Tachographs are a critical tool in ensuring that vehicles, particularly those used in commercial haulage, comply with legal regulations governing drivers’ working hours. A correctly functioning tachograph not only protects drivers but also ensures fleet managers meet the compliance standards set by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency). At the William Gilder Group’s workshop in Gloucestershire, we are a Stoneridge approved tachograph calibration centre, offering both digital and analogue tachograph services. With a long-standing heritage in haulage dating back to the 1980s, we combine tradition with modern technology to provide meticulous calibration services that guarantee legal compliance and vehicle efficiency.
Understanding Tachographs: Digital vs. Analogue
Tachographs record driving time, speed, and distance. They play a pivotal role in monitoring drivers’ hours to ensure compliance with road safety laws, which helps to prevent driver fatigue, reduce accidents, and promote safety across the haulage industry. There are two main types of tachographs: digital and analogue.
- Digital Tachographs: These are commonly found in newer vehicles and come in two types, the 1B and 1C models. They are integrated with modern telematics and offer a more sophisticated method of data recording and storage. Digital tachographs use smart cards for drivers to log in and track their activity.
- Analogue Tachographs: These older systems, still in use in some vehicles, record information on a paper chart. While the technology is simpler, analogue tachographs require regular calibration to remain accurate and compliant with regulations.
Whether you operate with digital or analogue tachographs, regular calibration is critical to ensure accuracy and legal compliance. At our Gloucestershire workshop, we are fully equipped to handle both types of tachograph systems with expert precision.
The Importance of Tachograph Calibration
Tachograph calibration is necessary to ensure that the data recorded is accurate. This data can include speed, distance, and driving time, all of which must be precisely measured to ensure compliance with both UK and EU regulations regarding driver working hours. An incorrectly calibrated tachograph can result in erroneous data, which may lead to fines, legal issues, and safety risks.
- Safety and Compliance: Accurate tachographs are critical to preventing driver fatigue, a major cause of accidents. Inaccurate readings could lead to a vehicle being on the road longer than allowed, potentially resulting in dangerous driving conditions.
- Legal Requirements: DVSA guidelines mandate regular tachograph calibration. Failing to comply with these requirements can result in fines, penalties, and your vehicle being taken off the road.
At William Gilder Group, we are committed to helping you maintain your vehicle fleet’s compliance with the law while ensuring the safety of your drivers and the public.
2-Year 1B Digital Tachograph Calibration
The 1B digital tachograph is one of the most widely used tachograph models in vehicles today. UK law requires that all digital tachographs are calibrated at least every two years, with checks carried out on the vehicle’s equipment to ensure the system is functioning correctly.
- What’s Involved: Our team of specialists will connect to the digital tachograph system to check its performance and ensure all settings are correct. This includes verifying the accuracy of the odometer, checking the internal clock, and making sure the system complies with DVSA standards.
- Benefits for Your Vehicle: Regular calibration ensures your tachograph remains legally compliant, which is critical for preventing costly penalties. Additionally, accurate recordings of speed, distance, and time allow for better fleet management and operational efficiency, ensuring your drivers adhere to legal limits and avoid potential fatigue-related incidents.
At our Gloucestershire workshop, we provide this service with precision, using Stoneridge-approved equipment to ensure the best results for your vehicle.
2-Year 1C Digital Tachograph Calibration
The 1C digital tachograph represents the latest in tachograph technology and is mandatory for vehicles registered after June 15, 2019. The 1C tachograph includes enhanced features such as GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) tracking and improved data security.
- What’s Involved: Like the 1B model, the 1C digital tachograph requires calibration every two years. However, this model involves additional checks due to the integrated GNSS feature. Our specialists will ensure the satellite tracking system is functioning correctly, as well as performing all standard checks like odometer accuracy, clock alignment, and system diagnostics.
- Benefits for Your Vehicle: Calibrating the 1C tachograph ensures that both driver data and location data are recorded accurately. This enhanced accuracy not only keeps your fleet compliant but also offers a detailed insight into driver behaviour and vehicle performance, helping you improve overall efficiency and safety.
Our workshop is fully equipped to perform 1C calibrations, ensuring that your vehicle meets the latest regulatory standards and takes advantage of the improved tracking and security features.
6-Year Analogue Tachograph Calibration
While digital tachographs have largely replaced analogue systems in newer vehicles, many older vehicles still operate using analogue tachographs. Analogue tachographs must be calibrated every two years, with a more comprehensive calibration required every six years.
- What’s Involved: For the 6-year analogue tachograph calibration, our specialists will conduct a full inspection of the vehicle’s tachograph system, including recalibrating the odometer and ensuring that all components are in working order. We also perform a visual inspection of the system to check for wear and tear or signs of malfunction.
- Benefits for Your Vehicle: Although analogue systems are older, proper calibration ensures they remain compliant with legal requirements. Accurate recording of driving time and distance helps avoid any potential legal issues related to driver working hours. Moreover, regular calibration prevents costly breakdowns that can result from malfunctioning equipment, helping to extend the life of your vehicle.
At the William Gilder Group, we use our expertise to provide a meticulous calibration service for analogue tachographs, ensuring your vehicles remain compliant even if they are operating with older systems.
Why choose us?
As a Stoneridge approved tachograph calibration centre, we are equipped to provide high-quality calibration services for both digital and analogue tachographs. Our workshop in Gloucestershire is staffed by a team of in-house mechanics, allowing us to maintain control over the entire process and deliver consistently excellent results. Here’s why choosing WGG is the best option for your tachograph calibration needs:
- Expertise: With decades of experience in haulage and vehicle maintenance, our team understands the unique challenges of keeping your fleet compliant. Whether you’re using digital or analogue systems, our technicians are fully trained and equipped to handle every aspect of tachograph calibration.
- In-House Mechanics: Unlike some providers that rely on third-party facilities, we keep everything in-house. Our mechanics are based on-site, ensuring that every calibration is carried out to the highest standard. This also means that we can quickly address any issues or repairs that may be needed, reducing downtime for your vehicles.
- Network of Suppliers: We have a trusted network of suppliers, which allows us to source the right parts at the right price. This not only ensures timely repairs and maintenance but also means that we can offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality.
- Comprehensive Services: In addition to tachograph calibration, we offer a range of other maintenance and diagnostic services. Whether it’s routine checks, emergency repairs, or sourcing spare parts, WGG is your one-stop shop for keeping your fleet roadworthy and compliant.
Tachograph calibration is a crucial part of vehicle maintenance for any haulage company. Whether you’re running a fleet with digital or analogue tachographs, regular calibration ensures that your vehicles comply with legal regulations, operate efficiently, and keep your drivers safe. At William Gilder Group, we offer comprehensive calibration services for both 1B and 1C digital tachographs as well as 6-year analogue tachographs, all performed by our expert in-house team.
By choosing our Gloucestershire workshop, you benefit from decades of experience, the latest equipment, and a commitment to excellence that ensures your vehicles remain in top condition. Contact us today to book your tachograph calibration and keep your fleet running smoothly.
