In the road haulage sector, vehicle maintenance is a fundamental aspect in guaranteeing safety, efficiency and compliance with regulations. A vehicle in optimal condition reduces the risk of breakdowns, improves fuel consumption, and ensures adherence to environmental standards. In this article, we will delve into the importance of maintenance, the regulations to comply with, and the best tips to keep vehicles in top working order.
In the haulage industry, maintenance is not just a legal obligation but a genuine strategic investment. A well-maintained vehicle ensures greater safety for drivers and road users, significantly reducing the risk of accidents caused by mechanical failures. But it’s not just about safety: maintaining an efficient fleet helps avoid costly downtime, lowers expenses related to emergency repairs and extends the lifespan of vehicles.
Moreover, complying with scheduled maintenance and inspection deadlines enables companies to operate fully within legal parameters, avoiding fines and maintaining high quality standards.
A good maintenance programme must include compliance with mandatory periodic inspections. These checks are among the primary tools to assess the condition of vehicles and ensure they consistently meet safety standards.
In Italy and across Europe, the inspection of heavy goods vehicles is governed by precise regulations aimed at ensuring road safety and the proper functioning of vehicles. According to the Italian Highway Code (Art. 80 D.Lgs. 285/1992), vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes must undergo inspection every year.
The main checks include:
Haulage companies must ensure their vehicles meet these parameters to avoid penalties and ensure the safety of drivers and road users.
In addition to road safety and technical compliance, another essential factor is environmental impact. Increasingly stringent European regulations set strict limits on harmful substances such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons (HC), and particulate matter (PM), which are major contributors to air pollution and health risks.
To meet these standards — from Euro 5 to the current Euro 6 and the upcoming Euro 7 — attentive and regular maintenance is essential. Work on particulate filters, exhaust gas recirculation systems, and injectors plays a vital role in controlling emissions.
Effective vehicle maintenance is no accident: it requires planning, attention to detail and a proactive approach. In a sector where vehicle reliability makes all the difference, following a few best practices can prevent most technical issues and optimise medium-to-long-term operating costs.
It is crucial to regularly monitor wear-prone components such as brakes, tyres, lights, and suspension systems. Keeping an eye on oil and coolant levels helps preserve the engine and prevent serious damage. Cleaning air and fuel filters is also essential to ensure efficient performance and low fuel consumption.
In addition to technical interventions, it’s wise to adopt a digital maintenance management system. This allows scheduling of servicing and inspections, avoids oversights, and creates a useful service history for predictive analysis.
Investing in preventive maintenance means avoiding unexpected breakdowns, increasing road safety, and contributing to fleet longevity.
Mesaroli stands out in the road haulage sector for its focus and care in vehicle maintenance, as well as continuous investment in innovative technologies and low-emission vehicles to reduce waste and optimise fuel consumption.
Our multi-brand workshop, authorised for Schmitz trailer repairs, is a reference point for both routine and extraordinary maintenance.
Each vehicle returning to our facilities undergoes a thorough assessment with a dynamic acceptance process, including detailed checks on tractors, lorries and trailers. The vehicle is then tested on a brake and safety bench to evaluate system performance, allowing us to pinpoint any critical issues.
Based on the inspection results, work is assigned to our specialists: tyre fitters, mechanics, bodyworkers and metalworkers take care of every detail, ensuring quick and effective intervention.
Choosing Mesaroli means relying on a competent and dependable partner, capable of ensuring vehicles that are always safe, high-performing, and fully compliant with current regulations.
Would you like to learn more about our transport services? Contact us for further information.