HauliK blog

Fleet management guides for UK operators.

Plain-English guides on DVSA compliance, O-licence obligations, walkaround checks, defects and the practical side of running a UK fleet.

Showing 1–12 of 12 articles in Maintenance

Maintenance

HGV Brake Test Reports: How to Read Imbalance, Efficiency and Warning Signs

A printed pass can still contain warning signs. Learn how to interpret HGV brake efficiency, imbalance, axle results and changes over time.

7 min read29 Jul 2026
Maintenance

Managing an HGV Maintenance Provider Without Losing Control

Outsourcing inspections does not outsource operator responsibility. Use a contract-to-quality process to control your HGV maintenance provider.

5 min read28 Jul 2026
Maintenance

HGV Safety Inspection Intervals: Choosing and Reviewing the Right Frequency

Six weeks is not a universal answer. Select an HGV safety-inspection interval from risk and prove that it remains effective over time.

6 min read27 Jul 2026
Maintenance

Hired and Third-Party Trailers: Roadworthiness Checks Before Use

A hire agreement does not make a trailer roadworthy. Use this evidence, first-use and dispatch gate before accepting a third-party trailer.

6 min read24 Jul 2026
Maintenance

HGV Brake Performance Assessments: Laden Tests and Evidence

A brake-performance assessment is expected at every safety inspection. Learn when to use a laden roller test, alternatives and the evidence to retain.

6 min read23 Jul 2026
Maintenance

Emissions systems and AdBlue: staying road-legal as enforcement tightens

Emissions after-treatment is a compliance issue, not just a maintenance one. Here is why tampering is never worth it, and what to check and record instead.

3 min read19 Jul 2026
Maintenance

The April 2026 HGV inspection manual update: aligning your PMI defect grading

The DVSA inspection manual from 1 April 2026 refines how defects are defined and classified. Here is why that matters for your own PMI standards and what to update.

3 min read8 Jul 2026
Maintenance

Trailer coupling checks for HGV fleets: what the office should control

A practical guide to fifth-wheel, coupling and trailer-handover controls for HGV operators, including driver checks, yard routines and defect evidence.

6 min read28 Jun 2026
Maintenance

HGV tyre and wheel security checks: an office routine for operators

A practical HGV tyre and wheel-security routine for transport offices, covering daily checks, maintenance follow-up, wheel loss risk and the evidence worth keeping.

5 min read27 Jun 2026
Maintenance

Tail lift checks and LOLER records for haulage operators

Tail lifts need more than a quick visual glance. This guide explains daily checks, routine maintenance, LOLER thorough examinations and the records transport offices should keep.

5 min read24 Jun 2026
Maintenance

HGV maintenance planner: what small fleets should track

A practical guide to what small UK fleets should keep in a maintenance planner, including PMI dates, MOT, repairs, defects, VOR decisions and contractor paperwork.

2 min read14 Jun 2026
Maintenance

What is a periodic maintenance inspection (PMI) and how often is it required?

A PMI is a scheduled safety inspection that every O-licence holder must arrange for their vehicles. Here's what it covers, how often HGVs must be inspected, and what records operators must keep.

9 min read22 May 2026
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