Why You Need Regular 12-Week HGV Checks

Jan 30

Driving an HGV isn't like driving a car, as trucks get put through gruelling work every day. They take long trips with heavy loads, along rough roads. It means that brakes, tyres, suspensions and all those other important parts wear out. It’s why HGV 12 Week Maintenance Inspections exist.

Rather than being just about staying on the right side of traffic laws in Ireland, they're also vital for safety, preventing fines and avoiding unnecessary breakdowns. When you manage a fleet, the need is multiplied many times, which is why HGV Maintenance needs to be scheduled regularly.

So, What Gets Checked During a 12-week Inspection

As the name suggests, HGV maintenance inspections are meant to be carried out every 12 weeks or so, in order to keep on top of all the important parts of your vehicle. When a mechanic carries one out, they go through the stuff that actually matters day-to-day. Here's what they look at:

Brakes – pads, discs, lines, air systems
Suspension – worn or damaged parts
Tyres – tread, pressure, obvious damage
Steering – response and general condition
Lights and electrics – everything works
Fluids – oil, coolant, brake and hydraulic fluids, leaks

They note anything that's slightly worn, but safety or compliance issues need fixing straight away. Minor stuff can wait, but the goal is to avoid something turning into a real problem on the road.

Why Doing Them on Time Matters

Heavy commercial vehicle maintenance isn't something you can put off. Small problems grow fast if you ignore them, so just having an annual check isn't enough for trucks that cover hundreds of miles a week. Transport managers also know they prevent money lost through unnecessary breakdowns.

For fleets, spacing inspections out helps, mainly because you don't want three trucks out at the same time. It kills your schedule. Keeping to a routine means your vehicles stay legal and safe, while also ensuring your trucks last longer.

Getting Your Trucks Checked With Argent

Your takeaway here should be that while 12-week checks aren't mandatory, they are a very good idea, as they're designed to save you time and trouble. At Argent, we fit around your schedule, whether you have one truck or a full fleet.

When your trucks are road-ready, you're that much less likely to be stuck dealing with breakdowns or wondering what's about to go wrong. Give Argent a call on 01 572 6500, and we’ll make sure you have one less worry to contend with.