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What you need to know about DOT Inspections in Des Moines

Owning a commercial vehicle is an investment that requires upkeep and responsibility. It is important for commercial vehicle owners, including trailer owners to understand the requirements that go along with it. The Department of Transportation requires all commercial vehicles and trailers weighing over 10,000 pounds to be inspected annually. This is to make sure that they are in good working order and are safe to be on the road. Failure to pass a state DOT vehicle inspection can result in fines, audits, or even the suspension of your vehicle. Not to mention the cost of repairs.

Knowing what to expect during a DOT inspection will help you pass with minimal issues. Hilltop Tire Service is here to assist you with your DOT vehicle inspections for all your commercial light trucks, box trucks, vans, and trailers. Not only can we perform the DOT inspection for you, but you can count on HTS to get you back up and running quickly if there is anything that didn’t meet the standard DOT regulations.

What is a DOT Inspection?

A DOT inspection is a thorough examination of commercial vehicles and trailers weighing over 10,000 pounds. A DOT Inspector uses the standard DOT inspection report to check over the vehicle and ensure it passes all safety regulations. If your vehicle doesn’t pass the inspection, you will need to get all issues fixed and then try again. The North American Standard Inspection includes an examination of the brake system, exhaust system, fuel system, lights, hitches, steering and suspension, tires, wheels, windshield, and windshield wipers.

How often are DOT Inspections required?

Commercial vehicles are required to have a DOT Inspection at least once a year, although inspections can happen more often. For instance, you may come upon a random roadside DOT vehicle inspection. These roadside stops will go through the same checklist set out by the DOT.

Where can I get a DOT Inspection Near Me?

Any of our neighborhood Hilltop Tire Service centers in the Des Moines metro offer DOT inspections for your commercial pick-up truck, cube van, or trailer. Our certified technician will thoroughly check over your vehicle or trailer using the standard DOT Inspection Report as set out by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. They will give you a certificate that shows you passed the inspection. If for some reason your vehicle does not meet all the safety standards, you’ll receive a detailed report of what needs to be repaired. No work will be performed until you give us the go-ahead.

What vehicles are required to have a DOT Inspection?

Any commercial vehicle weighing over 10,000 pounds is required to have a DOT inspection every year. This includes trucks, trailers, delivery vehicles, taxi cabs, rental cars, and public utility vehicles. DOT Inspections are often associated with large semi-trucks, so it can be a surprise to some commercial pickup truck owners that their vehicle falls under this category.

How do I pass an annual DOT Inspection?

It’s not actually too hard! If you keep up with regular maintenance on your vehicle and are up to date on your paperwork, you’ll pass with flying colors. Preventative maintenance goes a long way when it comes to passing DOT inspections.

No matter the size of your fleet of commercial vehicles, be prepared for DOT inspections and you won’t be caught stranded with a failed inspection.