HCV CVRT - How to Maintain Roadworthiness
The Argent team helps to protect Ireland's road users every day through the wide range of commercial vehicle testing services we offer from our Dublin workshops. When we're not focused on the practical side of our business, we're creating blogs like this one that serve to educate readers on how to stay safe.
In this one, we look at what drivers can do to maintain the roadworthiness of their vehicle, making the whole LCV CVRT or HCV CVRT process much easier each year. So, let's get started.
The Importance of Being Vigilant
As an operator of a heavy goods, light goods or passenger-carrying vehicle, remaining vigilant is a key part of roadworthiness. Failure to comply with the rules can put the general public at risk and result in serious consequences, such as accidents, prosecution and fines.
The first line of defence in this regard is the daily walkaround check, which should be carried out on any vehicle/trailer before going out on the road. Those carrying out these checks should be suitably trained in how to identify faults that render a vehicle/trailer unsafe. It verifies that visible elements are in good condition.
Other important checks include:
Regular full safety inspections - Conducted at set intervals (e.g., weekly, monthly, or as determined by company policy or regulatory requirements), these inspections go into greater detail, checking the engine, transmission, exhaust system, steering, suspension, electrical systems, and undercarriage.
Intermediate safety checks - If a vehicle is used over hilly or uneven ground (such as on a building site), it's sometimes necessary to carry out intermediate safety checks. These checks verify that no components, such as steering or suspension, have become damaged. This is not a full safety inspection.
You also need to have a reporting system that documents not only discovered defects that may affect the vehicle's roadworthiness but also the fact that they've been carried out.
Keeping 'Nil Defect' reports is necessary in order to demonstrate compliance, and when defects are discovered, these reports must be given to a person with sufficient authority to ensure that the necessary action is taken - which may include taking the vehicle off the road.
Keeping Your Vehicle Roadworthy Requires a Consistent Approach
When you use a methodical, structured approach to vehicle maintenance, HCV CVRT, LCV CVRT, bus testing, and truck and trailer testing have a much higher chance of going smoothly. The process is an essential part of operating a professional fleet and also serves to keep all drivers on Ireland's roads safer.
If you'd like to know more about the work Argent Equipment does every day in commercial vehicle testing of all kinds, visit us today at www.argent.ie. Alternatively, to speak to our team about anything else, give us a call on 01 572 6500, and we'll do everything we can to help.