Tags – Benefits of Axle Weigh Pads
Axle weigh pads are robust, durable scales used to weigh vehicles.
So if you’re in an industry that requires you to record your vehicle’s weight for safety and legal reasons, these are perfect for you.
From cars to vans, lorries and HGVs, these are a cheap and easy solution to monitor your vehicle’s weight wherever you go.
Simply, place them on the ground, drive on to them and take your reading.
The best thing about them is that they’re portable. They’re small and compact enough to take with you in your truck, which means you no longer have to install a weighbridge at every location. Instead, you can simply place your portable axle weigh pads on the floor and weigh your vehicle with ease.
But, the ease of use is not the only benefit to axle weigh pads, here are 4 more…
1. Protects Everyone
A vehicle that’s too heavy can cause an imbalance when driving, making it difficult to steer and stay in control.
In extreme circumstances, the uneven weight distribution makes the vehicle more likely to crash. For instance, if the vehicle is top heavy and the wheels lift, it can lean sideways and in particularly windy situations, make it land on its side, which can be fatal for the driver and others who are around.
In addition, heavy loads make the vehicles stop time longer, so in the event where you need to emergency stop, such as if another driver or civilian moves into your lane.
Hence why it is critical to regularly check your vehicle’s weight to keep everyone on the roads safe.
2. Prevent Damage to your Vehicle
Overloading and going over your vehicle’s weight limit can cause some damage to the vehicle itself.
Whilst many of the components within industrial vehicles are incredibly durable, they have maximum thresholds that need to be adhered to.
If not, you’ll be putting axles, drive shafts and your tyres at risk and can cause complications in the future, which can require more maintenance and replacements of specific components: meaning it could cost more than driving an additional trip.
As such, carrying axle weigh pads with you to keep an eye on its weight will prevent those xtra red flags popping up during your next MOT.
3. Prevent Damage to Roads
An overly heavy vehicle is one of the main reasons why roads get damaged.
Consequently, overloading vehicles can cause potholes, general surface deterioration and edge failure – roads are designed with pressure tolerance considered so vehicles exceeding maximum weight limits will inevitably destroy them.
With that in mind, axle weigh pads are a must have to ensure your vehicle is weight compliant and prevent taxpayers money being spent on annoying road maintenance.
4. Avoid Penalties
Going over your vehicle’s maximum weight is a punishable offence.
And depending on your circumstance, it can cost you hefty penalties you and your business could probably do without.
To quickly remind you, the fines if you’re overweight by % are:
- 5 – 10% = £100
- 10 – 15% = £200
- 15 – 20% = £300
- 30% or more = court summons
Not only are these limits placed to regulate the weight of commercial vehicles, but to keep the roads and everyone else safe too.
So, being compliant with weight weight restrictions is paramount, otherwise risk being stopped by the police or the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Final Words
All in all, axle weigh pads prevent a lot of potentially dangerous situations; everyone on the road deserves to be safe.
Plus, if you check your vehicle’s weight limits and are compliant, you can be sure not to rack up any unnecessary fines.
Want to know more? Get in touch today.
Check our Vehicle Weight Checker solutions in the meantime.
You may also like:
- 5 Benefits of Modular Weighbridges
- Choosing the Right Axle Weighing Solution for your Business
- Choosing the Right Portable Axle Weigh Pad Solution