The Palomar College Fleet Vehicles are maintained and serviced by the College on a regular basis and in accordance with the manufacturer’s specification; however problems may arise while in use.  All mechanical problems must be reported to the Facilities Office immediately to arrange for repairs or to provide a replacement vehicle.  The driver should not make any repairs or contract for services.  If a driver would make a repair, and an injury or accident would occur due to that repair, all financial and/or legal liability would fall solely on the driver.

Whenever possible, minor repairs and all maintenance of College vehicles will be performed in the Facilities Department’s Auto Shop.  Contract vendors are used for specialized work as needed, as determined by the Auto Mechanic and the Facilities Office.

The Palomar College Facilities Office mandates an inspection of all College vehicles prior to warranty expiration to ensure the College receives the full value of the warranty provisions.  The owner’s manual supplied with each new vehicle contains the warranty coverage for that vehicle.  The Facilities Department’s Auto Shop will tracking warranty expirations for the College’s vehicles and will schedule the inspections.

Inspections – What to Look For

As you approach the vehicle, notice its general condition.  Look for damage.  Is the vehicle leaning to one side?  Look under the vehicle for fresh oil, coolant, grease, or fuel leaks.  Check the area around the vehicle for hazards to vehicle movement such as people, other vehicles, objects, low hanging wires, or tree limbs, etc.

Check that the parking brakes are on and/or the wheels are chocked.  You may have to raise the hood, tilt the cab (secure loose objects first), or open the engine compartment door.  Check the following:

• Tire Problems.  It is dangerous to drive with bad tires.
• REMEMBER: After a tire has been changed, stop a short while later and recheck the tightness of the wheel fasteners.
• Wheel and Rim Problems.  A damaged rim can cause a tire to lose pressure or come off.
• Bad Brake Drum or Shoe Lining Problems.  It is dangerous to drive with brake problems.
• Steering System Defects. A poorly maintained steering system can cause steering problems.
• Suspension System Defects. The suspension system supports the vehicle and its load and keeps the axles in place. Broken suspension parts can be extremely dangerous.
• Exhaust System Defects. A broken exhaust system can let poisonous fumes into the cab.
• Lights and Reflectors. Reflectors should be clean and the proper color (red at rear). Verify that the following lights are clean, operating, and the proper color:
  • Headlights (high and low beams)
  • Turn signals
  • Brake lights
  • Running lights
  • Emergency flashers
  • NOTE: All corresponding dash display lights should be checked also.

Get in Vehicle:

• Turn off lights not needed for driving.
• Check for all required papers, trip manifests, permits, etc.
• Secure all loose articles in cab that might interfere with operation of the controls or hit you in a crash
• Start the engine.

Check the Brake System

Test Hydraulic Brakes.  If the vehicle has hydraulic brakes, pump the brake pedal three times.  Then apply firm pressure to the pedal and hold for five seconds.  The pedal should not move.  If it does, there may be a leak or other problem which must be repaired before driving.