CV brake testing in focus with Straightset
Straightset, which supplies a range of brake testing equipment options for commercial vehicle applications, has emphasised the crucial role brake testing plays in keeping fleets safe on the road.
“In the world of commercial transport, safety is paramount and nowhere is this more critical than in a vehicle’s braking system,” said Andrew Bates, managing director of Straightset.
“A loaded HGV can require over 50 per cent more stopping distance than a passenger car. When you pair that with one of the most common causes of serious road accidents which is brake failure, the importance of proactive brake testing in this sector becomes a mission-critical safeguard for fleet operators, logistics managers and service technicians and not just a box-ticking exercise.”
Roadworthiness must never be compromised, he warned.
“With modern commercial vehicles becoming heavier, faster and more technologically advanced, the braking systems they rely on must be routinely tested and properly understood.
“Brake testing helps identify issues like: uneven braking or brake imbalance; brake fade from overheating; excessive wear on pads and discs; air pressure problems in pneumatic systems; [and] electronic brake system faults (e.g., ABS or ESC errors).
“The consequences of ignoring these warning signs can be catastrophic both in human and financial terms, putting business reputation as well as people’s lives at risk.”
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to how often brake testing should be carried out, says Andrew, as frequency should reflect vehicle usage, operating conditions and legal guidance.
“Waiting for an MOT or inspection deadline isn’t enough, therefore brake testing needs to be part of a preventative maintenance plan; being proactive, rather than reactive,” he advised.
He highlights recent changes to requirements surrounding laden brake testing, pointing out that simulating real-world conditions ensures more accurate results in alignment with the DVSA’s Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness.
“At Straightset, we champion a comprehensive approach to brake testing, considering integrated methods, technologies and products available for fleet operators,” Andrew continued.
“Straightset offers the entire range from the renowned BM Autotechnik of commercial brake testers with the supply, service and calibration service for all classes of brake testers throughout Great Britain.”
From exterior mobile or fixed brake testers, to interior dedicated lane or over-pit models, with or without integrated load simulation, Straightset says it can offer a solution to fit all requirements.
“BM Autotechnik brake testers offer strength and reliability to the toughest of testing environments,” said Andrew.
“With increasing pressure on fleets to improve uptime, sustainability and safety, there’s a shift underway, from reactive maintenance to data-driven, predictive maintenance. This is particularly relevant in the context of electric and hybrid commercial vehicles, where regenerative braking systems require different testing protocols and skillsets.
“Working closely with fleets to integrate digital diagnostics and brake testing technologies into their service workflows is part of Straightset’s response to the market ensuring that innovative products reach industry operators, their service providers and technicians.”
Brake systems are too critical to ignore or test sporadically, he advises.
“Whether it’s a double-decker bus or a 44-tonne articulated lorry, the quality and regularity of brake testing directly impacts road safety.
“Commercial brake testers are a significant, but essential investment for workshops looking to maximise their earning potential. All too often regarded as a pass/fail device when vehicle testing, modern commercial brake testers should be used as a vital diagnostic tool, enabling the technician to quickly highlight braking discrepancies and anomalies.
“A workshop without one is quite simply missing out on significant income, and significant fleet operators with their own workshops are outsourcing a very large slice of their profit retention.
“Just like the right occupational health support for professional lorry drivers, brake testing is a frontline safety measure and the more we embed it into everyday fleet operations, the safer our roads and our people will be and more effective and sustainable our practices become.”
