Testing tips from Tecalemit
Tecalemit Garage Equipment has issued advice for commercial fleets and workshops on how best to ensure vehicles are maintained efficiently and effectively, thereby minimising downtime.
As providers of DVSA-approved testing equipment, Tecalemit offers a full range of specialist products to enable safe and compliant vehicle maintenance – including for CV brake testing, suspension testing, emissions testing and headlamp testing. The portfolio is augmented by specialised CV wheel alignment equipment to help optimise tyre life.
“Whilst the benefits of regular brake testing are beyond question, the administrative challenge it places upon the commercial vehicle operator can be quite significant,” said Tecalemit.
“Commercial vehicle operators need to keep their trucks rolling in order to get a good return on their fleet asset, and the downtime that can be associated with organising and undertaking brake tests can be significant and disruptive to the day-to-day operational flow of the business.
“Investing in a Tecalemit DE9700 commercial vehicle brake tester may not be as onerous as it might first seem. With a modest fleet size, a realistic payback could be achieved in approximately 24 months if the use of the equipment is leveraged through the provision of volume third party fleet tests.”
The benefits to the fleet operator can be huge, the firm contends.
“Tecalemit’s DE9700 commercial vehicle roller brake tester allows the operator to build their own fleet database, automatically recording vehicle test results and removing all of the administrative activity of creating a manual records system up in the office.
“Add in the ability to test a vehicle within minutes together with minimal downtime for the trailer, tractor, driver and no third-party fees to pay, then the benefits start to multiply dramatically.”
The company also highlights the need to consider steering and suspension components.
“Detecting wear and play in steering and suspension joints can be made easier and quicker by installing Tecalemit DVSA-approved MOT play detectors, known affectionately as shaker plates,” said Tecalemit.
“This allows all the vehicle maintenance technicians to subject the vehicle to the same standard of test procedure that is used in DVSA MOT authorised testing facilities.
“By testing to the same standard, technicians can identify and rectify and potential MOT failure items prior to the test. This can save significant vehicle downtime that arises from dealing with a MOT failure, together with all of the time-consuming return visits to the workshop and back to the testing station for re-test.”
The Tecalemit DE/7353 Commercial Vehicle Hydraulic Play Detector consists of two electro-hydraulic recessed floor plates.
A single axle is presented to the play detector plates, and the technician controls the movement in four directions using a simple hand control with integral illumination. This allows the steering and suspension joints to be examined for wear in a safe manner whilst avoiding the need to handle the road wheel or use pry bars to identify steering and suspension joint movement.
The hands-free operation allows a single user to inspect the vehicle and identify any pre- MOT test component repairs and replacements.
“Correct headlamp settings are essential for the safety of other road users and headlamp aim checking and adjustment should be incorporated into the vehicle maintenance routine,” the firm continued.
“The Tecalemit DE/7588/ HGV unit has been specifically designed to accommodate commercial vehicle headlamp systems within its testing range. By incorporating headlamp testing into the vehicle service regime and pre-MOT checks, the cost associated with an MOT fail can be avoided.
“Vehicle emission testing is essential to ensure the vehicle is operating within the mandated limits and ensure that no excess fuel is being consumed. The Tecalemit MDS350 diesel smoke meter enables fleet operators to test their vehicles to DVSA MOT standards as part of ongoing routine maintenance together with pre-MOT vehicle preparation.”
Whilst a visual inspection and a tread depth gauge can deal with addressing tyres’ physical condition, more sophisticated wheel alignment equipment can ensure the maximum mileage can be achieved from fleet tyres and unnecessary fuel usage eliminated, adds Tecalemit.
Its Haweka range of commercial vehicle alignment enables maintenance technicians to accurately configure the vehicle geometry to manufacturers’ specifications, thereby eliminating undue tyre wear, maintaining fuel efficiency and ultimately controlling fleet tyre replacement costs.
