Ensuring compliance with driving regulations and maintaining road safety are paramount in the commercial transport industry. Tachographs play a crucial role in monitoring drivers’ hours, speed, and distance travelled.
This guide from the team here at Transcare delves into the significance of tachographs, the necessity of regular tachograph calibration, and the importance of prompt tachograph repairs.
Understanding Tachographs
A tachograph is a device installed in commercial vehicles to record driving time, speed, and distance. They are mandatory for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, including trucks and lorries, to ensure adherence to regulations governing drivers’ working hours. There are two types:
- Analogue Tachographs: Utilise paper charts to log data. Drivers must manually replace these charts and maintain records.
- Digital Tachographs: Store data electronically on a driver’s smart card, offering more precise and easily accessible information.
The Importance of Tachograph Calibration
Regular tachograph calibration is essential to ensure the accuracy of recorded data. Calibration involves adjusting the device to reflect precise measurements of speed, distance, and time. This process is vital because:
- Legal Compliance: UK law mandates that analogue tachographs be inspected every two years and recalibrated every six years. Digital tachographs require recalibration every two years, after significant repairs, tyre size alterations, or registration changes.
- Accurate Data Recording: Proper calibration ensures that driving hours and rest periods are logged correctly, aiding in compliance with drivers’ hours regulations.
- Avoidance of Penalties: Inaccurate recordings due to miscalibration can lead to legal penalties and fines.
Tachograph Repairs and Maintenance
Ensuring that tachographs are functioning correctly is crucial for both compliance and safety. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are necessary to address any malfunctions. Incorporate tachograph checks into your vehicle’s Preventative Maintenance Inspection (PMI) schedule to identify and rectify issues early.
Make sure you utilise DVSA-approved centres for tachograph repairs to ensure adherence to legal standards and address any faults promptly to maintain accurate data recording and compliance.
Transcare’s Expertise in Tachograph Services
With over 25 years of experience in fleet management, Transcare offers comprehensive tachograph services, including installation, calibration, and repairs. Our DVSA-approved tachograph centre in Derbyshire is equipped to handle both analogue and digital tachographs, ensuring your fleet remains compliant and operational.
Proper management of tachographs through regular calibration and maintenance is vital for legal compliance and road safety. Partnering with experienced providers like Transcare ensures that your fleet operates efficiently and within the law.
For expert tachograph calibration and repair services, contact us today to find out how we can help.
