The Automotive Blog

Truck Operators are seeing a new problem since the arrival of AdBlue.

Mis Fuelling the AdBlue tank with Diesel is a growing problem and major concern as the repair costs are resulting in thousands.

Some say you can’t get the diesel pump spout into the AdBlue tank filler neck–they’re different sizes. You don’t have to you only need to stick the nozzle into the hole pull the trigger and the splash-back from the gun as the cut-out works still goes into the tank and it’s enough to ruin the AdBlue.

AdBlue is highly susceptible to contamination and as little as 10ml of Oil present in a 70 litre fill can corrupt the system causing irreversible damage.

aide automotive will soon introduce an AdBlue Mis fuelling Device to stop Diesel contamination.

Go to aide automotive to enquire further.

With the Easter holiday approaching, caravaners and motorhomers who have purchased a PressurePro system need to check their PressurePro wheel sensors are working corectly.

Matthew Burke Says “We always see an increase in replacement sensor sales before holiday periods but the Easter holiday is always a starting point for PressurePro users to check there sensors and order replacements. As caravans and motorhomes have been stored for quite a few months over the previous year and into the new year, sensors could have expired their battery life and require to be replaced.”

aide automotive offer replacement sensors for the PressurePro Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

With more than 2 million extra caravan holidays predicted in the UK this year, TyreSafe is reminding caravanners to make sure all of their tyres are safe for travel before taking to the road.

Caravans left standing throughout the year can develop flatspots or suffer from exposure to UV rays which may lead to handling issues or premature failure. Additionally, tyre pressures should be checked not only on the caravan, but also on the towing vehicle and adjusted accordingly to take account of the extra load.

Drivers who set off on under-inflated tyres, greatly increase the risk of suffering from rapid tyre deflation and a potentially serious accident.

Drivers who do not meet these legal requirements not only increase the risk of being involved in an accident, but can also incur fines of up to £2,500 and three penalty points per illegal tyre.

aide automotive  promote tyre safety and recommend the PressurePro LIVE tyre pressure monitoring device.

Using the TrailerCheck II With Code Reader

Before plugging the Code Reader in to the trailers ECU, make sure the Trailer & Code Reader are powered down. This reduces attempted incorrect cable connections and of powering incorrect circuits.
Included in the kit are 3 Connectors:
1 – Wabco & Knorr Bremese
2 – Haldex Modular
3 – Haldex Modal

ECU Connection

Check the ECU connector on the trailer casing, this connector can be found damaged and corroded, if so do not attempt to plug the associated cable link as you could cause damage.

Once connected to the ECU, power up the trailer by pressing the RED ISO CAN Line button of the TrailerCheck operator panel. Make sure all connections are good and turn on the Code Reader, scroll to the required menu e.g. Haldex. Then scroll by pressing the right or left arrow buttons to the required info, e.g. Read Fault Codes.

You can now read ACTIVE fault codes & a description, for further codes scroll forward.

Once an active fault code has been removed this will move into the Stored Fault Code.

Within a Haldex system codes must be fixed before further codes are viewed.

Haldex systems show 5 codes at a time in the stored or active code areas.

Once all codes have been reviewed and also recorded, exit and scroll to clear fault codes. Then clear all codes.

Return to Stored codes to check ECU memory is clear.

Once completed turn off the Code Reader and TrailerCheck before you remove the ECU cable from the trailer.

Charging The TrailerCheck

To mains charge again first connect the charger to the TrailerCheck and then plug into the mains. The charger is a three stage device, green will first be lit briefly to indicate battery sate, red will indicate batteries are receiving charge, orange indicates almost charged and green indicates fully charged and then trickle charging if left connected.

To use the accessory power for a lead light etc, remove the lead from the lid of the case and then CLOSE THE CASE and clip shut to switch the TrailerCheck off. Then put the 4 pin plug into the case socket and use the cigar lighter socket adaptor for any accessories. (Not included in standard case).

If the case emits a double bleeping sound when in operation or closed the batteries are low and the TrailerCheck requires recharging!

Trailer Cables

TrailerCheck has 3 cables connected to the inner case, you can identify each cable by…

Cable with the clamp – This is the ISO ABS / EBS cable

Black cable with no white front face – This is the main lighting circuit cable

Black cable with a white face – This is the secondary cable

Contact aide automotive for further info.

Lee Lock the Ultimate Pallet Truck Lock  

Many transport companies require a pallet truck to manoeuvre goods on customer premises; with this the operator has major concerns! Two major concerns are: Will the pallet truck damage the goods in transit? Or Will the pallet truck damage the curtains on the truck? Lee Lock is designed to lock the pallet truck in place at all times, hence reducing any chance of the truck slamming into other pallets, slashing the curtain side and as the pallet truck slots into the lock there’s no chance of any back injury from lifting. Matthew Burke stated “Lee Lock addresses a fairly widespread problem in a simple but ingenious way. As fleet managers are increasingly encouraged to reduce costs, the modest one-off price for the Lee Lock is an attractive solution”.

More from Matthew Burke on +44 (0)115 845 6471 or click on aide automotive ltd

Lee Lock is a patented product to stop pallet trucks from rolling in the back of a truck and causing damage to the goods or the trucks curtain sides.

Lee Lock addresses a fairly widespread health and safety problem in a simple but ingenious way. And as fleet managers are becoming ever more concerned with the potential long-term costs of health and safety risks, the modest one-off price for the Lee Lock is a very attractive solution.

Pallet trucks are often left loose in the truck cargo area or lifted onto tyres, either way there is the potential of the pallet truck crashing into the goods or ripping the curtain side when the truck had to brake hard or goes over a speed hump.

Lee Lock is designed to lock the pallet truck in place at all times, hence reducing any chance of the truck slamming into any goods or slashing the curtain side, and as the pallet truck slots into the Lee Lock there is no chance of any back injury by lifting the truck as would be required if using a tyre.

Lee Lock is the only pallet truck holder to 100% lock the pallet truck down, no risk of damage or employee injury.

To find out more click on aide automotive and contact us for more info via our contact page or go to Pallet Truck Lock.

aide automotive have seen an increase in sales on the ABS Tester for trucks and trailers in the last 2 months.

Commenting on this Matthew Burke said “A lot of operators do not have any truck diagnostic tools, so the ABS Tester is an ideal cost effective tool to clear ABS or EBS faults on trucks and trailers. This product is easy to use and is 100% universal with all sensors.”

To Read more about the ABS Tester click on the link.

aide automotive would like to promote Roadtransports top 10 tips for commercial vehicle operators to avoid being stranded.

1. Use the Highways Agency and Met Office websites for primary reference and get regular feedback from any drivers already out in affected areas.

2. Transport managers should make alternative plans to get trucks moving, and if a truck is stranded keep customers informed of vehicle movements.

3. Make sure drivers are well armed with night-out stuff or at least have the basics: a torch, food and drink, and a mobile phone. A truck’s night-heater should ward off the cold but blankets are also important.

4. Get drivers to do a thorough check of their vehicle, checking all light bulbs, topping up washer fluid and de-icer/scraper and making sure tyres are properly inflated.

5. Truck drivers need to double their usual stopping distance from the vehicle in front; don’t be afraid to travel slower.

6. When you are trying to slow the truck down, employ the engine brake and/or retarder before the service brakes. This will slow the vehicle before applying the brakes. Most trucks will have ABS but that is no guarantee of stopping inside the usual stopping distance for a truck. Articulated truck drivers should avoid braking procedures on corners – a sure way to jack-knife.

7. Take your time. Keep to the main roads; they are more likely to have been gritted. On motorways and dual carriageways use the clearest lane and keep away from slush and ice.

8. Don’t use the cruise control – this is no time for efficient running. Keep the truck in high gear as it will slow the vehicle more quickly once you take your foot off the accelerator.

9. Concentrate. Avoid, if possible, poorly lit roads and shortcuts through country lanes. There is a greater risk of ice where the road changes elevation or is exposed to the elements, where it passes under a bridge, and where the sun is blocked out and the surface doesn’t melt.

10. Tune into the local radio station – its traffic updates will be more regular, comprehensive, and up to date compared with national radio.

aide automotive promote various products that could help with the tips above:

Air Alert is an excellent product to identify low tyre pressures.

Brake Light Check makes it easy for the driver to check his or hers lights.

Using BrakeCheck on a commercial vehicle inspection sheet will keep brakes working to the VOSA standard.