Before backing under a trailer, what should you check regarding your surroundings?

Before backing under a trailer, it's crucial to check the clearance and obstacles in your surroundings. Ensuring that there are no obstructions in your path is vital for safe maneuvering. This involves looking for objects such as other vehicles, pedestrians, or any physical barriers that might impede the backing process and help prevent accidents or damage.

While visibility conditions are also important, the immediate concern when backing up is knowing that your path is clear. Engine temperature and brake condition are not directly relevant to the backing procedure, as they pertain more to vehicle performance and safety during operation, but do not affect the immediate process of aligning with a trailer. Focusing on clearance ensures that you can back the vehicle safely without risking collisions.