Completing Vehicle Inspections

If you're assigned a patrol vehicle for your shift, you're required to complete a pre-trip inspection before heading out. This protects you from liability for pre-existing damage, helps fleet management track vehicle condition, and ensures the vehicle is safe to operate.

Why Vehicle Inspections Matter

• Liability protection — if the vehicle already has damage, documenting it before your shift means you won't be held responsible.
• Safety — catching issues like low tire pressure, broken lights, or brake problems before driving keeps you and the public safe.
• Fleet tracking — mileage and fuel data help your company plan maintenance and manage costs.

Accessing Vehicle Inspections

1. Tap the More tab at the bottom of the screen.
2. Tap "Vehicle" (Car icon, blue).
3. The My Vehicle screen loads.

If No Vehicle Is Assigned

If you don't have a vehicle assigned for your shift, you'll see a car icon with the message: "No Vehicle Assigned. You don't have a vehicle assigned to you. Contact your supervisor if you need one."

If you expected to have a vehicle, reach out to your supervisor before your shift starts.

Viewing Your Assigned Vehicle

When a vehicle is assigned to you, a vehicle card appears showing:

• Make and model (e.g., "Toyota Corolla").
• License plate and year (e.g., "ABC 123 — 2022").
• Status badge: "Inspected" (green checkmark) if you've already completed today's inspection, or "Pending" (orange clock) if inspection is still required.
• Vehicle stats: current mileage, fuel type, and color.

Pending Inspection Alert

If your inspection hasn't been completed yet, an orange alert box appears:

• "Pre-Trip Inspection Required"
• "Complete a vehicle inspection before starting your patrol."

Do not begin driving until the inspection is done.

Performing an Inspection

1. Walk around the vehicle and visually inspect it before starting the form.
2. Tap "Start Inspection" (green button with a Clipboard icon).
3. Fill in the inspection form section by section:

Current Mileage (Required)

• Read the odometer and enter the current mileage reading.
• This is compared against the previous inspection to track usage.

Fuel Level

• A visual fuel gauge appears on screen.
• Tap one of the quick presets: 25% | 50% | 75% | 100% — or drag the gauge to a custom level.
• Check the actual fuel gauge in the vehicle and match it as closely as possible.

Tire Condition

• Select the overall tire condition: "Good" | "Fair" | "Poor."
• Good: tires look properly inflated with adequate tread.
• Fair: tires are usable but showing wear.
• Poor: tires have visible damage, low pressure, or worn tread. Report this immediately.

Checklist Items

Toggle each item on or off based on your inspection:

• Lights Working (Lightbulb icon) — headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights all function.
• Brakes Working — brakes feel responsive with no unusual sounds or pulling.
• Clean Interior — the cabin is clean and free of debris from the previous shift.

Damage Found

• Toggle the damage switch (Alert icon) if you find any damage.
• When toggled on, a text area appears: "Describe the damage..."
• Be specific: describe what the damage is, where on the vehicle it's located, and how significant it appears (e.g., "6-inch scratch on driver's side rear door, paint removed down to metal").

Notes (Optional)

• Use the "Any additional notes..." text area for anything else worth recording — unusual sounds, warning lights on the dashboard, items left in the vehicle, etc.

1. Review your entries, then tap "Submit Inspection."
2. The vehicle status changes to "Inspected" (green) and you're clear to begin patrol.

Viewing Recent Inspections

Below the inspection form, the last 3 inspections are listed for reference:

• Date the inspection was completed.
• Mileage at the time of inspection.
• Fuel level recorded.
• A "DAMAGE" badge if damage was found during that inspection.

This history helps you track the vehicle's condition over time and compare against your current findings.

Tips

• Walk around the vehicle first — do a visual check before opening the app form. Look for dents, scratches, flat tires, and fluid leaks.
• Complete the inspection before leaving the lot — never skip it, even if you're running late. It takes less than 2 minutes and protects you.
• Report ALL damage — even minor scratches or small dents. If you don't document it, you could be held responsible.
• Check fuel level accurately — don't guess. Look at the actual gauge in the vehicle. This data helps fleet management plan refueling.
• Test the brakes before driving — after starting the vehicle, pump the brakes gently while still in the parking area to make sure they respond properly.
• Note dashboard warning lights — if the check engine light, oil pressure warning, or any other indicator is on, record it in the notes and notify your supervisor before driving.

Related Articles

• Getting Started with the Guard Mobile App
• Completing a Patrol Tour
• Checking In and Out Equipment
• Submitting an Incident Report