Vehicle Maintenance

A thing to bear in mind as an operator is that if a vehicle under your jurisdiction is involved in a serious accident that results in injury or death, you (as the holder of the vehicle operator licence) and the driver of the vehicle will come under intense scrutiny. Do you currently have the systems and the processes in place to prove your vehicle was 100% roadworthy?

Here are the major undertakings an operator is required to be compliant with regard to vehicle maintenance:

PMI (Preventative Maintenance Inspections)

As per the VOL (Vehicle Operator’s Licence), each organisation based on the use and age of the vehicles agrees to a cyclical period [6 – 13 weeks] by which each vehicle is inspected across several areas [inside the cab, exterior, engine compartment, under/ alongside, brake tests & tyres]. A vehicle must be signed off as roadworthy to be allowed to be driven post a PMI.

PMI contain valuable data on the condition of the vehicle and a detailed inspection of each PMI report is a mandatory part of an operator’s obligation, with particular attention to aspects like brake performance test and tyres.

PMI can be performed in-house, but generally it's more cost-effective and prudent to use a third-party maintenance organisation. Ensuring that this third-party organisation is doing the desired checks to the required is still the obligation of the operator.

Good record keeping of PMI paperwork, with signoff sheets and invoices, can give a wholesome picture of how an organisation is managing the maintenance of its fleet.

DDI & DDRs

All CPC Qualified drivers are aware that before they use any vehicle or at the start of the shift, they are required to perform a Daily Driver Inspection (DDI), these should highlight all obvious ailments like missing or cracked mirrors or windscreens, bulbs and indicators, oil leaks, tyre pressure and dashboard lights. These must be recorded and reported in the form of a DDR (Driver Defect Report) to the relevant parties immediately. Its up to the driver to deem whether a vehicle is safe to drive or not.

Operators are required to have robust systems in place that allow the full follow-through of a fault identified by the driver to its remedy, i.e. a mobile mechanic visits the vehicle to fix the identified issues. A paperwork trail for this is required to satisfy an investigating DVSA officer.

Wheel & tyre

Operators are required to ensure they have a sound wheel and tyre safety policy in place that is well-communicated and deployed accordingly. Regular inspection of tyres and brakes is usually the practice amongst well-operated fleet businesses. Good record keeping of regular torque wrench usage and re-torque when wheels are removed is mandatory.

As the saying goes, a stitch in time saves nine, and couldn’t be more apt for any other industry other than fleet maintenance. Having safe and well-looked-after vehicles don’t just make legal sense but also business and profitability sense.

We can help you identify areas that need improvements, but most importantly we will provide practical solutions that work for your workforce.

PMI

What are Preventative Maintenance Inspections (PMIs)

Preventative Maintenance Inspections (PMIs) are a type of proactive maintenance performed on equipment or systems to identify and address potential issues before they turn into major problems. PMIs are typically scheduled at regular intervals and involve a comprehensive check of the equipment or system to ensure that it is operating optimally and within acceptable limits.

During a PMI, a technician or maintenance professional will inspect the equipment or system for signs of wear and tear, damage, or other issues that could compromise its performance or safety. They may also perform routine maintenance tasks, such as lubrication or filter replacement, to ensure that the equipment or system continues to operate smoothly.

The frequency and scope of PMIs may vary depending on the type of equipment or system, as well as the manufacturer's recommendations and any regulatory requirements. PMIs are commonly performed on industrial equipment, HVAC systems, vehicles, and other types of machinery. The goal of PMIs is to prevent unexpected downtime, reduce repair costs, extend the life of the equipment or system, and maintain a safe working environment.

Preventative Maintenance Inspections (PMI) for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) are regular checks performed on a vehicle to identify potential problems and prevent breakdowns before they occur. PMIs are an important part of ensuring the safety and reliability of HGVs.

During a PMI, a trained technician inspects the vehicle's various components, including the engine, brakes, suspension, and steering, to ensure that they are functioning properly. They may also perform diagnostic tests to detect any potential problems with the vehicle's computer systems.

PMIs are typically performed at regular intervals, often every six to eight weeks (maximum 13 weeks as per DVSA guidelines), or after a certain number of miles have been driven. The exact schedule may vary depending on the vehicle's age, usage, and maintenance history.

The goal of a PMI is to catch any potential problems early, before they can cause a breakdown or other safety issue. By detecting and addressing issues early, PMIs can help prevent costly repairs and minimize downtime for the vehicle.

Overall, PMIs are an essential part of maintaining the safety and reliability of HGVs, and they are required by law in many countries to ensure that vehicles are in proper working order.

In essence, a PMI or Safety Inspection is a regular Mini MOT required for HGV, although they still have to be presented for a more probing MOT every year also.

Some of the key areas that are checked during these inspections include:

1.     Brakes: This is one of the most important systems on any HGV, and it is essential that they are in good working order. During an inspection, the brake system will be checked for wear and tear, leaks, and proper adjustment. A roller brake test for HGVs (Heavy Goods Vehicles) is a type of vehicle inspection that measures the braking performance of a truck or large commercial vehicle.During the test, the vehicle is driven onto a set of rollers, which simulate road conditions while the brakes are applied. The force applied to each wheel is measured, allowing technicians to check that the brakes are functioning correctly and that the vehicle is safe to operate on public roads.The roller brake test is an important safety check for HGVs and is often required as part of routine maintenance and inspection programs. It helps ensure that braking systems are working effectively, which is critical for the safe operation of large commercial vehicles on public roads.

2.     Tires: The tires on an HGV must be in good condition, with no signs of excessive wear, damage, or punctures. They will also be checked for the correct pressure.

3.     Steering and suspension: The steering and suspension systems on an HGV must be in good condition, with no signs of wear or damage that could affect their performance.

4.     Lights and electrical systems: The lights and electrical systems on an HGV must be working correctly, including indicators, brake lights, and headlights.

5.     Fuel and exhaust systems: The fuel and exhaust systems on an HGV must be checked for leaks, damage, or excessive wear.

6.     Safety equipment: Any safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, reflective triangles, and first aid kits, must be present and in good working condition.

7.     Bodywork: The bodywork of an HGV must be checked for signs of damage or corrosion.

8.     Fluid levels: All fluid levels, such as oil, coolant, and brake fluid, will be checked to ensure that they are at the correct levels.