During your pre-trip inspection, what should you look for when examining hoses?

During your pre-trip inspection, examining hoses involves checking for visible wear and tear. This is crucial because wear and tear can lead to failures during operation, potentially causing leaks or bursts. Signs of degradation include fraying, cracking, or bulging, which can compromise the effectiveness of the hoses and overall vehicle safety. Ensuring that hoses are in good condition helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and maintains vehicle reliability on the road.

While noticing puddles on the ground might indicate a leak from hoses, it doesn't give you direct insight into the condition of the hoses themselves. Similarly, while it’s important for hoses to be appropriately tensioned, the focus should be more on their overall condition and structural integrity rather than whether they are loose or not. Color coding for pressure limits is also relevant but doesn't address the physical state of the hoses during a pre-trip inspection. Therefore, monitoring for visible wear and tear is essential for a thorough assessment.