A Guide To HGV MOT's
When you run any kind of vehicle, you are required to put it through an annual MOT. This MOT is just as important for any HGV on the road as it helps to ensure the safety of the vehicles, drivers and any other road users. An MOT failure or the lack of one altogether can lead to some serious penalties, not to mention downtime for your vehicle.
In this guide, FleetEx look at what an HGV MOT is, what it covers, how you should prepare, and why passing and maintaining compliance is so important.
What is a HGV MOT?
An HGV MOT is an annual inspection for all goods vehicles that are over 3.5 tonnes. This will be carried out by the DVSA and whilst it is similar in concept to a car MOT, it is far more rigorous. This is because HGV's are much bigger and therefore more dangerous on the roads and can also cover many more miles in a year than the average domestic vehicle.
The MOT will help to determine whether the vehicle is safe, roadworthy and meets all necessary environmental standards. It is essential that this MOT is taken and passed every year if you want your HGV to stay on the road. If it fails the test, then you will be given a list of repairs that will need to be made before it can be reinspected.
What a HGV MOT covers
An HGV MOT inspection will cover several key areas. It is important to be aware of these in advance so that you can make sure you keep up with your maintenance and keep these key components in good condition.
An HGV MOT inspector will take a close look at your brakes and their efficiency. This will include looking at the condition of the braking system and its performance to make sure that the vehicle can stop adequately. They will also check that all lights and reflectors are fully operational and correctly aligned, that any mirrors are correctly positioned and not damaged, and that the driver view is not obscured.
The tyres and wheels also come under close scrutiny as these must be the right size, properly inflated and have adequate tread depth. The body and structure of the HGV will be checked for corrosion, damage and any dangerous sharp edges. Load security is also an important factor and so the inspectors will ensure that your equipment is fit for purpose and fully secure.
The steering and suspension systems will be checked for proper operation as well as looking for any wear or damage. The emissions from the vehicle's exhaust will also be tested as these must be within the legal limits for air quality.
As part of the MOT inspection, the additional equipment on the vehicle will be checked as well, including the tachograph, speed limiter and any other HGV specific requirements.
Common causes of MOT failure
There is a risk that your HGV might fail its MOT test. This can be for all kinds of reasons, but the most common failures occur as a result of faulty or worn braaking systems, defective lighting or signalling equipment, tyre defects, structural corrosion and leaks of oil, fuel or air.
It is important to remember that many of these failures can be prevented if you have a schedule of regular routine maintenance as well as undertaking your own pre-MOT checks. You can save vast amounts of time and money by looking for these common faults yourself before submitting the vehicle for its MOT test. This gives you chance to rectify any issues and avoid the lengthy and costly process of post MOT repairs and retesting.
Preparing for a HGV MOT
One of the best ways to prepare for an MOT on your HGV is to carry out your own inspection in advance. Ideally, this should be undertaken by a qualified technician to ensure accuracy. This will help you identify any faults in advance that could cause your vehicle to fail its test.
It is also important that all drivers and HGV operators have a regular maintenance schedule that can help keep the vehicle in good order. By regularly checking lights, tyres and fluid levels, and monitoring air pressure and tread depth, you can eliminate many of the common causes of MOT failure. You should also stick to your servicing schedules, as these can be a useful tool in spotting signs of wear and tear early.
Any work that you undertake on your vehicle should be recorded so that you can provide evidence of a proactive upkeep schedule. Make sure that you plan ahead and book your MOT appointment early so that you can have a convenient slot. Leaving it until the last minute can leave you without a vehicle at a point when you need it most.
HGV MOT failures
If your vehicle does fail its MOT, then it is important you understand the reasons behind this. Your documentation should list the reasons for failure, but feel free to ask the inspector for any clarity if it is needed. You should then make sure that any necessary repairs are carried out as quickly as possible, preferably from a qualified HGV mechanic.
Once the problems have been rectified you should then book in for a retest which is usually free or at a reduced cost if it has been conducted within 10 working days. No one wants their vehicle to fail its MOT but if it does you should see it as an opportunity to fix any important issues and maintain your compliance and safety.
It is important to remember that the an HGV MOT is not just a legal requirement but is something that is vital for safety and reliability on our roads. It is more than a piece of paper, as it helps to protect drivers and other road users, not to mention the reputation of your business. By regularly maintaining your vehicle and preparing properly for an MOT, you can help to reduce the risk of any breakdowns and penalties, increase the life of your HGV and operate with the peace of mind that your vehicle is safe and compliant.