Which condition is acceptable for leaf springs during a pre-trip inspection?

During a pre-trip inspection, it is essential to evaluate the condition of leaf springs, as they play a critical role in supporting the vehicle's weight and maintaining stability. Leaf springs must be not broken and properly aligned to ensure they can effectively absorb road shocks and maintain proper axle positioning. A spring that is intact and correctly aligned indicates that it can perform its function of supporting the load and contributing to safe handling of the vehicle.

The other conditions, while they may indicate some level of functionality, do not meet the safety standards required for a vehicle to be roadworthy. Missing parts could compromise the spring's ability to handle loads safely, while even slight bends can lead to further structural issues over time. A broken leaf spring, regardless of the vehicle's load, poses a significant safety risk and can lead to catastrophic failure during operation. Therefore, the only acceptable condition is for leaf springs to be intact and correctly aligned.