What should you do if you find a defect during a pre-trip inspection?

When you find a defect during a pre-trip inspection, the priority is always safety and compliance with regulations. Reporting the defect immediately and refraining from operating the vehicle until it has been repaired is crucial. This approach ensures that the defect does not compromise the safety of the driver, passengers, or other road users.

Operating a vehicle with known issues can lead to breakdowns or accidents, significantly raising the risk of injuries or fatalities. Furthermore, vehicle maintenance regulations typically require that any identified defects must be addressed before the vehicle is deemed roadworthy. Reporting these issues enables mechanics or maintenance teams to rectify problems appropriately, maintaining the vehicle’s operational integrity and ensuring that it meets safety standards. Hence, prioritizing reporting over continuing with the operation or attempting repairs on-site is in accordance with best practices and legal requirements for commercial vehicle operation.