If you work in the logistics industry and operate heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), you'll know that maintaining these vehicles and ensuring their roadworthiness is critical. HGVs require regular inspections, including MOT testing, to verify that they meet safety and environmental standards. Class 7 MOT bays are specifically designed for LVCs. In this blog post, we explore what class 7 MOT bays entail, the garage equipment needed, and why it's crucial to keep these vehicles roadworthy.

Class 7 MOT Bays: What They Are and What They Entail

Class 7 MOT bays are dedicated testing areas for LCVs that require MOT testing. These vehicles are classified as Category N2 under European regulations, covering goods vehicles with a gross weight between 3,000kg and 3,500kg. Class 7 MOT testing bays are equipped with specialised garage equipment that accommodates the size and weight of these vehicles.

As with other classes of MOT bays, Class 7 MOT bays require specific equipment to perform the necessary checks. Here are some essential pieces of equipment for Class 7 MOT bays:

1. Brake Tester: LCVs require specialised brake testing equipment that can test the parking brakes. These tests evaluate the vehicle's stopping ability and ensure that the braking system meets safety standards.
2. Emissions Analyser: The emissions equipment used in Class 7 MOT bays tests the smoke density from diesel vehicles and the gas values from petrol vehicles and ensures that the vehicles are meeting environmental standards.
3. Headlamp Beam Tester: This MOT equipment checks the installation and alignment of a vehicle's headlamps to ensure they are providing proper light distribution and are not misaligned, which can pose a safety risk.
4. Lifting Equipment: LCVs are much larger than cars, making lifting and accessing the underside of these vehicles challenging. Specialised lifting equipment such as hydraulic lifts is used to raise these vehicles to access the underside for testing.

HGV Pre-Testing and Why it's Important

Before an HGV undergoes MOT testing, it requires pre-testing. Pre-testing ensures that the vehicle is roadworthy, improving the chances of it passing the final MOT test. Pre-testing usually involves checks of the following components:

1. Brakes: The braking system is checked for wear, leaks, or any defects that could impact the brakes' performance. This is crucial for ensuring safe vehicle operation on the road.
2. Steering and Suspension: The steering and suspension systems are checked for wear, play, and defects that could affect vehicle stability and control. This test is vital to ensure the safety of the driver and other road users.
3. Lights and Signals: The lighting and signalling systems are checked for alignment, functionality, and compatibility with regulations, ensuring proper visibility and driver signalling.
4. Tyres: The tires are checked for condition, tread depth, and alignment, ensuring they meet safety regulations and are not worn in a way that would affect the vehicle's handling or safety.

Adhering to regulations and maintaining HGVs in optimal condition is crucial to ensuring the safety of drivers and other road users. Non-compliance with laws and regulations can result in fines, penalties, or even criminal charges if non-compliance results in accidents or injuries.

In conclusion, Class 7 MOT bays are specialised testing areas for LCVs that require MOT testing. Equipment such as brake testers, emissions analysers, headlamp beam testers, and lifting equipment are needed to ensure these tests can be performed accurately. Pre-testing and regular maintenance checks are crucial for ensuring that HGVs are roadworthy and compliant with the law, enabling safe vehicle operation on the road. By prioritising compliance, road safety, and regular maintenance, everyone can stay safe on our roads.

JHM BUTT & Co Ltd have been supplying MOT equipment and installing MOT bays and pits for over 50 years. We hold an impressive portfolio of installations across the country and pride ourselves on the service and quality of equipment we supply.

For any information about commercial MOT bays/pits and equipment needed please contact YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP!