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Stricter pre-delivery check service
Page 55
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• New goods vehicles will be checked for faults under a new service announced by the Freight Transport Association. This follows a survey carried out by the Association, which showed that suppliers' pre-delivery inspections on new vehicles were not good enough. The 90 vehicles covered by the survey had an average of six faults per vehicle — one vehicle had 25 faults. Only three vehicles had no faults whatsoever.
Under the new FTA service new goods vehicles will be given a thorough inspection and road test. Where possible the checks will be carried out before the vehicle leaves the suppliers' premises. Where desired the Association will follow up the first inspection with a further road test after the first 1000/2000 miles. In the second test a check will be made also to ensure that faults noted at the initial inspection have been rectified. The cost of the inspections ranges from £7.75 to £15.75 depending on the size of vehicle and whether or not the second visit is required. Special rates apply to those using the standard ETA inspection service. Results of the inspections will be logged under some 200 areas of fault. The resulting statistics will then be summarized by make and type for presentation at the Association's regular manufacturer liaison meetings. Information will also be published generally as appropriate.
Although many of the faults found in the pilot survey were in themselves simple, they were of a nature that could result in a major failure in a comparatively short time if left untouched. Loose nuts and bolts, chaffing pipes and fouling operating rods were all noted. Additionally, many vehicles were low on engine or gear box oil, and had incorrect tyre pressures.