Most vehicle failures that strand drivers mid-route aren't surprises — they're things that showed signs for days or weeks before they became problems. A five-minute pre-shift check catches the early warnings. Here's what to look for.
Brake Check: Start Every Shift With This One
Before you leave the depot, find a clear stretch of lot with no obstacles. Drive 10–15 mph and apply firm brake pressure. Here's what you're checking:
Smooth and straight: Good. The vehicle stops evenly with no pulling left or right.
Grinding or metal-on-metal sound: Brake pads are worn to the metal. This needs same-day service. Do not take this vehicle on a route.
Vibration or pulsing through the pedal: Rotors are warped. The vehicle is drivable short-term but needs attention. Flag it in writing today.
Pulling to one side: Possible brake imbalance, sticking caliper, or front-end alignment issue. Note and report.
Spongy or soft pedal: Possible air in the brake lines or low brake fluid. Check the fluid level (below). If the pedal feels soft, do not depart without having it checked.
Fluid Levels: Five Checks Under the Hood
With the engine off and cooled, check (most are visible through transparent reservoirs):
Brake fluid: Should be between MIN and MAX lines. Dark or murky fluid means it needs to be replaced (it absorbs moisture over time). Low fluid may indicate a leak or worn pads — investigate.
Power steering fluid: Low PS fluid causes hard, heavy steering — a safety issue at highway speed.
Engine coolant: Check the overflow reservoir, not the radiator cap. Coolant prevents both overheating in summer and freezing in winter. Low coolant = engine temperature risk.
Windshield washer fluid: Low visibility is dangerous. In February, this runs out faster than any other month. Keep a backup jug in the van.
Engine oil: Pull the dipstick, wipe it, reinsert, pull it again. The level should be between the LOW and FULL marks. Significantly low oil is an immediate flag — running an engine low on oil causes serious, expensive damage.
Warning Lights: Don't Dismiss Them
If any warning light is on during your shift, note which one and report it at end of day — or immediately if it's the check engine light, oil pressure light, or brake warning light. These are not "it'll probably be fine" lights.
A vehicle that leaves the depot in good condition comes back that way. JWA Logistics maintains our fleet on a schedule, but drivers who catch early issues between maintenance cycles protect everyone — themselves, the equipment, and the route.