What is the purpose of a daily check on a commercial vehicle?

What is the purpose of daily vehicle checks? Daily vehicle checks are an easy and effective way to ensure the drivers of your vehicles are as safe as they can possibly be. A routine of daily vehicle checks allows drivers to spot issues with the vehicles which may become potentially dangerous.

What are daily vehicle checks?

The checks could include:

• Fluid levels – engine oil, brakes, clutch, power steering and auto transmission fluids (if relevant)
• Windscreen washer.
• Battery – look for signs of corrosion.
• Ensure all lights are working headlights, brake lights, indicators.
• Tyre check – pressure, tread, wear and tear such as cuts or bulges.

Why are vehicle checks important?

A daily safety check of vehicles should be second nature to drivers to keep them and their vehicles safe on the road. That is the view of road safety experts, who recommend that drivers complete a safety checklist before setting off to make sure vehicles are fully roadworthy and ready for the journey ahead.

Are daily vehicle checks a legal requirement?

A responsible person must undertake a daily vehicle safety check just before a vehicle is used each day. … If you have in-service driver changes then it is preferable to have a responsible person carry out the initial check and for the drivers to then monitor the vehicle during its running.

How long should daily vehicle checks take?

There is no legal minimum period; however, we would suggest taking between 5 and 10 minutes to carry out a comprehensive check. Some companies adopt policies that drivers’ must take 15 minutes but there is no legal requirement for this specific period.

What part of the vehicle should be frequently check?

Be sure to check your turn signals, brake lights, reverse lights, and of course, your headlights on a regular basis.

How often should you check your company vehicle?

Daily checks Drivers should check tyres, lights and indicators at the start of every shift. They will need instruction or training on carrying out appropriate checks and reporting problems.

What is a PG9 Offence?

Roadworthiness prohibition (PG9)

This is given for mechanical problems or for the condition of a vehicle’s bodywork and equipment. It could have an immediate or delayed effect depending on how severe the defect is.

How long do you need to keep defect reports?

15 months

Drivers’ defect reports, used to record any faults, must be kept for at least 15 months. 5. Operators must ensure that regular checks are carried out on items that may affect roadworthiness.

How often should I inspect my truck?

Carriers must ensure each regulated vehicle is inspected at least every 90 days, or more often if necessary to ensure safe operation. Vehicle inspections must be documented and retained for at least two years. At a minimum, the following items must be inspected: Brake adjustment.

What should you check on a weekly basis car?

Three essential weekly car maintenance checks

1. Check your oil levels. Checking your oil levels is crucial, especially before any long journey. …
2. Check your windscreen wipers. Make sure that your windsreen wipers are working correctly and not creating smudges. …
3. Check your tyres. Ensure your tyres have the correct tyre pressure.

How should safety related defects be reported?

A written report noting any defects found during the daily check while the vehicle is in use or on its return to base must be made by the driver. The details recorded on a defect report sheet should include: Vehicle registration or identification mark.

How long do you keep nil defects for?

15 months

For this purpose, it will not be necessary to retain all “nil” defect reports for the full 15 months normally required for maintenance documentation; a rolling six-week period should be sufficient. Obviously, any reports showing a defect must be retained for the full 15 months.

What should be in a HGV vehicle file?

If you carry out your own safety inspections and maintenance, you must keep records that include:

• vehicle details.
• a list of all items to be inspected.
• when and by whom the inspection is carried out.
• the result of the inspection.
• details of any work carried out.
• a declaration that any defects have been properly fixed.

What is a 90 day bit inspection?

If you operate your truck with a GVW rating of 10,000 lbs. or more in California you need your truck inspected every 90 days. This is what typically is referred to as a BIT inspection or 90 day inspection.

When should cargo loads be inspected?

Inspect the cargo and its securing devices again within the first 50 miles after beginning a trip. Make any adjustments needed. Re-check. Re-check the cargo and securing devices as often as necessary during a trip to keep the load secure.

How long do you have to keep HGV defect sheets?

15 months

The defect sheets will form part of the maintenance record for the vehicle and must be maintained for a minimum of 15 months. You must carry out a daily walkaround check to see if your HGV is safe to drive, and record the results of the check.

How long should a HGV walk around check take?

around 15 minutes

Many sources often quote that an HGV Daily walkaround check should take around 15 minutes but it may take longer than this The important thing is to carry out each of the necessary checks before starting your journey, regardless of how long it takes.

How do I contact Vosa?

If you are still not sure, contact VOSA’s Customer Service Centre on 0300 123 9000.

What should you check daily before getting in your car?

6 Things to Check Before Starting Your Car

1. CHECK THE BATTERY. Oddly enough, vehicles consume energy even when they are completely off. …
2. CHECK TIRE PRESSURE. …
3. MAINTENANCE OF YOUR FUEL TANK. …
4. CHECK THE FLUIDS: ENGINE OIL, COOLANT, AND BRAKE FLUID. …
5. CAR WASHING. …
6. SANITIZE YOUR CAR.

What should you check every month on your car?

Monthly Car Maintenance Checklist

1. Air Filter. Typically, air filters are conveniently located right under your hood near or at the top of your engine. …
2. Oil. Your oil should typically be changed every 3,000-5,000 miles. …
3. Brake Fluid. …
4. Tires. …
5. Battery. …
6. Coolant.

What is VOR HGV?

DEFECTIVE VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL COVER – VEHICLE OFF ROAD – DO NOT MOVE. This item is a steering wheel cover to be used on vehicles that have a defect or fault and need to be kept ( VOR ) vehicle off road. This item is used to advise the driver not to take the vehicle on to the public highway.

How often does a HGV need a brake test?

It is normally expected that a vehicle should complete at least three successful brake efficiency tests spread throughout the year in addition to the annual MOT test.