The Automotive Blog

No more inspection sheets with “Brakes OK, On Road Test”

Since April 2014 the DVSA have been recommending commercial vehicles undertake 4PSV or  Truck brake tests per year!

Many operators have moved with the guidance but still over 2 years passed many commercial vehicle operators are unaware of the guidance.

The guidance states:

Document :Guide to maintaining road worthiness
Commercial goods and passenger carrying vehicles (Revised 2014)

Section 5: Safety inspection and repair facilities

Extract –
“Therefore it is normally expected that the vehicle or trailer should complete at least three successful brake efficiency tests spread throughout year in addition to the annual MOT test.”

An operator can take the decision to carry out brake tests using roller brake tests or a decelerometer like BrakeCheck.

Many bus & coach companies use a decelerometer, here at aide automotive we have sold many brake testers recently with feedback from one customer saying:

“A necessary piece of kit in today’s transport, does the job perfectly – Inwood Logistics”

BrakeCheck is portable brake tester that works from the principle of measuring deceleration or Brake Efficiency, BrakeCheck is cost effective for any commercial vehicle workshop costing as low as £470 for a PC Downloading Kit & £572 for a printer kit, BrakeCheck is ideal!

To discuss BrakeCheck options and requirements please do not hesitate to contact aide automotive on 0115 8456471

MOT Test Station in the area to be able to offer testing for HGVs and PSVs

ABS Tester For Bus & Coach

The EBS/ABS Sensor Master is an easy to use device which will confirm each EBS/ABS sensor is operational and effective. By connecting to the sensor socket on each wheel, individual sensor faults can easily be identified. The Master also tests the exciter ring and the distance between the ring and sensor.

Problems with EBS / ABS systems fitted to Coaches and buses, are best diagnosed via a vehicle’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU). However, since 80% of all EBS / ABS problems are sensor related, by connecting to the sensor socket on each wheel, you are, in effect, taking the quickest and most direct route.

The exciter ring is a critical part of an ABS system on a truck or trailer. Exciter rings are open to the elements and likely to corrode or suffer damage from road debris. Whatever the cause of damage to the ring or the disc itself may still have plenty of life left in it. By diagnosing that the problem is the exciter ring not the brake disc, workshops can save operators unnecessary costly repairs.

ABS and EBS systems use exciter rings for a wheel sensor to produce a voltage so the ECU can establish if the wheel is turning or not. The EBS/ABS Sensor Tester is an easy to use device which will confirm each sensor is operational and effective. By connecting to the sensor socket on each wheel, individual sensor faults can easily be identified. The EBS/ABS Sensor Tester tests the exciter ring and the distance between the ring and sensor.

Full vehicle diagnostic kits can cost a workshop thousands, however at only £245 (+VAT) the EBS/ABS Sensor Master is an economical solution saving money for both the business and the customer.

The EBS ABS Sensor Tester is one of aide automotive’s best selling products!

Click on ABS/EBS Sensor Master for more details or call aide automotive on 0115 8456471

ABS Tester For Bus, Truck, Trailer & Coach

aide automotive Introduce a NEW Workshop Trolley For The TrailerCheck

The TrailerCheck 4 Vans Commercial Trailer Air Brake And Light Tester is part of the TrailerCheck product range.

TrailerCheck has been installed in many commercial trailer repair vans around the UK in the last few years, but now aide automotive can offer a collapsible workshop trolley for easy commercial workshop trailer testing.

With 240 volt power supply options, the TrailerCheck can be used for multiple trailer bay MOT inspections or repair & fault finding diagnostics.

aide auto Introduce a NEW Workshop Trolley For The TrailerCheck

Transport Operator Features Trailer Diagnostics For Specialist Truck & Trailer Services Ltd

Specialist Truck & Trailer Services Ltd boosts diagnostic efficiency with aide

Pudsey, Leeds-based mobile CV repairer Specialist Truck & Trailer Services Ltd has invested in the TrailerCheck 4 Vans light and air brake testing system from aide automotive, with Code Talk diagnostics.

Specialist Truck & Trailer Services Ltd researched various diagnostics systems before deciding on the TrailerCheck system, as the TrailerCheck has the capability to power multiple trailers and carry out ECU diagnostic analysis.

Designed to be mounted in a van or a workshop, the TrailerCheck is a one-man trailer service tool. In trailer light diagnostic mode a single circuit can be powered for fault-finding. TrailerCheck is also protected against short circuits; in this instance, the microprocessor will keep resetting with a back up fuse as protection.

The unit also incorporates two air test gauges, with a handheld remote brake activator and digital pressure gauge – meaning that a single trailer service engineer can work under a trailer, activating brakes and reading pressures.

Switching brakes on and off allows the user to look for wear in S-cams and faulty slack adjusters. The digital pressure gauge measures pressure at the brake chamber, ideal for setting load sensing valves.

EBS trailers can be tested for CAN line integrity, a quick and simple test to confirm the CAN lines are in working order.
STT opted to include the Code Talk trailer diagnostic tool as part of the package, which can read and clear codes on EBS and ABS braking systems.

The Trailer Diagnostics handset will communicate with a trailer’s ECU, reading and clearing fault codes on Wabco, Knorr Bremse and Haldex systems. With no annual software fee and up gradable for future-proofing, the system is said to eliminate the need for code manuals or expensive phone calls, since all the information is within the system.

Code Talk is supplied with all cables to communicate with trailer ECUs and with an optional carry case.

To see further details of the Trailer Light & Air Brake Tester click on TrailerCheck.

Also feel free to call aide automotive ltd on 0115 8456471 to enquire.

Code Talk is the next generation of trailer diagnostics from aide automotive ltd.

Trailer Brake, Electrical, Light & Diagnostics Tester

Midland Trailer Service & Repairs based in Nottingham has recently invested in a modern trailer service and maintenance tester, TrailerCheck 4 Vans.

Owner, Dave Anderson started the business with his own DIY trailer tester to get the business off the ground, now with two years behind him and a reputation second to none, Dave decided to upgrade his tools with the professional TrailerCheck & Trailer diagnostics system Code Talk.

Dave explained “Starting a new business can be daunting in the early years, so my initial set up cost was kept to a tight budget. Now I am established I decided to invest in technology tools, I had seen aide automotives TrailerCheck in the press and decided to see what benefit the system would offer me. Following my meeting with aide automotive I quickly saw the benefit of the upgrade from my DIY trailer tester to a modern tool. TrailerCheck has improved my service and with the diagnostics system I can now offer ECU code reading and clearing, a new service to my customers.”

aide automotive talk to many trailer repairers about the benefits of a modern trailer tester against DIY systems. TrailerCheck offers a safe professional tool to maintain trailer air brakes and electrical systems. DIY trailer testers are usually made at home with items found around a workshop. Also powering a trailer via a DIY box has its risks, DIY boxes tend to be powered by batteries direct to a circuit, if the trailer had a short circuit a continuous voltage could burn out the cable loom resulting in further damage and hours of re cabling work.

TrailerCheck has a micro processor controlled circuit board to enable safe trailer testing and power conservation, enabling a engineer to test multiple trailer from single charged battery supply, if using batteries to power the trailer tester a split van charger can be purchased for battery recharging while the travelling, further more mains power options are available in 240 or 110 volt modes.

TrailerCheck also has the bonus of a diagnostics interface and REMOTE controller, Code Talk is an aftermarket engineers diagnostic tool, designed by UK trailer maintenance engineers for engineers.

Simple to use and operate, Code Talk makes trailer diagnostic maintenance an affordable option to any repairer.

Code Talk is all that is needed. No requirement for code manuals, phoning dealers, phoning high rate telephone lines, all the information is within Code Talk – Code Talk is the Diagnostic Manual for Trailers!

Code Talk is supplied with all cables to communicate with trailer ECU’s and with an optional carry case. Code Talk is also a remote controller for the TrailerCheck product range. TrailerCheck is the full electrical testing tool for 24 volt trailers.

Code Talk Remote for TrailerCheck also offers voltage, wire colour and pin information via the display. Trailer repairing made Easy!

Below is a view of the modern day TrailerCheck now installed in Midland Trailer Service & Repairs Service Van.

TrailerCheck now installed in Midland Trailer Service & Repairs Service Van.

aide automotive Secure an Significant Order For Pallet Truck Trailer Retainer “Lee Lock”

Established in 1987, PPS have built up a reputation for well-engineered, durable and reliable products. Directors, Gary Amos and Steve Whitworth together have over 30 years’ experience in the Commercial Vehicle Bodybuilding Industry. PPS specialise in bodywork products that cover a wide range of industry sectors, including distribution and manufacturing.

Priding themselves on customer service, PPS acknowledge that bodywork built to a standard design will not suit the requirements of everyone. Therefore, each body that leaves our factory is designed and manufactured to meet the specific needs of the customer.

PPS Commercials placed an order for 30 Lee Locks with aide automotive.

Pallet Truck Trailer Retainer “Lee Lock” addresses a fairly widespread health and safety problem in a simple but ingenious way. Locking a pallet truck securely within a trailer prevents damage to goods & the trailer curtains. Erasing any potential health & safety issues of employee injury due to lifting pallet trucks from tyres or off the trailer bed.

To review the Lee Lock product page click on Pallet Truck Lock

Pallet Truck Lock – Lee Lock From aide automotive ltd

Midland Trailer Service & Repairs helps companies across the Midlands keep their trailers on the road with professional servicing, repairs and MOTs.

Midland Trailer Service & Repairs is owned and run by David Anderson, who has been in the transport industry for over 20 years. David understands that nothing is more important than keeping your trailers on the road, earning you money and getting deliveries made on time.

With this Dave decided to upgrade his trailer test equipment.

Starting with his own DIY tester, Dave decided to invest and upgrade his tools with a TrailerCheck & Code Talk Diagnostic system from aide automotive ltd.

Below is a before picture of Dave’s DIY Trailer Test system.

Midland Trailer Service & Repairs is owned and run by David Anderson

WABCO have developed an economical and simple ABS diagnostic tool for trained works personnel, the Compact Tester.

With this tester it is possible for the first time to test the trailer electronics of types Vario C and VCS (Vario Compact) without documentation and carry out a proper system check. This is made possible by the logical arrangement of icons.

Name:Compact Tester
Product Code:882087
Make:Wabco
Type:Trailer ABS (Vario C and VCS)
Wabco Product Code:4463004000

aide automotive have ONE tester in stock for immediate sale, price £150.00 + carriage & VAT.

In addition to the above aide automotive also market the multi trailer diagnostics tool Code Talk, with significant cost and labour savings over PC laptop based diagnostic software.

Trailer Diagnostics Code Talk is easy to use and quick; no wasted time setting up laptops or dealing with PC software issues. No software licenses or PIN codes needed.

One single unit removes the need for manufacturer’s code readers such as the Wabco Compact Tester and Haldex Info Centre. Being compact, robust and more reliable than a Wabco Diagnostic Controller.

Trailer repairers have been expeted to pay for over the top truck & trailer diagnsotic tools like TEXA or JalTest, but not now with Code Talk!!

Code Talk has a growing list of supported ECUs including: Haldex Modal, Wabco Vario C (“Boxer”), Haldex Modular, Wabco VCS, Wabco VCS2, Haldex EB+ Gen 1, Haldex EB+ Gen 2, Haldex EB+ Gen 3, Knorr-Bremse TEBS, Wabco TEBS-D, Wabco TEBS-E, Haldex U-ABS. Beta version of Knorr-Bremse TEBS G2 support now available.

Contact aide automotive on 0115 8456471 or email shoponline@aideautomotive.com

WABCO have developed an economical and simple ABS diagnostic tool for trained works personnel, the Compact Tester.

BrakeCheck Truck & Trailer 2nd Hand Tester

This Brake Tester Is Now Sold as of 08.07.15 11.21 am

aide automotive are able to offer a great deal on a 2nd hand Brake Tester For Truck & Trailer Printer Kit, with all the necessary chargers & spare paper rolls.

The RRP of this kit is £679.00 but this kit is available for just £525.00 + vat!

The kit is in very good condition, the BrakeCheck will be calibrated & under warranty unit November 2016!

There is only the one kit and it will sell fast so please call or email to purchase ASAP!

Earlier this year the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) published a revised version of its Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness.

DVSA also accept the use of an approved and calibrated decelerometer to carry out the three additional tests to the annual MOT roller brake test.

Call 0115 8456471 or email via the contact form here – aide automotive.

Brake Testing for trucks and trailers

TrailerCheck Installed In Kerseys Freight CV Support Vehicle

Keresy Freight have recently purchased a TrailerCheck Tester & Diagnostics system from aide automotive ltd.

Kersey Freights decision to invest in a Commercial 24 Volt Trailer Tester was down to the need to offer efficient trailer serving and preparation for road work.

Transport Manager Bob Steele said “The TrailerCheck is working OK and our fitter is really pleased with it!”

Designed as mounted trailer tester for a Van or workshop, the TrailerCheck 4 Vans is a One Man Trailer Service tool with the option of ECU Trailer Diagnostics.

For further information on the TrailerCheck, contact aide automotive ltd on 0115 8456471

TrailerCheck Installed In Kerseys Freight CV Support Vehicle