In the UK, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has set guidelines to help fleet managers maintain safe and compliant fleets. According to the DVSA, trailers should undergo a quarterly roller brake test to ensure their brake systems function properly.
An electronic brake performance monitoring system (EBPMS) assists fleet managers in this task by ensuring the safety and reliability of the electronic braking systems (EBS) in their trailers. In this article, we’ll cover how EBPMS accomplishes this and all of the other benefits these systems offer for commercial vehicle fleets.
An EBPMS is a tool designed to help fleet managers oversee and guarantee the optimal braking performance of their trailers. Specifically, the system continuously collects data from a trailer’s EBS, such as brake force, pressure, and temperature before then analysing this data to calculate the overall performance of the braking system.
An EBPMS captures data from a trailer’s EBS before, during, and after braking events. This data is then processed and transmitted to a centralised fleet management platform in real-time, allowing managers to monitor the condition and performance of their trailer brake systems.
If the brakes are underperforming, the EBPMS alerts the operator, prompting immediate action to correct any defects. In this way, with EBPMS, fleet managers can take a preventative approach to maintenance, compare performance data against established industry standards, and generate detailed reports for compliance purposes.
By optimising the braking performance of trailers, EBPMS ensures smoother and more efficient braking, which leads to significant fuel savings over time.
EBPMS helps to limit overall fleet costs by reducing the amount of time trailers spend out of service for maintenance. This is achieved through real-time monitoring and early detection of potential issues, allowing for timely interventions.
EBPMS assists fleets in meeting stringent safety and compliance standards. Continuous monitoring implies that the braking systems are always functioning correctly, ultimately reducing the risk of incidents while solidifying regulatory compliance.
EBPMS generates valuable fleet data which operators can use to enhance the efficiency of trailer management. This data provides insights into the performance and condition of braking systems, enabling more informed decision-making.
A faulty trailer braking system can lead to a range of long-term consequences, such as reduced fuel efficiency, wider, more costly vehicle damage, and increased safety risks for the driver and other road users. As such, regular maintenance of brakes is vital for extending the lifespan of a vehicle and preventing road accidents.
Roller brake tests provide valuable information in this area, enabling fleet managers to accurately measure a vehicle’s or trailer’s performance under varying conditions. However, while these tests are mandatory for compliance with DVSA guidelines and diagnosing mechanical issues, they are time-consuming and therefore pose a significant drawback for operators.
Importantly, with EBPMS, fleet managers can reduce the frequency of roller brake tests to just once a year as part of the annual MOT. The EBPMS monitors the braking system and notifies operators to any faults in the interim, ensuring ongoing safety and compliance.
At MICHELIN Connected Fleet, Our fleet management solutions integrate brake performance monitoring so that you can decrease downtime in order to reduce the associated maintenance costs. If you’re interested in reaping the benefits of EBPMS for your fleet, be sure to make an enquiry into our services today.