aide automotive explains why its portable Bowmonk BrakeCheck solution is a viable alternative to roller brake testers when carrying out a non-MOT brake test.
Regular brake tests are currently being requested by the DVSA on all commercial vehicles of 7.5 tonne and over, as part of an interim safety inspection. At the absolute minimum, the agency is asking for a quarterly voluntary brake test to be carried out in addition to the annual MOT test.

Fortunately, most commercial operators have taken heed of this request and are having their brakes checked more frequently, as it is a means of monitoring braking efficiency more closely. However, in some cases, it would appear that this frequency of testing is still not enough, as the level of deterioration is a cause for concern.

In most cases, the DVSA would prefer this test to be carried out as part of the six-weekly inspection. This would have thebenefit of highlighting a decrease in braking performance considerably sooner than those performed once every three months, and in doing so, afford more effective preventative maintenance opportunities.

Evidently, there are a great number of commercial workshops who are still of the misconception that all of the aforementioned brake tests have to be performed on a roller brake tester. This is not the case! The Traffic Commission has allowed the use of a DVSA-approved brake tester, like Bowmonk’s BrakeCheck, for all non-MOT brake tests.

Aside from the mandatory requirements, there is also the upsell opportunity. Workshops providing a brake overhaul service, where components are in need of replacement, can offer a ‘before and after’ brake test report; an opportunity to show their customers the level of efficiency achieved prior to and following any necessary repair work.

A user guide to BrakeCheck

Position the BrakeCheck unit on a level surface, such as the passenger side foot well. Switch the unit on by pressing and holding the ‘Menu’ button until ‘Sbr’ appears in the display.
Confirm Service Brake choice by pressing ‘Enter’.
When the unit is level enough to start the test, a symbol (pictured left) will be shown on the display. Once the symbol is displayed, press ‘Enter’.
The unit is now ready for the test. When the test area is clear, accelerate the vehicle to an appropriate test speed (e.g. 20 mph).
Once the vehicle is travelling at an appropriate test speed, check for traffic approaching from behind. If safe to do so, apply the footbrake as a controlled emergency stop, without skidding.
Once the vehicle has been brought to a complete stop, the unit will generate and display a braking efficiency value.
Once the Service Brake test is complete, change to Hand Brake mode by pressing the ‘Menu’ button (so that the hand brake test LED is illuminated). As before, confirm this choice by pressing ‘Enter’, which will take you to the levelling display. Press ‘Enter’ when the level indicator is shown.
As before, accelerate the vehicle to the test speed, this time applying the hand brake to stop the vehicle. Note: please check with your vehicle manufacturer if this type of procedure is acceptable.
Once the vehicle has come to a complete stop, the display will show the braking efficiency of the hand brake.
To view the service brake test report, press the ‘Menu’ button until the last test result and service brake test LEDs are illuminated. Then press ‘Enter’ to display the result, which can now be printed using the optional wireless printer.
With the BrakeCheck unit positioned approximately 2 to 3cm in front of the infra-red printer, switch on the printer and press the ‘Print’ button on the BrakeCheck to print the test result.
To view or print the hand brake test, carry out the same procedure, but use the ‘Menu’ button to illuminate the hand brake test and last test result LEDs.

Buy Online Bowmonk BrakeCheck Decelerometer

Buy Online Bowmonk BrakeCheck Decelerometer

Although the DVSA states a preference for roller brake testers during safety inspections, it does allow the use of portable decelerometers. What are their advantages and limitations of using portable decelerometers?

Every safety inspection must assess the braking performance of a vehicle or trailer. It’s a key part of any maintenance regime and demonstrates that operators are running their fleets in a compliant manner and protecting other road users. The DVSA’s Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness states that using an approved and calibrated decelerometer is acceptable to measure overall brake efficiency values for vehicles as part of the yearly maintenance scheme.

We do hear that testers are “strongly advised” to use a calibrated roller brake tester (RBT) at each safety inspection to measure individual brake performance and overall braking efficiencies for the vehicle or trailer according to the annual test standards.

Why is this? And when should each type be used?

There are two main types of portable decelerometer: digital and mechanical. Both are straightforward to use, although care has to be taken: “To use a decelerometer, the vehicle must be driven on the road, or in a yard with enough space. This should be a good surface, which is suitable in wet or dry conditions, with little traffic.

As the guidance states the use of an RBT or calibrated decelerometer can be used, it is obvious to most that a roller brake tester is far better way of determining brake efficiency. Very true would be an educated response although a combination of Roller Brake Tests and regular decelerometers test is as good a record of brake tests as possibly can be offered.

So is a portable decelerometer vulnerable to mis-testing?, a DVSA spokesman explains: “Anecdotally, the DVSA is aware of potential risks due to user error, although the DVSA has no data on this. Also, roller brake testing provides a more consistent test, whereas decelerometer use may involve some environmental variations such as test speed, road surface, weather, or gradient of the road.”

Speaking about the restriction on using decelerometers with tractor-trailer combinations, the spokesman adds: “Assessing different parts of a tractor and trailer combination can be difficult with only a decelerometer. For this reason, rigid vehicles such as buses and non-articulated lorries are more acceptable uses of decelerometers.”

The DVSA spokesman says that manufacturers provide guidance on the use of decelerometers. Risk assessments need to be in place where decelerometers are being used for brake testing, and the tests must be carried out under controlled and safe conditions.

Another decelerometer supplier is Bowmonk. Its portable brake testing kit, BrakeCheck, is also approved by the DVSA. Bowmonk says RBTs are not more accurate, but are preferred for annual tests because they “provide a means of recording each individual brake performance, whereas a decelerometer records the overall braking performance”. He adds: ”DVSA allows all operators to use a BrakeCheck for all of their interim brake tests that form part of their scheduled safety inspections.”

Bowmonk’s equipment was approved because it was able to demonstrate that the readings of overall braking efficiency and percentage of braking imbalance recorded by the device were within a specified level of tolerance, compared to that of an RBT. “BrakeCheck records the rate of acceleration from vehicle rest to the point where the brakes are applied. At this point it detects the forces being shifted forward, and then records the rate of deceleration to the point where the vehicle comes to a complete stop. From this, BrakeCheck then calculates the stopping distance, test speed and ultimately the braking efficiency.”

Any competent vehicle technician can use a BrakeCheck decelerometer without training, although training can be offered.

Adds Dave Wood, DVSA enforcement policy manager: “Under controlled and limited situations, decelerometer testing still has a place. As electronic braking performance monitoring systems gain popularity, we would like to encourage operators to use such systems as part of their vehicle defect monitoring and maintenance regime.”

FIXED BRAKE TESTERS

DVSA says it strongly advises calibrated RBTs “because this is the method of brake testing used by the MOT and is supported by legislation“.

Steve Coles, head of MOT operations at the Retail Motor Industry Federation, confirms that an RBT measures a greater number of elements of brake performance than a decelerometer. He states: “Performance efficiency, binding, fluctuation, increase and reduction of brake effort can all be measured, whereas a decelerometer can only check efficiency and a very rudimentary check of imbalance, which is subjective rather than measured.”

One reason DVSA prefers RBTs is road safety: “Having vehicles conduct emergency stops on public roads using a decelerometer carries a certain risk to other road users that is alleviated if the vehicle is tested in a workshop using an RBT.”

Approved MOT stations must have a fixed brake tester, either roller brake (pictured above) or plate brake tester. Boston’s Tabor says: “Roller brake testers are the most commonly used, since they require less space. The only exception to a fixed brake tester may be a remote part of the country, for example some Scottish islands, but this is rare, if not now a discontinued practice.”

To meet DVSA criteria, all equipment used in the test lane – fixed or otherwise – has to be approved by, for example, the Garage Equipment Association (list of approved equipment: ). Explains Tabor: “The reason for this is to make sure that regardless of where the vehicle is tested and on what make of equipment, the result will be the same. To maintain accuracy, fixed brake testers must be calibrated every six months and certificates to prove accuracy are issued to the test station. Decelerometers must meet mandatory standards and also need calibrating every two years. The longer period between calibrations is because they are only there for temporary use.”

FURTHER INFORMATION

For a meaningful brake test, DVSA recommends that the vehicle should be at least 65% loaded, where possible.

BOX: CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

In 2017, the boss of Grittenham Haulage and its mechanic were jailed after one of their tipper trucks crashed, killing four people, due to faulty brakes. The judge at Bristol Crown Court said Matthew Gordon and Peter Wood had a “cavalier“ attitude to vehicle maintenance at their firm before the incident in 2015.

Gordon told the court that he had been unaware brake checks had to be carried out every four months and admitted that he didn’t have a transport manager in place. Gordon was jailed for more than seven years; Wood for more than five.

After the sentencing, DCI Richard Ocone said: “Detailed and complex investigations showed many of the faults on the vehicle were longstanding – highlighted by the fact that the brakes on the lorry at the time of the crash were totally inadequate, having an overall efficiency of just 28%.”

Bowmonk BrakeCheck Purchase Online

Or call 0115 8456471 to discuss your HGV brake maintenance requirement

BrakeCheck is DVSA (VOSA) accepted & MOT approved.

If you require your Bowmonk BrakeCheck to be recalibrated or if its in need of repair, please follow the information below:

If you require your Bowmonk BrakeCheck to be tested for calibration, please see below instructions & relating charges for the calibration check.

With all tools in your workshop, you need to know they are working correctly and in test situations supplying the correct information. With this, we advise that your BrakeCheck is recalibrated.

We will aim to complete the recalibration of your BrakeCheck within 48-72 hours of receipt of the unit.

Option 1 – BrakeCheck Recalibration (ONLY)

Price
BrakeCheck Re calibration – £82.00 per unit
Carriage Options – £6.45 per unit by Signed for Royal Mail Or £9.95 by next day courier. (Not including Ireland)
Also:
New Batteries Are Recommended Every 4-6 Years, if required – £55.00
Need Any Paper For the Printer ? – Box of Paper Rolls – £30.00 If ordered the return carriage would be £14.50

For BrakeCheck recalibration (ONLY), you will need to return the BrakeCheck only. Please note chargers, cases, printers are not required.
It is suggested that you use a royal mail recorded delivery service / special delivery or courier to ensure that the unit(s) reach us safely.

Returns address: –
aide automotive Limited
Service Dept
Foxhall Business Centre
Foxhall Road
Nottingham, NG7 6LH

Option 2 – BrakeCheck recalibration with Service and test

Price
BrakeCheck Recalibration – £82.00 per unit
If your Kit is Older Than 4 years, You May Require & Service & Test – £55.00
Service & Test Checks All Items As preventive Maintenance & Cleaned To A Best Possible Standard

If you have lost or found to be faulty, you may require:
New BrakeCheck Or Printer Charger – £24.95
New BrakeCheck Batteries Are Recommended Every 4-6 Years, if required – £55.00
New Printer Batteries Are Recommended Every 4-6 Years, if required – £14.50
Box of Paper Rolls – £30.00
Return Next Day Courier – £14.50

All prices exclude VAT.

For BrakeCheck recalibration, service & test, you will need to return your BrakeCheck, Case, Printer & Accessories such as Chargers.
It is suggested that you use a royal mail special delivery service or signed for courier to ensure that the unit(s) reach us safely

Returns address: –
aide automotive Limited
Service Dept
Foxhall Business Centre
Foxhall Road
Nottingham, NG7 6LH

Please be so kind as to provide a full postal address so that we can return your tester efficiently!

Payment, once the required work is completed, our accounts dept will email a proforma invoice with options of online payments, card / PayPal / BACS.

If you would like to book your Bowmonk BrakeCheck in, please replay to this email.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call the office on 0115 845 6471

Prices are correct as 08.08.19, for latest prices please confirm before returning your Bowmonk BrakeCheck to us.

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Truck Emission Testing DVSA

From August 2017, roadside checks of lorries carried out by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will include an emissions check.

The DVSA are set to target lorry drivers and operators who try to cheat vehicle emissions. The new checks will target those who break the law and will help to improve air quality.

In May 2017, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs published a draft plan to improve air quality by reducing nitrogen dioxide levels in the UK.

This included looking at ways to reduce emissions produced by vehicles, including those used commercially. A final plan will be published by 31 July.

Fraudulent emissions readings

The DVSA’s enforcement staff, and their European counterparts, have found evidence that drivers and operators use emissions cheat devices to cut the cost of operating.

These include:

Using devices designed to stop emissions control systems from working
Removing the diesel particulate filter or trap

Using cheap, fake emission reduction devices or diesel exhaust fluid

Using illegal engine modifications which result in excessive emissions
Removing or bypassing the exhaust gas recirculation valve

Taking action against emission cheats

DVSA enforcement officers will give the driver and operator 10 days to fix the emissions system if they find a vehicle with tampered emissions readings. If the emissions system isn’t fixed within 10 days, DVSA will issue a fine and stop the vehicle being used on the road.

DVSA enforcement staff can insist that a vehicle be taken off the road immediately if they find a driver or operator is repeatedly offending.

Working with the EU

DVSA will investigate all Great Britain operators cheating emissions and pass the findings to the Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain, who have the power to remove operator licences.

DVSA will also continue to work with counterpart agencies across Europe, and further afield, to make sure that all offences committed by non-Great Britain hauliers are dealt with locally.

DVSA Chief Executive, Gareth Llewellyn, said: DVSA’s priority is to protect you from unsafe drivers and vehicles. We are committed to taking dangerous vehicles off Britain’s roads and this new initiative to target emissions fraud is a key part of that. Anyone who flouts the law is putting other road users, and the quality of our air, at risk. We won’t hesitate to take these drivers, operators and vehicles off our roads.”

Even though the roadside checks will be to search out the cheat devices, the operators who omit emissions over the required standards could be penalised.

Checking commercial vehicle emissions within inspection intervals will confirm no emission regularities on the roadside.

aide automotive market workshop emissions monitors for quick indication emission checks. Contact us for further details.

Tel 0115 8456471
EMail – shoponline@aideautomotive.com

CV Traffic Commissioners Review & Advice

Read Some Highlights OF TC’s Annual Report for 2015-16

Recently reported in the Transport Operator, the seven traffic commissioners (TCs) of Great Britain have released their annual report for 2015-16, highlighting a broad range of transport compliance and enforcement issues identified during the course of the year, and their priorities for future progress.

The commissioners, who preside over the eight regional traffic areas, identified key concerns with regard to operator compliance, driving and maintenance standards, as well as problem areas for the authorities themselves to tackle in order to improve the services they offer.

TC Richard Turfitt, who oversees the largest traffic area, in the east of England, said he made little apology for “sounding like a broken record” when it came to vehicle inspections.

“As DVSA estimates that half of MoT fails could be avoided by checking that light-bulbs work, the condition and pressures of tyres and that mirrors, wipers and washers work, there is further work to do,” he said.

“I am appalled by the number of operators who have not even checked whether their inspection sheets are up to date by reference to DVSA’s Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness.

“In the space of two weeks, two unconnected operators appeared before me suggesting their vehicles were being inspected against safety standards from 1972.”

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