Archived decisions

ADDITIONAL SERVICING ACTIVITIES

Vauxhall Astra 12 Monthly Service

Replace Pollen Filter Annually

Pollen filters are replaced annually due to the fact that they

tend to deteriorate over time as well as on mileage/vehicle

use.

Replace Air Filter Annually

Air filters are replaced at annual service to ensure optimum

engine performance and efficiency

Replace Fuel Filter Annually

Fuel filters are also replaced for the reasons above.

Remove Brake Drums Clean & Inspect Brakes Annually

Brake drums are removed so that brake linings and components can be thoroughly cleaned and inspected for wear, damage or failure. It is considered imperative that this operation is carried out as many HFRS Astra vans are "Blue Light" vehicles and so must be maintained to a higher standard than the average car or van. Special attention being paid to fundamentals such as brakes and steering systems is not negotiable.

Exhaust Gas Emission Test Annually

An exhaust gas emission test is carried out to not only to ensure that HFRS vehicles meet current legislation but also to satisfy environmental issues and protect the professional corporate image of the service. For example, a badged and liveried vehicle travelling on the public highway producing visibly, excessive exhaust emissions would not only be detrimental to the environment but also to the public image of HFRS.

Factors which do not appear to have been taken into consideration in this comparison would include: maintenance and checking of visual/audible warning systems and equipment such as blue lights and 2-tone horn compressors etc.

Vauxhall Brava 12 Monthly Service

Replace Air Filter Annually

Air filters are replaced at annual service to ensure optimum

engine performance and efficiency.

Replace Fuel Filter Annually

Fuel filters are also replaced for the reasons above.

Remove Brake Drums Clean & Inspect Brakes Annually

Brake drums are removed so that brake linings and components can be thoroughly cleaned and inspected for wear, damage or failure. It is considered imperative that this operation is carried out as many HFRS Vauxhall Bravas are "Blue Light" vehicles and so must be maintained to a higher standard than the average car or van with special attention being paid to fundamentals such as brakes and steering systems.

Exhaust Gas Emission Test Annually

An exhaust gas emission test is carried out to not only to ensure that HFRS vehicles meet current legislation but also to satisfy environmental issues and protect the professional corporate image of the service. For example, a badged and liveried vehicle travelling on the public highway producing, visibly, excessive exhaust emissions would not only be detrimental to the environment but also to the public image of HFRS.

Ford Transit 12 Monthly Service

Remove Brake Drums Clean & Inspect Brakes Annually

Brake drums are removed so that brake linings and components can be thoroughly cleaned and inspected for wear, damage or failure. It is considered imperative that this operation is carried out as many HFRS Ford Transits are "Blue Light" vehicles and so must be maintained to a higher standard than the average car or van with special attention being paid to fundamentals such as brakes and steering systems.

Volvo FL10 ALP (6x4)

Steam Clean Of Chassis, Engine Bay And Test Drive.

The carrying out of this process is no different than would be applied to any other commercial vehicle at the time of its annual MOT test. This is because any vehicle presented to VOSA for test must be in a clean condition to enable a thorough inspection to be carried out. Whilst HFRS appliances are exempt from MOT test, the annual service must be carried out to a standard that is equal to and, in some areas, exceeds those required by VOSA.

The test drive element of the process is required so that any driving faults can be identified prior to service and to dry out brake components after pressure washing of chassis.

Remove Brake Drums, Check And Clean Components.

Required so that thorough inspection of all elements of the vehicle foundation brakes can be carried out. The inspection aperture provided in the brake back plates allow only for a small area of brake friction material to be assessed for wear, no other brake components can be inspected via this aperture so a full inspection does require the removal of brake drums. Consideration must also be given to the fact that these vehicles are loaded to their maximum weight all of the time, add to this that they respond to incidents under "blue light" conditions, the fact that the vehicle braking system must be maintained to the highest standards cannot be ignored.

Adjust Valve Gear / Tappets

This activity is not carried out annually, it is required either bi-annually or on mileage covered, in line with manufacturers recommendations.

Valve gear and tappets require regular adjustment to ensure optimum performance and reduced wear of engine components.

Replace Air Dryer Cartridge Or Element

The air dryer removes moisture and contaminants from the air provided to operate the vehicle brakes and some, air operated, auxiliary systems. Maintenance of this item ensures optimum performance of systems and enhances the longevity and reliability of system components.

Replace Engine Air Filter

This item is replaced annually to make certain that peak engine performance is maintained and exhaust gas emissions are kept to an absolute minimum.

Volvo FL7 WrC/FoT

Please see above as Volvo FL10 ALP has, basically, the same mechanical/chassis layout and maintenance requirements.

Volvo FL6 & FL6H

Steam Clean Of Chassis, Engine Bay And Test Drive.

The test drive element of the process is required so that any driving faults can be identified prior to service and to dry out brake components after pressure washing of chassis.

Remove Brake Drums, Check And Clean Components.

(Does not apply to FL6H as this model is fitted with disc brakes)

Adjust Valve Gear / Tappets

This activity is not carried out annually, it is required either bi-annually or on mileage covered, in line with manufacturers recommendations.

Valve gear and tappets require regular adjustment to ensure optimum performance and reduced wear of engine components.

Replace Air Dryer Cartridge or Element

Replace Engine Air Filter

This item is replaced annually to make certain that peak engine performance is maintained and exhaust gas emissions are kept to an absolute minimum.

Land Rover 12 Monthly Service

Test Engine Coolant/Anti-Freeze Concentration

It is very important that the condition of the engine coolant is monitored and maintained so that the engine cooling system works efficiently and reliability is not compromised in any way.

Consideration must be given to the fact that whilst these vehicles do not cover the mileages that are given in the Land Rover recommendations, they are frequently left stationary at an incident with the engine idling and are used in dusty conditions. Both of which could promote premature failure of the cooling system through "silting" and radiator blockage if HFRS maintenance procedures were not adhered to.

Check Gearbox and Axle Oil Levels At Every Service

This item is included on the Land Rover service schedule at 12000 miles or 12 months, so is not an HFRS "extra".

Check Engine and Transmission Mounts At Every Service

These items require attention as part of the annual service and safety inspection.

When considering all of the above, it should be noted that Land Rover state the following on their service forms:

"The maintenance items listed, are those recommended for vehicles operating under normal driving, road and climatic conditions. More attention may be necessary if the vehicle is subject to stop/start operation, extremes of temperature, dusty conditions, off road driving or frequent towing of trailers."

Land Rovers operated by HFRS fall into majority of these categories and so require maintaining accordingly.

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