Straightset: put brake testing at the heart of service offering
As the warmer months arrive and road conditions begin to shift, brake safety should remain firmly at the forefront of any workshop’s service offering, particularly for those supporting commercial vehicles and fleet operators, according to equipment provider Straightset.
“From wet roads and sudden downpours to longer journeys and increased mileage, spring and summer bring their own challenges for braking performance. For operators, ensuring vehicles remain safe, compliant and on the road is critical, especially when it comes to systems designed to protect drivers, loads and other road users,” said Andrew Bates, managing director at Straightset.
“Providing regular brake checks as part of year-round servicing is not only essential for safety, but also an opportunity to support vehicle uptime, reduce the risk of costly downtime and build long-term customer relationships.”
A key asset in elevating these workshop checks is the brake tester, says Straightset, which, whether used to assess braking effectiveness during routine servicing or investigate potential issues, provides the foundation for precise, transparent and high-quality diagnostics.
“Because UK regulations require brake testing during the MOT, we have traditionally limited the use of brake testers to pass-or-fail assessments. Yet a standard brake tester is capable of far more,” said Andrew.
“The data generated can highlight issues such as ovality, imbalance, sticking brakes and brake fade. Many of these problems may not be apparent during a road test, whereas a brake tester can highlight them clearly.”
A brake test takes only a few minutes, he adds, yet can reveal hidden problems such as uneven braking, worn components or issues with brake force distribution.
Changing weather conditions are a key reason why brake testing must remain a priority throughout the year, says Andrew.
“In wet conditions, braking distances can increase significantly. Even minor issues, such as slightly worn pads or uneven braking, can have a serious impact on stopping performance, whilst warmer, dryer weather and longer journeys can lead to brake fade. During extended drives or heavy traffic, brake components can overheat, reducing friction and increasing stopping distances, particularly under pressure or on inclines.
“Regular brake testing helps identify issues such as brake fade, reduced brake balance, low brake fluid, spongy brake pedals, ABS or EBS faults [and] uneven wear on brake pads or discs.
“By highlighting these risks early, workshops position themselves as proactive partners in safety, not just reactive repairers.”
Cost-effective maintenance remains a priority for customers, he adds, particularly as seasonal costs fluctuate throughout the year.
“Brake testing helps identify issues early, before they develop into more expensive repairs. For example, detecting uneven braking can prevent further damage to components, while identifying fluid issues early can reduce the risk of failure. For workshops, it creates a steady flow of service opportunities, improves productivity and supports long-term customer relationships.”
Straightset supports workshops with a complete range of garage equipment to assist with commercial vehicle servicing, from planning and design through to installation. Alongside supplying brake testing systems, the company also provides training to ensure engineers can operate equipment safely, efficiently and in line with industry standards.
