Preventative Maintenance Inspections in Exeter.

Keeping your Preventative Maintenance Inspections up to date is not just a regulatory requirement but a best practice that benefits your business in multiple ways. It ensures legal compliance, enhances safety, reduces costs, extends vehicle lifespan, improves customer satisfaction, and supports effective record-keeping. As a transport manager, prioritizing PMIs is a strategic move that will keep your fleet running smoothly and your business thriving.

At our purpose built commercial vehicle workshops in Exeter, our highly trained technicians offer preventative maintenance inspections and roller brake testing for all HGV’s and trailers. All inspections and paperwork are DVSA compliant and recognized for the DVSA Earned Recognition scheme.

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Contact us today to set up a preventative maintenance contract tailored to your needs. Let us take the hassle out of fleet maintenance so you can focus on what you do best – running a successful transport business.

A Synchro Technician carrying out a preventative maintenance inspection

Preventative Maintenance Inspection FAQ’s

Please see the DVSA guidance below if you are unsure of how often your vehicle or trailer will need to be inspected to remain compliant or alternatively get in touch with us for an informal chat.
A. Lightly loaded vehicles– easy operating conditions 13–6 weeks
B. General haulage– trunking 10–5 weeks
C. Arduous work– constant heavy loads 8–4 weeks
D. Off road– difficult conditions 4 weeks
E. Vehicle 12 years or older 6 weeks

A DVSA compliant HGV preventative maintenance inspection (PMI) involves a thorough check to ensure the vehicle is safe and roadworthy. Here are some key areas that are typically inspected:


Braking System: Checking for wear and tear, leaks, and ensuring the brakes are functioning correctly.


Steering and Suspension: Inspecting for any damage or excessive wear that could affect vehicle control.


Lights and Reflectors: Ensuring all lights and reflectors are operational and correctly positioned.


Tyres and Wheels: Checking tyre tread depth, pressure and overall condition, as well as wheel alignment.


Bodywork and Chassis: Looking for any signs of damage, corrosion, or other issues that could compromise safety.


Exhaust System: Ensuring there are no leaks and that the system is securely mounted.


Mirrors and Glass: Checking for cracks, chips and ensuring all mirrors are correctly adjusted.


Load Security: Ensuring that any loads are properly secured and that the vehicle is not overloaded.


Fluid Levels: Checking oil, coolant, brake fluid, and other essential fluids.


Documentation: Ensuring all necessary documentation, such as inspection records and maintenance logs, are up to date.


Regular PMIs help maintain the vehicle’s safety and compliance with legal requirements. If you have any specific concerns or need more detailed information, feel free to ask!

A Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) or Public Service Vehicle (PSV) preventative maintenance inspection typically takes around 2 hours to complete, depending on the vehicle’s condition and the thoroughness of the inspection. These inspections are crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of the vehicle, regular inspections help identify potential issues early, preventing costly repairs and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

DVSA Guide to maintaining roadworthiness