Vehicle Maintenance: Are you Getting What you Pay For?
As an Operator regulated by the Traffic Commissioner, you have agreed with a number of statements of intent, including that at all times vehicles will be fit and serviceable. Operators are regularly reminded to refer back to the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness and the guidance issued by DVSA or the Traffic Commissioner.
Operators and Transport Managers are expected to keep their knowledge up to date so that they have sufficient insight to critically analyse maintenance and repair records and the standard of work being done on their vehicles.
Whilst it is common to take confidence from recommendations or the status of a maintenance provider, this can often mask the reality of the quality of service. Important questions to ask on a regular basis include:
-What additional training have the mechanics had?
-What is the MOT pass rate?
-Can they provide a roller brake test and talk through the results such as overriding the brake test record for failure of wheels locking?
A mechanic worth their value will take the time to discuss the findings after an inspection, including suggesting pre-emptive repairs, brake test results, driver detectable defects.
You must interrogate the PMI record and ensure;
– a full record of repair is noted,
-a re torque record if wheels are removed
-driver detectable defects (bulbs / wipers /tyres) are discussed with drivers
-the mechanic signs that the declaration that the vehicle is fit and serviceable
-a meaningful brake test result is recorded
It is always recommended that you have regular meetings with your provider, with a full written record of the discussion.
Failure to keep vehicles well maintained could result in a prohibition, MOT Failure and accidents. Failure to keep proper records to evidence these processes will mean that you are unable to show DVSA or the Traffic Commissioner that you are meeting this commitment.
It is recommended that you have an auditor independently assess your systems and processes at least annually, it is much better to take a proactive approach than have to react following regulatory intervention.
For advice regarding Operator Licencing, please call our team today for a free initial consultation.
