Checklist · Vehicle & Fleet
4WD Vehicle Pre-Trip Checklist
Pre-trip inspection for four-wheel-drive work vehicles heading off-road, onto unsealed roads or into remote areas. Covers mechanical checks, 4WD systems, recovery gear, water and fuel, communications and the trip plan.
43 checklist items
Checklist Items
| Item | Pass / Yes | Fail / No |
|---|---|---|
| TRIP DETAILS | ||
| Date | ||
| Vehicle Registration / Fleet Number | ||
| Make & Model | ||
| Odometer Reading (km) | ||
| Driver Name | ||
| Destination and Route | ||
| Expected Return Date / Time | ||
| Person Holding the Trip Plan | ||
| MECHANICAL | ||
| Engine oil, coolant, brake and power steering fluid levels correct | Pass | Fail |
| Fan belts and hoses: no cracks or leaks | Pass | Fail |
| Battery terminals tight and clean; battery hold-down secure | Pass | Fail |
| No leaks under the vehicle | Pass | Fail |
| Brakes and park brake effective | Pass | Fail |
| Lights, indicators, horn and wipers working; windscreen not cracked in driver's view | Pass | Fail |
| Air filter clean (check more often in dusty conditions) | Pass | Fail |
| TYRES & WHEELS | ||
| Tyres suited to the terrain; tread and sidewalls in good condition | Pass | Fail |
| Tyre pressures set for road use; pressure gauge and compressor carried for off-road adjustment | Pass | Fail |
| Wheel nuts tight | Pass | Fail |
| Spare wheel (or two for remote travel) inflated and serviceable; jack, base plate and wheel brace present | Pass | Fail |
| 4WD SYSTEMS | ||
| 4WD engages and disengages in high and low range | Pass | Fail |
| Free-wheeling hubs operate (if fitted) | Pass | Fail |
| Diff locks engage and disengage (if fitted) | Pass | Fail |
| Underbody protection, bash plates and steering guard secure | Pass | Fail |
| Snorkel and air intake secure (if fitted); wading limits known | Pass | Fail |
| RECOVERY & EMERGENCY GEAR | ||
| Rated recovery points fitted front and rear (not tow balls or tie-down points) | Pass | Fail |
| Snatch strap, rated soft or bow shackles, winch extension strap, tree trunk protector, damper and gloves carried | Pass | Fail |
| Winch, cable / synthetic rope and remote serviceable (if fitted) | Pass | Fail |
| Recovery boards and shovel carried | Pass | Fail |
| First aid kit stocked; fire extinguisher secured and in service | Pass | Fail |
| Drinking water carried for all occupants with spare for delays | Pass | Fail |
| Extra fuel carried in approved containers and secured (if required by distance) | Pass | Fail |
| COMMUNICATIONS & NAVIGATION | ||
| Mobile phone charged; coverage on route checked | Pass | Fail |
| Satellite phone, satellite messenger or PLB carried where there is no coverage | Pass | Fail |
| UHF radio working (if used) | Pass | Fail |
| Maps or offline navigation available; road and track closures checked | Pass | Fail |
| LOAD & CABIN | ||
| All cargo restrained or behind a cargo barrier; nothing loose in the cabin | Pass | Fail |
| Vehicle within GVM and roof rack load limits | Pass | Fail |
| DRIVER | ||
| Driver trained in 4WD operation and recovery for the conditions | Pass | Fail |
| Driver rested and fit to drive; breaks planned for long distances | Pass | Fail |
| DEFECTS & SIGN-OFF | ||
| Defects found (describe or write "None") | ||
| Defects reported to fleet / supervisor | Yes | No |
| Vehicle fit for the trip | Yes | No |
| Driver Signature | ||