The Most Overlooked Problems in BIT Inspections and How to Address Them

Look, we know you don’t like having a BIT inspection—nobody does. Unfortunately, they’re not going away any time soon because they serve a pretty good purpose of keeping us safe on the road. The big issue when it comes to these checks, however, is failing. 

Failing your BIT inspection can disrupt your operations, damage your reputation, and even revoke your CDL. Luckily, you’re in the right place to ensure that doesn’t happen to you. We’re about to discuss the most overlooked problems in a BIT inspection and what you can do to address them.

Neglected Brake Systems

Brakes are the most important system when it comes to your vehicle’s safety. Because of this, they will be under increased scrutiny during inspections. Whether it’s worn-out pads, out-of-adjustment brakes, or air leaks in the lines, these need to be addressed immediately.

How to Fix It

Create and stick to a strict brake inspection routine. This includes: 

• Checking slack adjusters 
• Ensuring proper air pressure in the lines 
• Inspecting the condition of brake shoes and drums 

Routine air brake system tests should be conducted to verify that the system is operating correctly. If any wear is detected, parts should be replaced immediately to prevent failure.

Tire Condition and Alignment Problems

Most people focus on tire condition, which isn’t a bad thing as these will be inspected. But there are deeper problems you need to be aware of. Alignment issues, incorrect tread depth, uneven tire wear, and low air pressure can all be easily missed but with severe consequences. 

How to Fix It

Check the tread depth, air pressure, sidewall condition, and alignment before each BIT. Any sign of uneven wear should prompt a deeper inspection of the suspension system. Address alignment problems early, as they can lead to tire failure and affect your vehicle's handling and safety.

Faulty Lighting Systems

Burnt-out headlights, taillights, or brake lights can easily be overlooked during a quick check. However, these seemingly minor issues can result in failure. That’s because they can lead to costly traffic citations or accidents, especially during night driving or low-visibility conditions.

How to Fix It

Perform routine lighting system checks by turning on all lights—both interior and exterior—and verifying that everything works as intended. Make sure to inspect brake lights, headlights, and turn signals thoroughly. Either have someone else confirm these are working ok or walk around your vehicle with them on.

Replace any burnt-out bulbs immediately and keep spare fuses on hand to address any electrical issues.

Overlooked Suspension Issues

Suspensions aren’t just for keeping your ride nice and smooth; they’re integral to your truck's handling. Issues like worn-out leaf springs or a failing air suspension system are often discovered only when your ride quality deteriorates or when a major suspension component fails.

How to Fix It

Check all suspension components, including:

• Leaf springs
• Shocks
• Bushings
• Airbags
• Airlines
• Compressed air systems

Look for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or leaks, and address these issues immediately. 

Incomplete Driver Logs and Documentation

Because you focus so much on the truck itself, it’s very easy to forget about driver logs and documentation. Incomplete, inaccurate, or simply not having the logs to hand often results in significant penalties and even causes the vehicle to be taken out of service.

 This is one of the most common areas where errors slip through, especially when drivers fail to record hours properly or forget to complete forms.

How to Fix It

Have both physical and digital copies of these documents that are easily accessible. Investing in software that helps automatically track hours and generate necessary reports can help keep on top of this. If you manage a fleet, give full training to your employees and review the logs for accuracy.

Ignoring Exhaust and After-Treatment Systems

Your exhaust system and after-treatment devices like the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) or Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system are key to keeping your vehicle environmentally compliant. And, oh boy, you do not want to be on the wrong side of emissions regulations. 

Not adhering to them will result in a BIT inspection failure and run the risk of fines from regulatory bodies. Some are in excess of $45,000 per non-compliant vehicle.

How to Fix It

Make sure the after-treatment systems are included in every BIT inspection. Regular DPF cleanings and forced regeneration should be conducted if necessary. Check the SCR system to ensure everything is operating correctly. 

Failing to Check for Loose or Damaged Electrical Connections

Loose or corroded electrical connections are often missed during a BIT inspection. This can lead to sudden electrical failures, causing issues like engine shutdown, loss of power to critical systems, or malfunctioning safety features like anti-lock braking systems (ABS).

How to Fix It

Incorporate a thorough inspection of the vehicle's electrical system into your BIT routine. Check for loose connections, frayed wires, and corrosion, especially around critical systems like the starter motor, battery, and alternator. Use a multimeter to check the voltage and continuity of key circuits to ensure everything is operating within proper limits.

Final Thoughts

BIT inspections are essential for keeping your fleet safe and compliant, but they’re only effective if all aspects of the vehicle are thoroughly inspected. By paying attention to commonly overlooked areas—such as brakes, tires, lights, documentation, and after-treatment systems—you can avoid costly repairs, ensure regulatory compliance, and, most importantly, keep your drivers and the public safe.

Even with this in mind, your BIT inspection may not go as planned. If that’s the case, we’ve written a comprehensive guide on how to handle BIT inspection violations to help you out.