If you’re providing MOTs on a regular basis, you need to make sure your testing equipment is on top form at all times. Here, JHM Butt offers its advice on equipment maintenance.
Maintaining MOT equipment is crucial for any garage that wants to remain compliant, promote safety, and ensure customer satisfaction. In this post, we’ll go over some key strategies and practical tips for MOT testing stations to get the most out of their MOT equipment.
Start with the right equipment
The first step in successfully maintaining MOT equipment is to invest in high-quality and reliable equipment in the first instance from reputable suppliers like JHM Butt To carry out MOTs in the UK, the make and model of equipment you choose must be on the DVSA list of approved equipment.
Scheduled maintenance
Carrying out regular maintenance is essential to prolonging the life of your MOT equipment. JHM Butt recommends creating and adhering to a maintenance schedule that aligns with the manufacturer’s recommendations for each piece of equipment. Keep a log of all maintenance activities, including dates, actions taken and any repairs or parts replacements.
Cleanliness is key
Keeping MOT equipment clean is not just about aesthetics; dust, dirt, and grease can lead to equipment malfunction or inaccurate readings. Clean equipment after each use and deep-clean regularly to prevent buildup in hard-to-reach areas. Pay extra attention to sensitive components like sensors and electrical connections.
Train your team
Ensure all staff members who operate or maintain the MOT equipment are fully trained and informed about best practices. Regular training sessions can keep everyone up to date on new equipment features, potential issues, and proper handling procedures to avoid accidental damage.
Inspect equipment regularly
Perform routine visual inspections of all MOT equipment. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as frayed cables, loose connections, or leaks in hydraulic systems. Early detection of these issues can prevent larger problems and costly downtimes.
Calibration is crucial
Ensure that all equipment is calibrated according to the manufacturer’s specifications at the recommended intervals. This includes brake testers, head beam testers, and emission analysers. Proper calibration is critical for providing accurate readings and meeting the DVSA standards.
Here is our recommendation for how regularly you should calibrate your MOT station’s kit:
Decelerometers: Every 12 months
Headlamp Testers: At least every 6 months
Brake testers: Every 6 months
Emissions testers: Every 3, 6, or 12 months, depending on the type
We’d like to mention that JHM Butt can provide comprehensive calibration and servicing nationwide. Feel free to get in touch to keep your MOT Station performing to the highest quality.
For computerised equipment, regularly check for and apply software updates. Updates can fix bugs, improve functionality, and protect against vulnerabilities. They are as vital to the performance and longevity of your equipment as any mechanical maintenance task.
Implement a response plan
Even with the best maintenance, equipment can fail. Have a response plan in place for dealing with breakdowns. This should include who to contact, how to access repair manuals, and how to source parts quickly. A rapid response can minimise disruption to your operation. JHM Butt has a breakdown service nationwide.
Replacement parts
Always use replacement parts that meet or exceed the original manufacturer’s specifications. This ensures compatibility and the continued smooth operation of the equipment. Substandard parts can cause failures and may violate compliance with MOT standards.
JHM Butt has a spare parts team and are one of the biggest sellers of spare parts in the UK. With their expert team, they can source your spare parts within minutes.
Budget accordingly
Set aside a yearly budget for equipment maintenance and repairs. This helps avoid cutting corners, which can lead to more costly issues in the long run. Consider the maintenance cost as a necessary investment in your business’s future.
Preventative measures
Implement preventative measures to avoid unnecessary equipment strain. For example, don’t exceed the weight limits on lifts and avoid using brake testers on vehicles with known issues that could damage the rollers or sensors.
User tips and tricks
- Before testing brakes, check that the vehicle’s tyres are properly inflated and that there are no loose items in the vehicle that could affect the weight distribution.
- When not in use, cover sensitive equipment to protect it from dust and debris.
- Periodically verify the balance of brake testers to ensure they provide uniform readings across different vehicles.
- Seek Professional Help
- Don’t hesitate to bring in professionals for specialised maintenance or when an issue is beyond the scope of your team’s knowledge. Qualified technicians, especially those provided by your equipment supplier, can offer deep insights and expert repairs that preserve the integrity of your MOT equipment.
Engage with online resources and communities
Join forums or online communities dedicated to MOT equipment maintenance. Sharing experiences and solutions with other garage owners can provide new perspectives and solutions that you might not have considered.
Feedback loop
Finally, establish a feedback loop within your team. Encourage employees to report any issues they notice, no matter how small. This proactive approach can prevent potential problems early and is a sign of a well-run, responsive maintenance program.
By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure that your garage’s MOT equipment functions optimally, maintaining your reputation and your bottom line. Remember that consistently maintained equipment is less likely to fail, ensuring that your garage operations run smoothly and that your customers always receive the exceptional service they expect from a professional establishment like yours.
