Archive

Posts Tagged ‘Diagnostic Tools’

Bowmonk BrakeCheck + GPS

April 30th, 2018 Comments off

Portable Brake Tester Now Incorporates GPS Data

The Bowmonk BrakeCheck is probably the best known portable MOT & Commercial Vehicle Brake Tester around.

With over 20,000 brake testers sold, the Bownonk BrakeCheck is a valuable tool for many transport / haulage workshops and MOT stations in he UK & around the world.

With this and to increase the products quality we can now release a new addition to the BrakeCheck family of products – BrakeCheck Geo

BrakeCheck Geo includes a built-in GPS receiver. When combined with the optional wireless printer, BrakeCheck Geo includes the latitude and longitude of the brake test finish point on the receipt, thereby providing a record of the brake test location.
The GPS facility can be turned on or off by the user as required and an indicator LED shows the GPS status. If the GPS facility is enabled, the unit will not conduct a brake test until a GPS fix has been obtained.
Decelerometer testing of commercial vehicles can now be proven further with this device, GPS location and time & date will 100% prove a test has taken place.
BrakeCheck Geo stores 99 Service Brake Tests & 99 Hand Brake tests within its memory capacity.
With a price of £499.00 + vat the Bowmonk BrakeCheck Geo is still a cost effective brake test for commercial vehicle inspection sheet tests.
Contact aide automotive for sales support, purchasing or just to have a chat!!

 

 

BrakeCheck Bowmonk

Bowmonk GPS added to Brake Tester

Vehicle Truck, Bus, Coach Winter Battery Test

April 26th, 2018 Comments off

Truck Bus, Coach Winter Battery Test
Cold Weather Means Vehicle Battery Tests More Beneficial
Cold weather is especially hard on Car, Van, Truck, Bus & Coach batteries.

According to AAA’s Automotive Research Center, at 0°F, a car’s battery loses about 60 percent of its strength, during cold temperatures starting an engine can take up to twice as much current as needed under normal conditions.

Cold weather inhibits the chemical reaction necessary to make a battery work, which is often the reason you may have trouble starting a vehicle on a cold winter morning! Cold weather together with a lack of vehicle usage, especially over the festive period, every year leads to high numbers of assistance call outs.

During the cold winter months, the last thing is a breakdown due to vehicle battery problems. A vehicle battery’s ability to charge is also reduced in the cold weather.

Charge and test is the recommendation for all garages while service or MOT-ing vehicles this winter.

Charging batteries will replace the lost capacity that modern day gadgets use, a vehicles recharging circuit will only replace the lost capacity through driving. Sat navs, mobiles phones and DVDs for example could slowly discharge a battery and cause a flat battery breakdown.

aide automotive have been marketing the Midtronics Battery Tester for over 10 years, with some great customer response over this period the Midtronics range offer ease of use and accurate diagnose compared to other cheaper models.

aide automotive have a range of new and used Midtronics Testers, with some used testers in perfect condition offering a good saving from a new tester.

To equip a workshop with a excellent tester before the winter hits and keep vehicles on the road contact use by clicking on Midtronics Battery Tester and ask for pricing and specification of 12 volt Battery Testers or 24 Volt System Testers.

 

CV Winter Battery Tester

Midtronics MDX 655P 24 Volt Truck/Bus/Coach Battery Tester

Agricultural tractor Brake Test would meet the road worthines

March 2nd, 2018 Comments off

Tractors To Require An O Licence

Agricultural tractors “likely” to require an O-licence

aide automotive have recently seen media reports of agricultural vehicles possibly being made to meet better road safety regulations as per commercial vehicles on UK roads.
Commercial Motor published:
Agricultural tractors that carry out commercial haulage will be subject to roadworthiness testing requirements from next year – and are likely to fall under the O-licensing regime.
From 20 May 2018, operators of agricultural tractors capable of travelling more than 40km/h (approximately 25mph), used to carry commercial goods, will be required to undergo a roadworthiness test four years after their registration and every two years thereafter.
In its response to a consultation carried out last year, the DfT also noted that operators of such tractors would likely require an O-licence.
However, the RHA said the changes did not go far enough to address the concerns about competition, and said allowing tractors to carry freight will encourage more to be used for haulage.
“Ideally we would like to see these vehicles banned from moving freight on public roads entirely as their design is not equivalent to well-designed lorries for that task,” said policy director Duncan Buchanan.
“We do not believe that the frequency, four years for the first test then every two years, is justified. It looks very odd for heavy vehicles like these to be tested so infrequently when a 50cc moped is required to be tested every year after three years.”
The FTA’s head of policy and compliance information, James Firth, added: “If it looks like a truck or it’s doing the work of a truck, test it like a truck. Members in areas where agriculture is a primary economy have long raised concerns that agricultural tractor units, and specially developed fast tractors, were competing in the haulage market without being burdened by the same safety standards.”
On the subject of O-licensing, Buchanan added: “If it is the case then operators would need to obtain O-licences from when the vehicle was new. They should also have to comply with the same level of rigour as lorries.”
Vernon Hill, director at Kings Lynn-based Vernon Hill Agricultural Services, supported bringing tractors into the O-licensing regime.
He said: “An agricultural contractor friend of mine who runs lorries and tractors thinks the cost of each is very similar, so if farmers think they are saving money by not using a haulier they may be kidding themselves.
“If they are doing commercial haulage, why shouldn’t they be in scope of O-licensing?”
The weight and speed limits for farm tractors and trailers on UK roads increased in 2015. Tractors are not currently subject to mandatory testing.
If tractors are to fall under the O licence criteria, agricultural workshops and repair engineers will have to look at regular brake testing, one way to test tractor brakes is the BrakeCheck decelerometer.
Easy to use and with hard copy print options, brake testing a agricultural tractor with a BrakeCheck would meet the road worthiness requirement of an O licence.
Contact aide automotive on 0115 8456471 for BrakeCheck pricing and any further information that me be required.
Brake Tester For Farming Tractors

Test Agri Tractor Brakes With BrakeCheck

Commercial 24 Volt Trailer Tester Van Installation

December 8th, 2017 Comments off

MT Globex Contract aide To Install TrailerCheck To Fleet Van

MT Globex is a West Midlands company that is strategically located at the heart of the UK’s motorway network, further supported by several partner depots across the UK.
MT Globex’s modern, highly maintained fleet of vehicles ensure that all their distribution operations are vastly efficient for customers with a minimal environmental footprint. Due to cutting edge, industry leading satellite tracking technology combined with fully trained transport planners with a wealth of transport knowledge, MT Globex ensure the fleet is fully utilised and thereby reducing empty mileage.
With a fleet of trailers to maintain MT Globex reviewed the TrailerCheck 4 Vanselectrical and diagnostics trailer tester as a tool to improve on trailer inspections and repairs.
Deciding to purchase the trailer tester, the next questions was: How and where shall we install the TrailerCheck in our van?
Consulting aide automotive, MT Globex decided the contract the install of the TrailerCheck to aide, utilising our experience and knowledge of best practice.
Fitting the TrailerCheck and associated accessories, MT Globex asked: Can you install the compressor as well? YES we can !
The install was completed at our workshop (on site installs also available) in one day.
If your trailer maintenance van needs a professional trailer tester with a professional install, contact aide automotive for a quote.
14 Volt Trailer Brake Tester

Commercial 24 Volt Trailer Tester Van Installation

Truck ISO ABS / EBS Susie – What Is It?

November 29th, 2017 Comments off

Faulty ISO7638 Line Can Cause Fatal Accidents

Some drivers aren’t aware of the role Of the ISO ABS / EBS Susie!

aide automotive have seen recent reports in the media of articualted truck drivers knwloedge of the ISO 7638 Susie.
We offer credit to the below article to Don Bur Ltd.
There is disturbing evidence to suggest that some drivers aren’t aware of the role and critical importance of the ABS ISO7638 line for articulated trailerswhilst in transit or, more worryingly, are deliberately leaving it disconnected.
The use of the ABS ISO7638 line (otherwise known as the EBS/ABS line) became law in May 2002 where the tractor and trailer are both provided with connections.
The EBS/ABS ‘Suzie’ connection provides electrical and data feeds to the trailer’s ECU or ‘brain’. The ECU then controls the anti-lock braking system (ABS), load sensing (LSV), roll stability (RSS) and suspension control which regulates the correct trailer ride height and, in turn, the overall trailer height.
So why then might a driver leave it disconnected? There are, surprisingly, a couple of reasons. Firstly, the roll stability system (RSS) automatically applies the brakes if the trailer is going too fast round a bend. This has an impact on both speed and fuel economy and, if a driver is either in a rush or targeted against fuel consumption, they might be tempted to disable this ‘inconvenient’ feature.
The other apathetically induced reason is that it just “doesn’t seem to do anything”. Indeed, when the driver pulls away, his/her brakes and lights will appear to work. What the driver may not understand is that they are more likely to experience jack-knifing, aquaplaning, brake lock, rollover, bridge strike and, more commonly, the fact that the 44T rig just won’t be able to stop as quickly when trying to avoid that pram that’s just peeked out from a line of parked cars.
So, just in case there is any lingering doubt, failure to connect the ABS ISO7638 line correctly results in the risk of catastrophic, life-threatening accidents. If the driver fails to use the line/ ‘Suzie’ correctly and there is a collision in which someone is killed, then the driver can face a charge of manslaughter.
aide automotive market a ISO7638 cable with fault indicator, so as well as having the cable correctly connected a driver can also be notified of any faults within the system. Again an electrical fault could have the same catastrophic effects as the ISO Susie cable being non connected.
ISOCheck lights bright RED when a fault is identified, if good to go the ISOCheck is continually lit bright GREEN.

ISO7638 Truck Tester

ISOCheck tests a trucks’ ISO sockets in order to help identify ABS or EBS faults.

80% Of Commercial Vehicle Brake Faults Cleared By Sensor Master

November 7th, 2017 Comments off

CV ABS & EBS Brake Repairs Made Easy!

The Sensor Master Clears 80% Of Commercial Vehicle Brake Faults

As the air braking world has changed, we have had to adapt the way we deal with diagnostic problems that can arise on our customers vehicle systems. As the air signalling system has been fazed out and replaced by the EBS / ABS system we have endeavored to keep up with the advancements in the technology and created our own range of testing equipment.
Our engineer is constantly updating the test equipment to match the needs that arise from his service visits, so are perfectly tuned to the EBS / ABS components that we supply.
Our test devices can be used in conjunction with the OE manufacturer’s testers to create a complete analysis structure for truck and trailers that is not only easy to use but also affordable to all sizes of fleet maintenance from owner / driver to multi fleet service garages.
Since 80% of all EBS / ABS problems are sensor related (Reported By Knorr Bremse & Wabco), by connecting to the sensor socket on each wheel, rather than the ECU, in effect, taking the quickest and most direct route, by going straight to the heart of the problem.
The Sensor Master DRA08 is a handheld EBS / ABS sensor and exciter ring tester, for use on trucks, trailers, and buses.
Lightweight and portable, the EBS /ABS CV Sensor Tester comes supplied with two 1.6m high quality cables, a sturdy carry case, short introductory printed manual, and a single 9V battery – everything, in fact, needed to use it straight out of the box.
Designed with ease of use in mind, the Commercial Vehicle ABS EBS Sensor Testertakes minutes to set-up, and, once connected, undertakes a complete test cycle of the six most common causes of EBS / ABS faults, at the touch of a button, in just 15 seconds – a fraction of the time it would take to perform the same tests manually.
Contact aide automotive to purchase this cost effective easy to use tester or buy online at our aide Online PayPal Shop.
Commercial Vehicle ABS EBS Tester

Truck ABS Faults Easily Found With Sensor Tester

Electronic Brake System (EBS) Trailer Testing With ISOCheck

October 11th, 2017 Comments off

What Is The ISO EBS Truck & Trailer Lead

How does the EBS truck & trailer Susie lead work?
Everyone seems to have there own ideas how it works, ranging from; “if it’s not plugged in your trailer brakes wont work”, & “it’s only a back up power anyway”
Both are incorrect!
The truth is…
The Electronic Braking System (EBS) Susie or the ISO 7638 (its correct name) is essential for the trailers Electronic Braking System (EBS) to operate correctly.
So, if a truck has an ISO7638 socket a tractor and trailer must be connected with an ISO7638 Susie and the EBS must be working correctly!
Also this means the EBS warning light the truck operator should be checking is in the cab and not the one on the trailer headboard (if there is one).
This is where the problems start, how does the EBS lead actually work, well this is how:
Pin 1 in most trucks is permanent live
Pin 2 is switched ignition live
Pin 3 is common return to battery negative
Pin 4 is common return to battery negative
Pin 5 is the warning light control (positive)
Pin 6 is “CAN” High
pIn 7 is “CAN” Low
Pin 5 which is the warning light control wire, this pin seems to be continually misunderstood. Some people think pin 5 is controlled by the trucks EBS system or even by the truck itself, both of these are incorrect, how it works is quite simple, a basic explanation is detailed below:
Power from the truck battery routes to a fuse, then to the ignition switch and then to the warning light in the dash board, finally then to pin 5 in the socket.
When an EBS Susie ISO7638 lead is connected to the trailer the trailer EBS system sees 24 volts down pin 5, which and then reduces that voltage inside the trailer ECU to below 5 volts (earth) which then activates the EBS light on in the truck cab.
Once a truck & trailer is in motion and the the trailer EBS system is happy with the wheel speed signals, the ecu then raises the voltage back up to 24 volts and the warning light in the cab goes out, if a fault appears when a truck & trailer is on the road, the ecu lowers the voltage again activating the In Cab Warning Light.(Please Note This Is a Basic Description).
An easy way to test the truck & trailer ISO Connection socket is the ISOCheck
The Electronic Braking System (EBS) Susie or the ISO 7638

What Is The ISO EBS Truck & Trailer Lead?

aide automotive offer a range of products to help with DVSA Guide Roadworthiness

August 17th, 2017 Comments off

CV Traffic Commissioners Review & Advice

Read Some Highlights OF TC’s Annual Report for 2015-16

Recently reported in the Transport Operator, the seven traffic commissioners (TCs) of Great Britain have released their annual report for 2015-16, highlighting a broad range of transport compliance and enforcement issues identified during the course of the year, and their priorities for future progress.

The commissioners, who preside over the eight regional traffic areas, identified key concerns with regard to operator compliance, driving and maintenance standards, as well as problem areas for the authorities themselves to tackle in order to improve the services they offer.

TC Richard Turfitt, who oversees the largest traffic area, in the east of England, said he made little apology for “sounding like a broken record” when it came to vehicle inspections.

“As DVSA estimates that half of MoT fails could be avoided by checking that light-bulbs work, the condition and pressures of tyres and that mirrors, wipers and washers work, there is further work to do,” he said.

“I am appalled by the number of operators who have not even checked whether their inspection sheets are up to date by reference to DVSA’s Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness.

“In the space of two weeks, two unconnected operators appeared before me suggesting their vehicles were being inspected against safety standards from 1972.”

aide automotive market a range of Brake Testing, Servicing & Diagnostic Tools for commercial vehicle workshops.
With the Bowmonk BrakeCheck Portable Decelerometer Printer kit, a workshop can meet the 3 additional required brake tests with minimum fuss
For Trailer Servicing & Diagnostics, aide offer a complete Trailer Electrical (ABS Light & EBS CAN Line Test), Light and Air Brake Tester with Diagnostics interface for Trailer ECU Code Reading / Clearing and management data viewing.
EBS/ABS Sensor Master testing can be conducted with the Sensor Master, while Battery Diagnostics Tests with a Midtronics MDX Battery Tester.
aide automotive offer a range of products to help with DVSA Guide Roadworthiness. Contact us via our website www.aideautomotive.com
Brake Tester, Diagnostics, Battery Testers

aide auto Market Truck & Trailer Workshop Test Tools

Motorhome Brake Testing

August 14th, 2017 Comments off

While Serving A Motorhome, Why Not Offer A Brake Test?

Check brakes and stay safe on the road this summer!!

BrakeCheck is a portable, DVSA-approved Brake Tester for all MOT class vehicles.
BrakeCheck determines braking efficiency of both the Service Brake (Foot Brake) and Hand Brake by measuring the rate of deceleration from a speed of around 20 mph (Service Brake) 10 mph (Foot Brake) until the vehicle comes to rest.
With no connection to the vehicle and designed to be self-compensating, the brake tester will indicate on the LED screen when it is positioned level enough to perform a brake test, with a generous tolerance to ensure that this is easy to achieve.
The BrakeCheck decelerometer indicates whether the vehicle pulls to the left or right during braking, and reports the overall brake efficiency of the service and hand brake. Brake test results and be compared to MOT guidelines for roadworthy vehicles.
Test results can be viewed on the display panel or downloaded to a PC for saving or printing. A printed report can also be produced at the time of testing using the portable infra-red printer.
Following the service of a Motor home or vehicle, caravan service engineers could add a hard copy brake performance test, offering confidence and professionalism to the service.
Click on Motor home Brake Testing to read more and review a sample print out.
Please do not hesitate to call to discuss further the way a decelerometer conducts a brake test – aide automotive ltd 0115 8456471
Decelerometer Bowmonk

Motor Home Brake Tester For Servicing Or MOT

JUST Trailer Diagnostics!

August 7th, 2017 Comments off

Trailer Diagnostics Wabco, Haldex & Knorr Bremse

SWB Fleet Maintenance Waste No Time In Using New Trailer Diagnostics Kit

Aftermarket Trailer Diagnostics device “Code Talk” is an ideal cost effective trailer diagnostic tool to quickly read and clear codes on EBS/ABS braking system.
The hand set will communicate with a trailer’s ECU, reading and clearing ABS/EBS fault codes on Wabco, Knorr Bremse and Haldex systems. With this trailer workshops can eliminate fault finding by reading the ECU codes to determine where a fault lies. Being able to clear historic codes is ideal within a service and inspection. Knowing a system is clear and then reviewing to see that faults the ECU has recorded is beneficial.
SWB Fleet of Colsterworth near Grantham recently purchased a system for onsite repairs.
It wasn’t long before the Code Talk was in use and SWB tweeted…
“Delivered on a Saturday SWB Fleet tweeted later that week “@SwbFleet completing another roadside repair for @MillersRec using my new EBS kit thanks to @aideautomotive #24/7 #tryme”
Code Talk Is The Only JUST Trailer Diagnostics Scanner Available.
To purchase the Trailer Diagnostics product “Code Talk” via our online PayPal shop – Click On Purchase Trailer Diagnostics
More From aide automotive’s Matthew Burke on 0115 8456471 or matt@aideautomotive.com
Trailer ECU Code Reader

Trailer Diagnostics With Code Talk a ECU Code Reader