Another BrakeCheck Order For fleetTEQ ! With a Brake Tester In Each Service Van – Thanks to Matt & the Team @ fleetTEQ for their continued custom.
fleetTEQ offer a wide range of mobile maintenance services designed to ensure a fleet is maintained to the very best standards with a focus on safety and quality.
BrakeCheck a portable decelerometer has bee part of fleetTEQ’s procedures for many years, with over 10 Service Vans covering the UK a DVSA required commercial Brake Test can be carried out on site within the inspection of a vehicle.
Here’s some guidance to help identify and resolve trailer braking system-related problems experienced when the vehicle is in service.
“The checks outlined are appropriate for a number of the most common problems such as; overheating brakes, poor braking performance and excessive lining/pad wear.
“Modern tractor/trailer combinations have advanced braking electronics.“Real-life dynamic testing helps to provide a clearer picture of the harmonisation between tractor and trailer.
IMS continued: “It is recommended that tractor/trailer synchronisation or harmonisation brake adjustment tests are undertaken on a regular basis to ensure that the combination continues to operate safely and efficiently. “For the results to be meaningful, the vehicle should be tested under normal, daytoday operating conditions.The tractor/trailer combination should be laden and driven in a conventional manner on the roadfor a period of no less than thirty minutes before commencing tests. “Temperature measurements should be taken as soon as possible after the vehicle arrives at the workshop. The parking brake should not be applied but very importantly, full safety procedures should be observed to secure the vehicle by hocking the wheels. “The temperature readings should be taken from the same point on each of the drums/ discs using a correctly calibrated, infrared thermometer. Record the findings for later reference. “Make sure that the configuration of the foundation brakes fully complies with the brake calculation, referring to manufacturers’ specifications as necessary. The manufacturers’ recommendations can be obtained by locating the axle specifications on the axle serial plate. “It is then time to connect to the EBS unit to access the EBS data parameters and check that these are in line with the brake calculation and foundation brake specifications. “Next, conduct a rolling brake test on a DVSA ATF-approved commercial vehicle brake tester and record the findings. “Once all of the necessary data has been gathered, it’s time to share this with the EBS supplier and axle manufacturer to help identify the cause of the problem and to determine the best course of action to resolve it.”
We have heard that the DVSA often recommend the use of Infra Red Temperature Guns and see them as good practice in any Commercial Vehicle Fleet or Truck Workshop.
With the ease of just pointing the Infra Red Light at the wheel hub from the outer edge of a trailer or truck and without removing wheels, an infra Red Temp Gun can indicate if a wheel is not braking efficiently as compared to the other wheels on the vehicle.
We have reports of one Truck Driver stating “Been stopped about 10 times in my driving career over 30 years, the last time, he pointed a thermometer at my wheel hubs & explained to me that one was running cool, meaning that is wasn’t doing its job, I was amazed by the technology, didn’t realise that you could get a temperature reading with a laser/infrared light without even touching the hub. Got the workshop to adjust the brakes when I got back to the yard”
So if you want an early Christmas pressie, email us on matt@aideautomotive.com with the answer to this question.
The DVSA Now recommend 4 Commercial Vehicle Brake tests per year using an RBT or decelerometer; whats does RBT stand for?
