What Is HGV Maintenance
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- Posted date:
- 30-06-2023
What is HGV maintenance? Learn how proper maintenance enhances safety, performance, and longevity of your fleet. Discover expert insights on maintenance practices that keep your HGVs on the road and business operations running smoothly. Start optimizing your fleet's maintenance today!
Keeping commercial vehicles safe to drive
Daily checks and inspections are essential for vehicle maintenance. Before each journey, drivers should perform checks to identify any defects or issues that could compromise safety. This includes inspecting tyre pressure, tread depth, lights, brakes, and fluid levels. Promptly addressing identified problems reduces the chances of accidents caused by mechanical failures.
Access to suitable inspection and repair facilities is vital. Qualified mechanics or authorised service centres should be visited regularly for comprehensive inspections, servicing, and repairs. These facilities ensure that any defects discovered during daily checks are promptly resolved. Regular safety inspections complement daily checks by thoroughly examining critical components such as brakes, suspension, steering, and overall structural integrity.
Conducting these inspections helps operators identify and address potential issues before they jeopardise vehicle safety. Operators have a legal responsibility to maintain the roadworthiness of their commercial vehicles. This entails implementing clear maintenance policies, including documented schedules for inspections and maintenance. Regular training and awareness programs for drivers and maintenance personnel foster a safety-oriented culture.
Why is HGV Maintenance Important
When it comes to commercial vehicles, road safety takes precedence, making vehicle maintenance a top priority. Daily inspections and walk-around checks are essential to ensure that vehicles, whether on UK roads or beyond, meet the necessary legal safety standards.
Moreover, maintenance plays a crucial role in the total cost per mile of a vehicle. By conducting proper maintenance, you can reduce running costs.
Ignoring maintenance, on the other hand, leads to increased costs and inconveniences. This includes expenses for parts and labour, as well as the impact on productivity when a vehicle is off the road and in the garage.
To ensure the safety and cost-effectiveness of your commercial vehicles, make vehicle maintenance a key focus. Conduct regular inspections and adhere to scheduled maintenance tasks to promptly address any defects or issues. This involves checking vital components like brakes, tyres, lights, and fluid levels, as well as following routine servicing recommended by the manufacturer.
By proactively maintaining your vehicles, you not only minimise the risk of accidents and ensure compliance with legal requirements but also reduce downtime and associated costs. Access relevant information and resources on vehicle maintenance, which may be available through government sources or trusted channels, to gain the necessary guidance and knowledge for effective maintenance practices.
Basic HGV vehicle maintenance
Tyres
Tyres play a crucial role in the safety and performance of HGVs. It is important to regularly inspect all tyres on the vehicle, including any trailers, to ensure they are in good condition and meet the necessary standards. There are several key aspects to consider when inspecting tyres:
Correct Fitment and Pressure: Verify that the tyres are correctly fitted and the pressures are within the recommended range.
Signs of Damage or Wear: Check for any signs of damage or wear that could render the tyres unsafe or illegal for use. This includes looking for bulges, exposed ply or cord, and deep cuts longer than 25 mm.
Tread Depth: Ensure that the tyres have sufficient tread depth. You can use tread-depth indicators to measure the depth accurately
Additionally, it is important to check that the wheel fixings are tightened according to the torque specifications provided by the vehicle manufacturer. This ensures that the wheels are securely attached. Use the information available in the vehicle handbook and a torque wrench to verify the correct tightening of wheel fixings. Consider using tyres specifically adapted for different weather conditions.
Winter tyres, for example, offer better braking and grip in temperatures below 7°C. All-season tyres provide versatility, performing well in both low temperatures and during the summer months. Uneven or excessive tyre wear can indicate underlying issues with the tyres, brakes, steering, suspension, wheel alignment, or wheel balance. If abnormal tyre wear is observed, it is important to have the vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to rectify any faults.
Engine Oil
Engine oil plays a critical role in lubricating the engine and ensuring efficient performance. It is important to maintain the oil level at the recommended amount specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Regularly check the oil level, ensuring that the vehicle is parked on a level surface and the engine is cool.
Refer to the vehicle handbook for instructions on how to check the oil level and top it up if necessary. The handbook will also provide information on the appropriate type of oil to use.
Using the wrong type of oil can adversely affect fuel consumption, cause engine damage, and potentially void the vehicle warranty.
While it is crucial not to allow the oil level to become too low, it is equally important to avoid overfilling the engine oil. Overfilling can lead to engine damage and increased emissions, which are harmful to the environment.
Electrical Equipment
Battery: Ensure that the battery terminals are secure, clean, and properly greased. Most modern batteries are maintenance-free and sealed for life. However, if the battery has a filler cap, it is necessary to check the fluid level periodically to ensure that the plates in each cell are adequately covered. If required, top up the battery with distilled water, taking care not to overfill it.
Lights: Regularly check the front and rear lights, brake lights, indicators, and hazard lights to ensure they are functioning properly. This check should be conducted every time the vehicle is used. Use reflections in windows or ask someone to assist in verifying the functionality of the lights. Keep the vehicle's lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates clean at all times. Dirt or grime on these components can impede their effectiveness.
Windscreen Washers and Wipers: Verify that the windscreen washers are working correctly, and ensure there is sufficient washer fluid in the reservoir. This is especially important in wet and muddy conditions. Check the condition of the wiper blades and replace them if they are damaged or worn.
Horn: Regularly check the horn to ensure it is in proper working order. However, exercise caution and avoid sounding the horn when it may startle or annoy others.
Windscreen & Windows
Maintaining clear visibility through the windscreen and windows is crucial for safe driving.
Keep the windscreen and windows clean and clear, avoiding the placement of stickers or decorations that obstruct the view.
If a crack or chip is noticed on the windscreen, report it immediately. Such damage can rapidly worsen during a journey and necessitate prompt repair or replacement.
If you manage a commercial fleet, you will eventually need to know: What Is HGV Maintenance?
When your commercial cars or vans need maintenance, get in touch. For Commercial vehicles and HGV maintenance in Doncaster and Scunthorpe, follow the link below.