Prestart check: meaning and examples
A prestart check is a short inspection done before a vehicle or machine is used for the day, such as tyres, lights, fluids, brakes and safety equipment. Operators and small fleets use it to catch faults before they stop work or cause an accident.
How it works
A prestart check is a quick look at a vehicle or machine before it goes to work. The usual points are tyres, lights, mirrors, fluids, brakes, steering and safety gear, plus anything particular to the machine.
It is done by the driver or operator and takes a few minutes. The aim is to find a fault while it is still a small problem and before anyone is hurt or a job is held up.
In some workplaces and countries a recorded daily check is a requirement, so check the rules that apply to you.
From check to fault
Illustration: a driver walking round a ute finds a cracked mirror. In Loggy they mark that item Fail, add a photo, sign, and submit. The failed item can be turned into a fault, which stays on the vehicle's Active Faults list until it is cleared.
How to track it in Loggy
Open the vehicle and tap Inspect, pick a template (Light Vehicle has 11 checks) or build your own, mark each item pass, fail or not applicable, add photos, then sign and submit. A failed item can be turned into a fault.
- Open the vehicle and tap Inspect.
- Pick a template (Light Vehicle has 11 checks) or create your own, and add the location and reading.
- Mark each item pass, fail or not applicable, add notes and photos, then sign and submit.
Loggy is a free maintenance logbook app for iOS and Android. The free plan has unlimited vehicles, reminders, PDF export and vehicle transfer, and no ads.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a prestart check take?
A few minutes for a light vehicle. Larger machines have longer lists.
Is a prestart check the same as a pre-trip inspection?
The terms are used for the same idea in different regions. Pre-trip is common in North America, prestart in Australia and New Zealand.
Can I make my own checklist?
Yes. Tap Create your own when you choose a template.