Commercial Vehicle Brake Testing
Commercial Vehicle Brake Testing
Professional commercial vehicle brake testing for HGVs, vans and trailers
Professional Brake Testing for Commercial Vehicles and Trailers
Your braking system is one of the most critical safety components on any commercial vehicle. Effective brakes don't just protect your drivers—they protect other road users, your Operator Licence and the reputation of your business.
At PLB, we provide professional commercial vehicle brake testing for HGVs, vans, trailers and specialist commercial vehicles using advanced brake testing equipment designed to accurately measure braking performance and identify faults before they become serious safety issues.
Whether you're preparing for an MOT, carrying out a Preventative Maintenance Inspection (PMI), investigating a braking concern or managing a commercial fleet, our brake testing service gives you confidence that your vehicles are operating safely and efficiently.
Why Brake Testing Matters
Commercial vehicles operate under demanding conditions, carrying heavy loads and travelling thousands of miles every year.
Over time, normal wear and tear can reduce braking performance, often without obvious signs to the driver.
Regular brake testing helps identify issues before they develop into expensive repairs or lead to MOT failures, roadside prohibitions or dangerous situations.
Routine brake testing helps:
• Improve vehicle safety
• Maintain DVSA compliance
• Reduce the risk of brake failures
• Identify uneven braking performance
• Prevent costly repairs
• Support MOT preparation
• Keep vehicles operating safely and legally
Accurate Brake Performance Testing
Both workshops are equipped with professional commercial vehicle brake testing equipment capable of accurately measuring braking performance across a wide range of commercial vehicles.
Unlike a simple visual inspection, brake testing provides measurable data on how effectively your braking system is performing, allowing our technicians to identify problems that may not otherwise be detected.
Testing can identify issues including:
• Uneven braking
• Brake imbalance
• Reduced braking efficiency
• Binding brakes
• Worn brake components
• Air brake faults
• Trailer braking issues
• Brake system defects affecting MOT compliance
Fully Loaded Trailer Brake Testing – Up to 20 Tonnes
One of our specialist capabilities is fully loaded trailer brake testing.
Our workshop is equipped with a 20-tonne loaded trailer brake tester, allowing us to accurately assess braking performance under realistic operating conditions.
Testing trailers under load provides a far more accurate assessment of braking efficiency than unloaded testing alone and helps ensure braking systems perform correctly when your vehicles are working in the real world.
This service is particularly valuable for fleet operators, haulage companies and businesses operating heavy trailers where braking performance is critical to both safety and compliance.
One of Cornwall's Few Workshops Offering Fully Loaded Trailer Brake Testing
Our specialist brake testing equipment allows us to carry out fully loaded trailer brake testing up to 20 tonnes, providing a more accurate assessment of trailer braking performance under real operating conditions. This service is invaluable for fleet operators, haulage companies and businesses operating heavy trailers where braking efficiency and compliance are critical.
Brake Testing as Part of Planned Fleet Maintenance
Brake testing shouldn't only be carried out when a problem develops.
Many of our fleet customers include brake testing as part of their planned maintenance programme alongside:
• Preventative Maintenance Inspections (PMIs)
• Routine servicing
• MOT preparation
• Vehicle health checks
• Safety inspections
By monitoring braking performance throughout the year, potential issues can be identified and corrected before they lead to costly failures or unnecessary vehicle downtime.
Our Brake Testing Process
Every brake test follows a structured process designed to provide accurate results and clear recommendations.
Initial Inspection
Before testing begins, our technicians carry out a visual inspection of the braking system, checking for obvious wear, damage or defects.
Brake Performance Testing
Using our specialist brake testing equipment, we accurately measure braking performance and compare the results against the required standards.
Where applicable, we also carry out fully loaded trailer brake testing to assess braking efficiency under operational load conditions.
Fault Diagnosis
If any issues are identified, our experienced technicians investigate the underlying cause.
This may involve checking:
• Brake discs and drums
• Brake pads and linings
• Air brake systems
• Brake chambers
• ABS and EBS systems
• Wheel bearings
• Suspension components
• Brake balance across axles
Our advanced diagnostic equipment can also identify electronic faults affecting modern braking systems.
Repairs and Retesting
Once any faults have been identified, we'll explain exactly what needs attention and provide a clear quotation before any work begins.
Following repairs, we'll retest the braking system to confirm everything is operating correctly before the vehicle returns to service.
Protecting Your Drivers, Your Vehicles and Your Business
A braking issue doesn't simply affect one vehicle—it can impact your entire operation.
Regular brake testing helps:
• Keep drivers safe
• Protect your Operator Licence
• Reduce the risk of roadside prohibitions
• Support MOT compliance
• Minimise unexpected breakdowns
• Reduce vehicle downtime
• Protect other road users
• Give fleet managers complete confidence in vehicle safety
When it comes to commercial vehicle safety, confidence starts with knowing your braking systems are performing exactly as they should.
Book Your Commercial Vehicle Brake Test
Whether you require routine brake testing, fully loaded trailer brake testing, MOT preparation or brake fault diagnosis, PLB has the specialist equipment, experienced technicians and workshop facilities to keep your vehicles operating safely and compliantly.
Book your commercial vehicle brake test today and ensure your fleet remains safe, compliant and ready for the road.
Contact Details
Unit 2 Winfield Park, Mitchell, Newquay, United Kingdom