms and wheel nuts
W = Water: Check water level in the radiator
0 = Oil: Check the level of engine oil in the sump using dip stick
F = Fan belt: Check fan belt for tension and cuts
T = Tyre: Check for cuts, punctures, depth of threading, pressure, alignment symptoms and wheel nuts
II. Second "Parade"
Lighting System:
- Check head lamps, side lamps, signal indicators and reverse lights.
Brakes and Clutches:
- Check the hydraulic level
- Check effectiveness of the brakes; start the vehicle, drive off a little and step on the brake pedal to test the effectiveness
- Check the tightness and effectiveness of the brakes and clutches
- Change all the gears, one at a time, while pressing the clutch pedal
Wipers:
- Ensure that the wind screen wipers are functional
- Check the blades for effectiveness
Steering Mechanism:
- Check for clearance or 'free play'
- Check level of Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) for power steering only
Horns:
- Ensure that your horns are in good working condition
- Do not fit wrong horn on your vehicle
Spare Tyre:
- Check spare tyre for cut, puncture, thread and pressure
- Ensure that jack, jack handle and wheel spanner are in the vehicle
Reflective Triangle:
Ensure that a pair of reflective triangle is in the vehicle
Fire Extinguisher
Ensure that you have the correct type and size of fire extinguisher for your vehicle. A multipurpose fire extinguisher is preferable.
Battery:
Check level of electrolyte (battery liquid) and condition of battery terminals.
Body Inspection:
Walk round the vehicle to check for dents and loose parts.
III. Third Parade
At the end of the day's activities:
- Check all items in the first and second parade
- Record appropriately in the log book
Tyres
Select the correct tyre and inner tube size and specifications for your vehicle and ensure that they are not defective.
Worn out tyres or tubes with multiple patches are very unsafe. The traffic officer or Marshal can stop or warn for defective tyres.
Worn out tyres or tubes with multiple patches are very unsafe. The traffic officer or Marshal can stop or warn for defective tyres.
Tyre Pressure
Road traffic crash research has shown that tyre defect and "blow outs" constitute a high incidence factor.
Ensure that your tyres, including the spares are correctly inflated at all times in accordance with the recommended level for the tyre type.
Check the manuals of your vehicles and the size of the tyre for the correct pressure.
Ensure that your tyres, including the spares are correctly inflated at all times in accordance with the recommended level for the tyre type.
Check the manuals of your vehicles and the size of the tyre for the correct pressure.
Under Inflation
Contrary to what some drivers believe, under inflated tyres are bound to cause road crashes by sudden blow-out, peeling or tearing at the sides.
Do not under inflate your tyres hoping that they will inflate themselves as you drive along.
Do not under inflate your tyres hoping that they will inflate themselves as you drive along.