Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/56062
Out-of-service violations each carry an extra 2 CSA points, making that easily monitored tread depth infraction worth 30 points for the first six months after the violation was incurred if it puts you out of service. That's because violation severity weights are multiplied by three for the first six months. In this case, that's 10 Inspect to prevent The top violations in the chart represent the most common infractions in CSA's Vehicle Maintenance category. "Most, if not all, are items that should be caught during driver inspections and definitely during maintenance inspections," says J.J. Keller's Thomas Bray. ATBS' Bill McClusky advises operators to build a good relationship with a reliable repair shop, whether a dealer's service points (8 plus 2 for an out-of-service violation) times 3. That violation will hit you with a weight in Vehicle Maintenance equal to what a reckless driving charge will get you in the Unsafe Driving BASIC, clear evidence FMCSA takes tire problems seriously. Given that kind of risk, it's a good idea to carry a plug kit and location or an independent garage. "Take the shop a couple pizzas and throw them some Cokes — t hey tend to remember that and pay better attention to you," he says. An operator should work with his shop to be "proactive rather than reactive" about maintenance, says McClusky. He recommends getting an inspection that's more in-depth than a simple pre- or post-trip, at every oil change, if not more frequently. "Someone in the truck maintenance field is going to spot things that an owner-operator might not." Top Vehicle Maintenance BASIC violations in 2011 All violations 393.9(a) Inoperative required lamps 393.11 No/defective lighting/reflective devices 396.3(a)(1) Inspection/repair and maintenance of parts and accessories 393.75(c) Tire tread depth less than 2/32-inch 396.5(b) Oil and/or grease leak 393.45(b)(2) Failing to secure brake hose/tubing against mechanical damage 393.47(e) Clamp/roto-chamber-type brake(s) out of adjustment 396.17(c) Operating a CMV without periodic inspection 393.95(a) No/discharged/unsecured fire extinguisher 393.25(f) Stop lamp violations 393.9TS Inoperative turn signal 393.48(a) Inoperative/defective brakes 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 use it not just for a flat tire, but for fixing a slow leak. This is OK for an emergency patch, though to prevent moisture from corroding the tire's belts, interior sealing of the puncture should be performed within days. It's also wise to carry pressure and tread depth gauges on the road and use them regularly during pretrip Watch steering components closely Tennessee state trooper Robert Hadden inspects an owner-operator's steering mechanism, which is something inspectors often look at, notes ATBS' Bill McClusky. He advises staying on top of "tie-rod ends, kingpin bushings, steering shaft U-joints, the power steering box itself and all the linkage that connects the steering wheel to the steer tires." Out-of-service violations 393.9TS Inoperative turn signal 393.9(a) Inoperative required lamps 393.75(a) Flat tire or fabric exposed 393.45 Brake tubing and hose adequacy 396.3(a)(1) Inspection/repair and maintenance of parts and accessories 393.25(f) Stop lamp violations 393.48(a) Inoperative/defective brakes 393.75(a)(3) Tire — flat and/or audible air leak 393.43 No/improper breakaway or emergency braking 393.75(c) Tire tread depth less than 2⁄32-inch 393.207(a) Axle positioning parts defective/missing 393.100(a) Failure to prevent cargo shifting 26 OVERDRIVE MARCH 2012 CSA-proof your rig FMCSA's Analysis and Information website, analyzed by Thomas Bray of J.J. Keller and Associates Todd Dills