aide automotive HGV Brake testing NOTICE!
It is acceptable to use an approved and calibrated decelerometer to measure overall brake efficiency values for rigid vehicles without trailers or for vehicles that cannot be tested on an RBT. A decelerometer will measure the overall brake efficiency but it may not identify individual braking issues. A temperature check needs to be carried out at the same time as a decelerometer test to help identify if individual brakes are operational. Brake temperature readings would need to be well above ambient temperature with relatively consistent readings taken for each brake across an axle. Brakes which are cold (ambient temperature) or showing an inconsistent reading from the brake on the opposite side on the same axle, need to be investigated further. Where possible brake testing should be undertaken with the vehicle or trailer in a laden condition to achieve the most meaningful results. A competent person may carry out a risk assessment based on use, working conditions, mileage and the age of vehicle to determine if some of the brake tests carried out in the year can be unladen; however, it is strongly recommended that at least 4 of the brake tests carried out are laden1 .
Risk assessments need to be retained on file and made available for inspection. From 1st January 2023 vehicles and trailers must be appropriately laden when presented for annual test2 . From April 2025 there will be an expectation that a laden roller brake test or EBPMS will be the only accepted methods to assess brake performance.
