What condition should the glad hands be in during a pre-trip inspection?

During a pre-trip inspection, the glad hands, which are the couplers that connect the air supply lines between the tractor and trailer, should be fully seated with no leaks. This is crucial for ensuring that the air brake system functions properly. When the glad hands are fully seated, it guarantees a secure connection, which prevents air from escaping. Any leaks can lead to a malfunction in the braking system, creating unsafe driving conditions.

Options that describe the glad hands as loose or adjustable, broken with missing pieces, or fully disconnected indicate serious issues that could compromise the integrity and safety of the vehicle. Loose connections could lead to air loss, while broken parts would render the system inoperable. A fully disconnected setup is not functional for vehicle operation, emphasizing the significance of having glad hands in optimal condition during inspections.