Making sure Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) can drive and follow the rules is crucial for fleet managers. Checking vehicles helps avoid expensive breakdowns and keeps drivers and others on the road safe. This guide will look at how HGV inspections work, point out key areas to follow the rules, and talk about how digital tools like Autocheck can make inspections easier.
Understanding HGV Inspections
HGV inspections play a vital role to keep vehicles safe and follow Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) rules. Regular checks help spot possible problems before they turn into big issues keeping vehicles running at their best.
HGV Inspection Types:
Daily Walkaround Checks – Drivers need to do safety checks every day before they hit the road. This helps make sure important parts like brakes, lights, and tyres work .
Preventative Maintenance Inspections (PMI) – These planned checks happen about every 6-8 weeks. They take a closer look at whether a vehicle is safe to drive. Typically performed in a workshop or garage, with the vehicle positioned on a ramp or over a pit.
Annual MOT Test – HGVs must pass a yearly test approved by the DVSA to be considered road-worthy.
Ad-hoc Spot Checks – The DVSA carries out random checks on the roadside to make sure vehicles follow safety rules.
Key Compliance Areas and Common Reasons for Failures
Fleet operators need to know why HGVs often don’t pass inspections and take steps to fix these issues.
Here are the main areas to keep an eye on:
🛑 Braking System Issues – Broken or old brakes are one of the top reasons HGVs fail. It’s crucial to test brakes.
💡 Lighting and Signaling Defects – Headlights, brake lights, or indicators that don’t work can cause a failed inspection.
🚛 Steering and Suspension Problems – Any issues that affect how the vehicle handles can be unsafe and lead to compliance failures.
🛞 Tyre Condition and Pressure – Tyres that aren’t filled enough or are too worn down are very dangerous.
💨 Excessive Emissions – HGVs have to meet certain standards for emissions to cut down on their impact on the environment.
🚛 Body and Chassis Condition – Damage to the structure or rust can result in non-compliance.
🚚 Load Security – Load that’s not secured can cause dangers and might result in fines or failed inspections.
Taking care of your vehicle before problems arise and keeping detailed records play a big part in steering clear of these usual problems and making sure inspections go off without a hitch.
How Digital Tools Like Autocheck Make Inspections Easier
Handling HGV inspections by hand takes a lot of time and can lead to mistakes. Digital tools like Autocheck offer a solution. Autocheck is an online, DVSA-approved system that aims to make vehicle checks and workshop control simpler.
Main Advantages of Autocheck:
🛜 Online Inspection Sheets – Pre-built or customise inspection sheets to give out digitally to mechanics, to ensure complete and correct checks.
♾️ Fixed Monthly Fee – No charge for users, vehicles or customisable inspection sheets. Straight forward pricing at your finger tips.
📷 Picture and Video Capture – Mechanics can show problems with visual proof, which makes reports clearer.
✅ Off-Site Review and Approval – Admin can look at check results and okay repairs from anywhere.
📆 Work Planning and Parts Tracking – Autocheck helps arrange upkeep times cutting down on delays and boosting output.
‼️ Instant Info Access – Store all records in one spot reachable from any gadget making it easy to follow compliance.
Using Autocheck has an impact on fleet operators. It helps them boost safety, cut paperwork, and keep their vehicles fit for the road. This also helps them stay up to date with DVSA’s rules and regulations while ensuring compliance with their O-License.
Conclusion
Regularly inspecting heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) is key to fleet safety, reduced downtime, and compliance with DVSA regulations. Fleet operators who understand the inspection process, address common failure points, and leverage digital solutions such as Autocheck will greatly improve operational efficiency and safety.
