Nationwide Autocentres, the independent car servicing and MOT test centre chain, has launched a ‘Duty of Care’ service.
The 19-point inspection costs £25 per vehicle.
The service is being aimed at small businesses with staff that drive private cars on business. It provides certification that these vehicles are fit for purpose under duty of care legislation.
Nationwide Autocentres says it is providing practical support to tackle this difficult area for small businesses and the grey fleet – the name given to private cars used on business.
“This legislation affects fleets of all shapes and sizes, whether two vehicles or 200,” commented Jason Gill, fleet development manager, Nationwide Autocentres. “Most business car managers are aware they need to tackle the issue of their grey fleet, but many have no idea where to start.”
Companies that fail to implement a duty of care process could be liable for prosecution should a vehicle be involved in a fatal road traffic accident.
The Nationwide Autocentres ‘Duty of Care’ inspection includes: checks on brakes; steering; shock absorbers; and wheel cylinders. The finding are fully documented to provide a duty of care audit trail.
“Taking a proactive approach to risk management in this way could help companies reduce their accident rate and ultimately their insurance premiums,” continued Jason.
“We make it easy and cost effective for companies to have checks made and documented in a way that is extremely convenient for drivers.”
The Nationwide Autocentres 19-point Duty of Care check
- 1. Check operation of lights; side, reverse, number plate, fog, brake, indicators, headlights and headlights aim. Check light lenses for damage.
- 2. Check operation of horn.
- 3. Check cooling systems for leaks and condition of hoses/check level. Check anti-freeze strength/coolant strength
- 4. Check auxiliary belts (visual).
- 5. Check power steering fluid level.
- 6. Check engine oil level
Check brake fluid level. - 7. Check pads/shoes for wear.
- 8. Check disc/drums for wear, cracks scoring and corrosion.
- 9. Inspect wheel cylinders for leaks and operation.
- 10. Inspect brake calipers for leaks and operation.
- 11. Visually check brake pipes for leaks, chaffing and corrosion.
- 12. Check windscreen and wiper condition.
- 13. Top up windscreen washer bottle(s).
- 14. Check battery and charging system.
- 15. Check all tyres for condition and inflation (including spare).
- 16. Check shock absorbers performance.
- 17. Check steering condition.
- 18. Check exhaust system/emissions.
- 19. Visual check of external body condition as per MOT standards.
Further information
Read our Advice Centre articles What is the new Corporate Manslaughter Act? and Top Tips: How to understand the new Corporate Manslaughter Act
19-point check for private cars used on business
