Things To Install In HGV Vehicles That Improve Performance
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) are crucial assets for firms fortunate enough to have a fleet of them. Utilising them to their utmost potential is essential.
Optimising a vehicle's performance often involves installing new modifications to push its capabilities a little bit further. HGVs are no exception to that logic and have many tech add-ons that can fine-tune how they function.
It might seem like a long shot, but new additions to these vehicles may also lure new HGV drivers to the profession. After all, there's a critical shortage of these workers, and anything that improves the experience of driving HGVs may boost the appeal of these types of roles.
So, what installations will greatly improve HGV performance? Read on for our take.
Telematics
Telematics systems can be installed in the HGV vehicle to monitor driver performance. It's designed to improve their safety rather than look over their shoulder in the interest of berating them for minor mistakes.
This tech can trigger maintenance and repair alerts. Fleet managers can remotely vehicle performance data and deliver feedback to their HGV drivers, improving communication and fleet efficiency.
The devices also provide real-time information on traffic conditions, allowing drivers to adapt to optimise their respective routes. Considering there have been some bold claims about the UK's congested roads in recent times, HGV drivers may feel a greater sense of agency and control if telematic systems are installed.
Tachographs
A tachograph is a device that can only be installed inside HGVs, not lighter vehicles. It accumulates data that can vastly improve the driver's experience, operating similarly to telematic systems (but not identically).
These measures are also about compliance, too. Regulations set very firm limits on HGV driver hours, and tachographs help your firm keep a secure legal archive and avoid incurring penalties for infringements. The tech can monitor the speeds and distances drivers channel and other factors about their driving behaviours, such as rest breaks and safety best practices.
FleetGO specialises in tachograph analysis software, helping firms with HGV fleets to better monitor the working hours of their drivers and detect any infringements. The software can be tried for free for 30 days. Every firm has a different approach, but with FleetGO, you can utilise the tachograph analysis software as a standalone or integrated tool. Depending on the needs of your firm and drivers, either approach might optimise processes, so the decision is yours.
A digital upgrade is strongly advised if you have older analogue versions of the tech. FleetGO can help!
Side Skirts, Roof Deflectors, and Fairings
Side skirts, roof deflectors, and fairings are additions to HGVs that work toward several common goals. They're worth exploring further.
The first thing these three components improve is aerodynamics. They reduce airflow, wind resistance, and drag around and beneath the vehicle. Fairings are often fitted at the back, while the roof deflectors and side skirts go at the top and sides of the HGV, as you might expect.
Improve aerodynamics can mean greater fuel efficiency. Greater fuel efficiency can reduce emissions and give your firm stronger green credentials. Of course, reduced fuel consumption can also reduce expenditure around your fleet, helping you run a more sustainable operation in the financial sense of the word too.
