Frequently Asked Questions

As an owner / operator we understand the importance of keeping a vehicle roadworthy at all times. That is, not to alter the vehicle construction inappropriately, and to meet road safety, environmental and operating standards as required by the law in the UK.

That’s why when you choose Mick Foden Commercials Limited, we have all the necessary tools and a trained team available to come to your location 7 days a week.

All our team have at least 10 years’ experience each as mechanics, with specialist knowledge of HGV’s including but not limited to; Renault, Volvo and DAF. From asphalt tippers and bin lorries to horse boxes and trailers, no HGV is off limits.

Yes, but this is limited to Diagnostic work (using JALTEST software), brakes, and MOT preparation and vehicle presentation. Unfortunately, we are unable to complete specialist works that require a ramp to access the vehicle engine bay or underside.

No. Unfortunately, we are unable to service and maintain cars.

In the event that we service and maintain your vehicle(s) on an ongoing basis, we will issue a maintenance contract that is approved by the Office of the Traffic commissioner. This is an agreement between the vehicle operator and ourselves to complete safety inspections and/or repair of vehicles and trailers subject to operator licensing.

To view our price list, please follow the link.

To diagnose, pin point and resolve EML (Engine Management Light) faults we use JALTEST software. This software has been developed with vehicle manufacturers across the globe, and with it, we can identify the exact cause of the fault on your vehicle before resolving it in a timely and cost-effective manner.

A vehicle safety inspection forms part of the overall maintenance plan of a vehicle. They assess the safety critical items and other items to ensure that the vehicle and or trailer remain roadworthy. The intervals between these safety inspections are based on the age of the vehicle, manufacturer recommendations, vehicle usage and load(s), the terrain it operates in, distance travelled and vehicle speed. For HGV’s this is often every 6 weeks and for trailers every 12 weeks.

Our chosen provider is R2C. This enables our mechanics to complete an electronic report as the vehicle is inspected, which once completed, is saved to your account. A copy is then sent via email. Your account also gives you 24/7 access to any and all vehicle safety inspection reports that we complete on your behalf.

All our vehicle safety inspections are completed using a VC60 check list on R2C. The whole vehicle is checked both inside and out in the following sections; Inside Cab, Cab Exterior, Engine Compartment, Tyres, Under / Alongside Vehicle, Brakes, Brake Performance (if requested), Speed Limiter Requirements, Tachograph and Tyre Pressure / Thread depths.

Any defects, actions to resolve them and recommendations will be completed as part of a vehicle safety inspection.

For a trailer we use a TC60 check list on R2C. The whole trailer is checked both inside and out in the following sections; Under / Alongside Trailer, Steering, Tyres, Brakes, Markings and Lamps, Brakes, Brake Performance (if requested) and Tyre Pressure / Tread depths.

Any defects, actions to resolve them and recommendations will be completed as part of a trailer safety inspection.

All operators are required to keep vehicle safety inspection records for at least 15 months for all vehicles. This includes vehicles that have been removed from the operator licence or have been sold or otherwise disposed of.

As certain HGV professions don’t require operators to have periodic pre-set safety inspections, we recommend that a quarterly vehicle health check is completed to monitor wear and tear on the vehicle. When completing this task, we will check the whole vehicle both inside and out. Any defects, actions to resolve them and recommendations will be completed. as part of a vehicle health check.

Being able to complete visual checks, access vehicle compartments and perform works is important to make decisive decisions to get vehicles back on the road and for the assessor to pass the vehicle at MOT. That’s why the first thing we do is make sure that the vehicle is clean.

To complete a thorough check of a vehicle, we will need it off the road a few days before the test date. By doing this it gives time to complete works to a high standard and to order any parts overnight. We are then able to your vehicle to the test centre before returning it to you.

An MOT can be carried out up to one month, minus a day, prior to the expiry date of your existing MOT certificate. The expiry date of the MOT would remain the same.

Yes. We are also able to organise and take vehicles for brake and smoke tests. Both of which are a vital part of ensuring your vehicle(s) is fuel efficient and satisfies exhaust emission legislation.