A tachograph is an instrument installed into commercial vehicles to record the speed and distance travelled as well as rest and driving times. These devices are essential for ensuring a driver complies with legal driving regulations, which will be checked during a vehicle’s Preventative Maintenance Inspection (PMI).
Commercial vehicles may have one of two tachographs, a digital or analogue tachograph. In this quick guide, we will run through the differences between digital tachographs and analogue tachographs.
Analogue Tachographs
Analogue tachographs were the standard tachograph that was installed into vehicles until twenty years ago, but they are being phased out. In 2006, the UK changed its regulations, mandating that all new commercial vehicles must be fitted with a digital tachograph.
Analogue tachographs use wax-coated paper discs to record driving information, with activity being mechanically etched onto the disc. The disc must then be physically removed from the vehicle to retrieve the information for analysis, making it a more time-consuming process.
Pros:
- Cost: Analogue tachograph installation is cost-effective, and ongoing maintenance costs are also lower than digital systems.
- Ease of Use: Their simple method requires little expertise to operate, making them easy for truck drivers to use.
Cons:
- Data Analysis: Conducting manual analysis can be tedious and is frequently more susceptible to errors, particularly when preparing for audits or compliance inspections.
- Tampering Risks: The mechanical nature of analogue tachographs puts them at a greater risk for tampering, posing a risk of compliance breaches.
Digital Tachographs
Digital tachographs have become the new industry standard, using digital data storage and management. Driving information is stored on a smart card, which can be downloaded for analysis. These devices ensure compliance with driving time regulations by recording data such as speed, distance, and rest periods in a precise and tamper-proof manner.
Pros:
- Data Downloads: Driving information is much simpler and quicker to retrieve as it can be easily downloaded.
- Long-Term Savings: Although initial installation costs for digital tachographs tend to be higher, modern data management is more reliable and leads to long-term savings.
- Reduced Tampering Risks: The high level of encryption makes digital tachographs more secure and less susceptible to tampering risks.
Cons:
- Training: Although the system is straightforward, truck drivers require initial training to be instructed on how to operate the system.
Analogue and Digital Tachograph Services at Transcare
At Transcare, we understand the importance of having a properly installed and calibrated tachograph for legal compliance with UK regulations. For analogue tachographs, inspections should be scheduled every two years and recalibrated every six years, whilst digital tachographs must be recalibrated every two years or sooner in some circumstances.
Whether your commercial vehicle or fleet is fitted with an analogue or digital tachograph or requires a new one to be installed, our tachograph installation, calibration, repairs and servicing ensure your vehicle is compliant and safe.
To schedule one of our tachograph or vehicle maintenance services, get in touch with our friendly staff today.