MAHA: the benefits of brake tester maintenance
MAHA UK is urging operators to ensure they reset brake testers daily and keep them free of debris, as part of ongoing maintenance procedures.
Getting into the habit of completing routine checks and good upkeep of brake testers should help extend the life of the equipment and ensure repeated and accurate results, the firm contends. This will not only help ensure customers receive a professional and competent service but also enable a greater return on investment.
MAHA UK has been in business since 1997, with many original brake testers still in operation and being maintained.
“MAHA brake testers, like the MBT 7250 for example, are manufactured from quality, robust materials, while six-month calibration helps ensure accurate results,” said the company.
“Regular maintenance, though, is also vital in avoiding weight discrepancies, accelerated wear and tear of equipment, and inconsistent readings.
“MAHA UK’s engineers will urge the use of best practice techniques during installation, training and calibration.”
One of those techniques is ensuring the brake tester is reset to zero daily, as not doing so can distort results, says MAHA UK sales manager, Nick Austin.
“During visits to workshops, particularly where those businesses are running 12 or 24-hour shift patterns, we have learned of scenarios where the brake tester is never turned off and reset,” he said.
“But the equipment is designed to be switched off and on again so it can be zeroed. That way, the user can be guaranteed of accurate results and optimum equipment.”
The process of switching a brake tester off and on again, ready to be used, is approximately five minutes.
Nick added: “What’s more, operators need to ensure that there is no vehicle sitting on the equipment or someone standing on the edge of the brake tester; otherwise, the tester will add that weight to the ‘zero’.”
Nick also highlights the need for “basic housekeeping”: keeping a brake tester clean, tidy and free from debris. It’s important to clean out the frame recess as a minimum annually, says MAHA UK, and the company encourages this action whilst attending to calibrations.
He said: “When a brake test is in progress, rubber dust comes off the tyre, as well as general dirt. When that rubber mixes with the dirt, it can set like concrete, especially when it’s wet inside the frame. As a consequence of this, inaccuracies can occur.”
MAHA UK’s MBT 7250 is used extensively in ATF stations by DVSA, as well as franchised dealer and independent workshop sites preparing vehicles and trailers for test.
“The MBT 7250 quickly and accurately measures brake system performance. Its large centre roller sensor, with a diameter of 100mm and axle load of 20 tonnes, guarantees excellent coverage across every tyre’s dimensions,” said the company.
“Its electronic, temperature-compensated strain gauge system produces precise measurements results, irrespective of the conditions, thanks to its robust and long-lasting design.
“It is also possible to connect additional floor units to the MBT 7250, so it can be used as a base module for installing test lanes. It’s also ideal for diagnostics, even when vehicle throughput is high, with the roller set dimensions making the equipment versatile. It can also be upgraded with many accessories.”
