How To Check Your Fleet Is Still Roadworthy

The last few months may have seen your fleet put on the backburner while businesses put operations on hold. Now with things starting to open up again and companies returning to full operation, you might be thinking it’s time to get your fleet up and running. However, if your vehicles have been sitting idle for many weeks, you should make sure that they are roadworthy before taking them out again. Fines, repair bills and a damaged reputation could cost you dearly if anything does wrong. So, make sure your fleet is roadworthy for post-COVID-19 operations by performing the following checks. MOTs Fortunately, there have been changes to MOTs as a result of COVID-19, giving you more time to get your vehicles their annual checks. All MOTS due after 30th March 2020 have been extended by six months. So, unless it was due on or before 29th March 2020, you must book your MOT unless you or someone you live with has coronavirus symptoms, or you are in a high risk group. Wheels and Tyres Make sure you carry out pressure checks on each tyre on your vehicles, including the spare, to ensure they are all fully inflated. Even if they have been sitting for a long time doesn’t mean they can’t have lost pressure; they can still suffer from wear and tear from the environment. Under-inflated tyres can limit handling and affect braking distance, and overinflated tyres could risk a blowout. Carefully inspect the tyre’s tread to ensure you are complying with legal standards (at least 1.6mm deep) and are operating at safe levels. This process could take at little as five minutes per vehicle but will seriously increase driver safety, not to mention ensure you won’t endure fines for operating with defective tyres. Lights For the safety of your drivers and other road users, all vehicles in your fleet should have functional indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights, reverse lights and brake lights. It’s crucial that other drivers can see your vehicles. Most lights can be tested by simply turning on the vehicle. To test brake lights, find something with a reflective surface like another vehicle and check the lights in the mirror when you push the brake pedal. Flat Battery How long a vehicle’s battery holds charge depends on its age, how often the vehicle is driven and how far. Alarm systems in your vehicles and onboard computers can drain the battery even while parked, so it’s essential to keep it topped up so these features can still function as normal. Sticking Brakes Your vehicles’ handbrakes have likely been on for weeks if not months. Having the handbrake on for an extended period can cause brake pads to get stuck to the discs, and possibly, not release when your driver attempts to drive the vehicle. Windows and Mirrors If your windows in your driver’s central view have any damage wider than 10mm, this will cause an MOT to fail, as will any damage larger than 40mm in the whole of the swept area. Check your windows and mirrors for damage and have them repaired or replaced as appropriate. Also, ensure that windscreen wipers don’t have any tears or holes so that they can still function effectively in ensuring that your drivers can see in adverse weather conditions. Fuel Tank Your fuel tank should be filled sufficiently. If your fuel tank isn’t full, the air above the fuel might condense and store moisture inside the tank over lockdown, which could cause rusting. Make sure you get your fuel tanks checked and cleaned if this is the case before you send your fleet out after lockdown ends.

For more information on How To Check Your Fleet Is Still Roadworthy talk to Fueltek Ltd