Section 396.5 covers lubrication of CMVs and inspection during lubrication. Active leaks of oil, fuel, or coolant are commonly cited under this section as evidence of inadequate maintenance.
Common findings
- Engine oil leak from the valve cover or pan.
- Transmission fluid leak at the rear seal.
- Coolant leak at a hose or radiator.
- Power steering fluid leak.
- Excess grease accumulation that prevents inspection of components.
OOS implications
A fuel leak is treated more seriously than oil — fuel leaks are out-of-service conditions. Other fluid leaks are typically not OOS unless severe.
How to prevent it
- Pre-trip walk-around with a quick under-vehicle look — fresh drips on the ground are the easiest tell.
- Address slow leaks during scheduled maintenance, not when they become heavy leaks.
- Clean the engine and chassis periodically so a new leak is visible.
- Document every repair on the maintenance log.
How Roadworthy HQ helps
DVIRs are entered by an owner or manager on the vehicle's DVIR tab: driver, date, pre- or post-trip, the defect described in your own words, whether it affects safety, the repair certification, and the next driver's review. A safety-affecting defect logged without a repair certification sends a critical alert. The maintenance log holds date, type, what was done, who did it, and cost per vehicle. It does not take receipt uploads.