Expert diagnosis from Doctor Air Brake
Doctor Air Brake offers a portfolio of diagnostics equipment for trucks and trailers, used daily by many service technicians, including to test for and tackle braking issues.
Where urgent diagnosis is required, as the truck/trailer is loaded waiting to go, or for use in a busy workshop, the company says it has products to suit every operational environment.
“The Van Trailer Check (VTC) allows you to pull in front or alongside the trailer and test all lighting, ABS-EBS, CAN circuits and the complete air brake system on trailers all in the one unit,” said Doctor Air Brake.
“We can include a wireless remote, which enables you to read live air pressures and operate the brakes from under the trailer, saving the need for tractor units and the diesel fumes that come with them.
“The second product we supply is the Code Talk. This product is perfect for mechanics working on trailers; it communicates via the CAN lines to access the ABS-EBS ECU memory. It reads out and clears any faults that are in the ECU.”
The Code Talk can also show live data such as air pressures, wheel speeds and voltages, which assists with quick diagnostics.
“It also acts as a radio remote control to our VTC and Trailer Check. Once all connections to trailer are made, faults can be read out from inside your van. This works on all trailer and brake manufacturers.”
The company adds that the two products work well in tandem to save users time and money. Recognising the need for users to carry heavy tools, parts and equipment in their service vans, Doctor Air Brake says it has designed both products to be extremely light so as not to add to van weight concerns, yet strong enough to withstand the rigours of everyday use.
Further braking-related products in the company’s portfolio include the Reverse Smart radar auto braking system.
“In the realm of health and safety, prioritising its significance has become a paramount concern for organisations, regardless of their scale or industry,” said the firm.
“The Doctor Air Brake Reverse Smart system represents an indispensable asset. It stands as a necessity across various sectors and industries, proving highly suitable for any business operating HGVs.
“Whether it’s road sweepers, refuse vehicles, tarmac rollers, plant vehicles, or standard trucks and trailers, this system offers invaluable benefits.
“At its core, the system integrates radar auto braking technology, fundamentally transforming safety outcomes. By detecting objects within its configurable danger zone, the system promptly alerts the driver with an audible warning…
“Should the driver fail to respond, the Reverse Smart Safety system, as a final protective measure, automatically applies the brakes bringing the vehicle to a halt for three seconds, safeguarding all those in the danger area. This proactive action not only averts frequent repairs to rear light clusters, bumpers, and doors but also has life-saving capabilities.
“Specifically, this auto braking feature ensures a reliable stoppage, surpassing the limitations of merely applying the park brake. This proves especially crucial in sectors where drivers contend with multiple responsibilities while reversing or manoeuvring, such as overseeing crew movement or ensuring pedestrian and road user safety.
“Moreover, the system’s adaptability extends to forward motion, activating below a predetermined and adjustable speed threshold. For instance, in scenarios like road sweeping, where drivers need to monitor the kerb line while being conscious of their surroundings, this feature proves immensely beneficial.”
In addition to improved safety for vulnerable road users, claimed benefits include reduced rear-end collisions, minimised repair costs, preservation of fleet reputation, insurance premium reductions, compliance with safety regulations, positive environmental impact and enhanced operational efficiency.
“Considering these merits, it is strongly advocated that certain industries, including waste management with bin lorries, road sweeping, road rolling, and tar spraying, make radar auto braking technology a mandatory inclusion in their vehicle fleets,” said Doctor Air Brake.
“Local authorities are urged to consider and prioritise this advancement for their vehicle fleets, ensuring a safer operational environment for all.”
