Purpose
The Safety and Service Standards (SSS) health check is carried out on every vehicle that visits Fergies, on every visit, regardless of what the vehicle is booked in for. It is a thorough, structured inspection covering all safety-critical systems and service-related items, checked against manufacturer minimum specifications and known measurements. The findings are reported to the customer with a quote for any work required.
This SOP exists to ensure every SSS check is carried out consistently, to the same standard, by every technician. It protects the customer by identifying safety concerns they may not be aware of, protects the technician by giving them a clear and defensible process to follow, and supports the business by generating well-documented advisory work that front of house can present and convert confidently.
The Fergies mission
The SSS check is the primary mechanism by which Fergies delivers on its mission to keep customers safe on the road until their next scheduled visit. It is never optional, never shortened and never skipped regardless of how straightforward the booking appears.
The RAG rating system
Green — Within specification. No action required.
Amber — Advisory. Approaching limits or requires attention. Quote and present to customer.
Red — Urgent. Outside specification or safety-critical. Quote and present to customer immediately.
Blue — Not checked or not applicable to this vehicle on this visit.
Every amber and red item must be documented with either a pre-templated description or a manual write-up that includes the measurement or observation found and the manufacturer minimum specification. The write-up must be clear enough for front of house to present the finding to the customer and explain why it matters without asking the technician for clarification.
Who this SOP applies to
- All Service Technicians — Junior, Mid and Senior
- All Repair Technicians — Junior, Mid and Senior
- All Troubleshooter Technicians — Junior, Mid and Senior
- MOT Testers when carrying out the SSS check as part of a combined visit
- The Workshop Manager and Deputy Workshop Manager when carrying out or supervising the SSS check
When this SOP applies
- Every vehicle, every visit — no exceptions regardless of booking type, vehicle age or visit frequency
- Junior technicians follow this SOP under supervision from the Deputy Workshop Manager or Workshop Manager until assessed as competent to carry out the check independently
- The 40-minute target applies to all tiers — Junior technicians build to this target, Mid and Senior technicians meet it consistently
When this SOP does not apply
- Vehicles dropped off solely for a customer-requested specific repair where a health check has been explicitly declined in writing by the customer — this is rare and must be approved by the Workshop Manager
Health and safety considerations
The SSS health check involves working in and around the vehicle, on the ramp and in the engine bay. The following health and safety requirements apply.
Ramp safety
The vehicle must be correctly positioned and secured on the ramp before any underside inspection begins. Check that the vehicle is stable and that the ramp locks are engaged before going beneath it. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Follow the workshop ramp operating procedure at all times.
PPE requirements
Nitrile gloves must be worn when handling brake fluid — it is corrosive and will damage paintwork and skin on contact. Eye protection must be worn when working beneath the vehicle on the ramp. Gloves must be worn when handling antifreeze. PPE is not mandatory for all elements of the SSS check but technicians must apply their own judgement and err on the side of caution.
Fluid handling — COSHH
Brake fluid and antifreeze are hazardous substances. Both must be handled in accordance with their COSHH data sheets. Dispose of any waste fluid correctly — never pour down a drain. Refer to the workshop COSHH register for full handling and disposal requirements.
Road test safety
The road test must only be carried out by a qualified driver holding a full UK driving licence valid for the category of vehicle being tested. The technician must ensure they are familiar with the vehicle controls before moving off. All road traffic law applies during the road test.
Vehicle movement
When moving vehicles within the workshop or yard, check the surrounding area is clear of people and obstacles before moving. Walk the route first if the vehicle is unfamiliar or if visibility is restricted.
Equipment and materials required
All equipment must be checked at the start of every working day and confirmed in full working order before any SSS check begins. Report any faulty or missing equipment to the Workshop Manager immediately — do not begin a check with equipment that is not working correctly.
Diagnostic equipment
Manufacturer genuine diagnostic tool — appropriate for the vehicle make
Battery tester
Calibrated battery, starting and charging system tester
Brake fluid tester
Calibrated brake fluid boiling point tester
Antifreeze tester
Calibrated refractometer for freeze point testing
Tyre tread depth gauge
Calibrated tread depth gauge
Tyre pressure gauge
Calibrated tyre pressure gauge or workshop airline with gauge
Brake pad and disc micrometer
Calliper or pad depth gauge, brake disc micrometer
Wheel alignment equipment
Four wheel alignment equipment
Ramp
Workshop ramp in full working order
TPMS tool
TPMS sensor reading and battery life tool
Garage Hive
Job card open and accessible on workshop PC
Screen wash
Screenwash concentrate — topped up on every vehicle as standard
The procedure
The SSS check is carried out in the order below. All seven sections must be completed. Each item is assessed against the manufacturer minimum specification or known measurement for the vehicle — visual assessment alone is not sufficient for any item with a measurable standard.
Bodywork condition
Check all exterior panels for damage, dents, scratches and corrosion. Document any pre-existing damage with notes and photographs. This forms part of the damage report process.
Alloy wheel condition
Inspect all four wheels for kerb damage, cracks, corrosion and buckles.
Front and rear numberplate condition
Check both plates are present, secure, clean and legible. Flag any plate that does not comply with legal requirements.
Windscreen condition
Check for chips, cracks and damage. Note location and size. Damage within the driver’s critical vision zone is a red item.
Interior systems for damage and operation
Check all interior controls, switches, infotainment and comfort systems for damage and correct operation.
Seat belt condition
Check all seat belts for fraying, damage and correct retraction and latching. Any defective seat belt is a red item.
Interior and exterior mirror condition
Check all mirrors for damage, secure mounting and correct adjustment operation.
Horn operation
Test horn operation. Non-operation is a red item.
Next service due
Check the vehicle’s service record and manufacturer schedule. Note date and mileage. Flag if overdue or due within 1,000 miles or 30 days.
Next cambelt change due
Check manufacturer specification for cambelt interval by mileage and age. Any cambelt approaching or past its interval is a red item.
Transmission service due
Check manufacturer service interval for the gearbox type fitted — manual or automatic. Note when next service is due.
Differential and transfer box oil change due
Applicable to four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles. Check manufacturer specification and note when next due.
If fitted only
Air con system service due
Check when last serviced. Note if due or overdue.
Recommended every 2 years
Software updates
Check for available manufacturer software updates.
BMW vehicles only · Recommended every 4 years
MOT result
Record the MOT result on the SSS check report where the vehicle has had an MOT on the same visit.
Only where vehicle booked in for MOT
Short road test
Carry out a short road test covering a range of speeds and conditions. Assess steering, braking, acceleration, gear changes and NVH. Document any concern with a clear description of when it occurs and under what conditions.
Dashboard warning lamp operations
Check all warning lamps illuminate correctly on start-up and extinguish as expected. Any safety-related warning lamp remaining illuminated is a red item.
Windscreen wipers and washers
Test all wiper speeds and washer jets. Check wiper blades for streaking and correct contact across the full sweep.
Battery, starting and charging system
Test battery condition, cold cranking amps and state of charge using the calibrated tester. Check charging voltage at idle and under load. Document measured values.
Engine bay — all fluid levels
Check engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid (if hydraulic), brake fluid and washer fluid against manufacturer minimum and maximum marks.
Screen wash top-up
Top up screen wash to the maximum mark as standard on every vehicle, every visit. No charge to the customer.
Antifreeze freeze point test
Test antifreeze concentration using calibrated refractometer. Record the measured freeze point. Wear gloves when handling antifreeze.
Min: −35°C
Brake fluid boiling point test
Test brake fluid boiling point using calibrated tester. Record measured value. Wear nitrile gloves — brake fluid is corrosive. Below minimum is a red item.
Min: 180°C
Exterior lights and dash illumination
Check all exterior lights — headlamps, sidelights, indicators, hazards, brake lights, fog lights and reverse lights. Check all dashboard illumination.
Headlamp aim
Check headlamp alignment where equipment is available. Misaligned headlamps affect driver visibility and oncoming traffic.
Front suspension condition
Check springs, dampers, top mounts, wishbones, ball joints, anti-roll bar and drop links. Check for wear, damage, corrosion and excessive movement.
Rear suspension condition
Check all rear suspension components, leaking dampers and bush condition.
Exhaust system condition
Check full system from manifold to tailpipe — mountings, joints, catalytic converter, DPF where fitted. Check for blowing, corrosion, damage and security.
Fluid leaks
Check underside for evidence of fluid leaks. Identify source, location and severity. Any brake fluid or coolant leak is a red item.
Front drive shaft condition
Check front drive shafts and CV joint gaiters for splits, tears and grease leakage. A split gaiter allowing grease loss is a red item.
Rear drive shaft condition
Check rear drive shafts and CV joint gaiters as above where fitted.
Front and rear differential condition
Check differential casings for leaks, damage and security of mounting.
Underbody condition — damage and corrosion
Check full underside for structural damage and corrosion. Structural corrosion affecting safety-critical areas is a red item.
Steering system condition
Check steering rack, track rod ends, steering column and all steering joints. Any excessive play in the steering system is a red item.
Front brake pad measurement
Measure remaining friction material on both front brake pads. Record in mm against manufacturer minimum specification.
Front brake disc condition and thickness
Measure disc thickness using a micrometer. Inspect for scoring, lipping, cracking and corrosion. Record measured thickness against manufacturer minimum discard thickness.
Rear brake pad measurement
As per front brake pads. Measure, record and check against manufacturer specification.
Rear brake disc condition and thickness
As per front brake discs. Measure, record and check against manufacturer minimum discard thickness.
Parking brake operation
Test operation and holding ability. Electronic parking brakes checked via manufacturer diagnostic tool.
Brake hydraulic system condition
Check all brake pipes, hoses and callipers for leaks, corrosion, chafing and damage. Any leak or damaged hydraulic component is a red item.
Four wheel alignment check
Carry out full four wheel alignment check. Record all measurements against manufacturer specification.
Recommended every 6 months
Left front tyre — condition and tread depth
Measure tread depth at minimum three points across the tyre width. Inspect for cuts, bulges, sidewall damage and uneven wear. Record all measurements.
Legal: 1.6mm · Amber: 3mm
Right front tyre — condition and tread depth
As per left front tyre.
Legal: 1.6mm · Amber: 3mm
Left rear tyre — condition and tread depth
As per front tyres.
Legal: 1.6mm · Amber: 3mm
Right rear tyre — condition and tread depth
As per front tyres.
Legal: 1.6mm · Amber: 3mm
TPMS sensor battery life
Check battery life status of all TPMS sensors using manufacturer diagnostic or TPMS tool. Low battery sensors are an advisory item.
Spare tyre or sealant expiry date
Check spare tyre condition and tread depth if fitted. Where a sealant kit is fitted, check the canister expiry date. An expired sealant canister is an advisory item.
Sign-off
Once all sections are complete the report must be reviewed by the technician before submission. Both the technician and the approver must sign the completed report. The signed report is then passed to the Outbound Sales Advisor via Garage Hive so they can contact the customer with any amber or red findings and a quote for the required work. The SSS check is not complete without both signatures.
What good looks like
A correctly completed SSS check produces a report that front of house can use to call the customer and present every finding clearly and confidently without needing to ask the technician a single question. Every amber and red item is supported by a measured value, a reference to the manufacturer specification and a plain-language explanation of what it means for the customer’s safety or vehicle condition.
The standard for amber and red write-ups
- State what was found — the specific component, system or measurement
- State the measured value — an actual figure, not a visual assessment
- State the manufacturer minimum specification — so the customer understands the context
- State what happens if it is not addressed — the safety implication or risk of further damage
- State the recommended action — what Fergies recommends and why
Write-up quality rule
If front of house reads the report and needs to ask the technician what something means, the write-up was not good enough. This costs the business the advisory conversion and fails the customer. Write-up quality is reviewed by the Workshop Manager as part of the regular technician performance review.
Time target
The complete SSS check — all seven sections — must be completed within 40 minutes. Junior technicians build to this target. Mid and Senior technicians meet it consistently. The 40-minute target does not justify cutting the inspection short or reducing the quality of the write-up — if a vehicle requires more time due to genuine complexity, this is discussed with the Workshop Manager.
Common errors and how to avoid them
Vague write-ups
Error: Writing "brake pads low" or "tyres worn" without measurements or context.
How to avoid: Always record the actual measured value and the manufacturer minimum. Front of house cannot sell advisory work from a vague description.
Skipping blue items
Error: Leaving items blank rather than marking them blue when genuinely not applicable.
How to avoid: Every item on the report must have a status. Blue means not checked or not applicable — it is never acceptable to leave an item with no status.
Visual assessment instead of measurement
Error: Estimating tread depth, brake pad thickness or disc thickness by eye rather than measuring.
How to avoid: Any item with a measurable standard must be measured. Use the correct tool for every measurement every time.
Missing related items
Error: Flagging front brake pads as amber but not checking front discs, or finding a split CV gaiter without checking the other side.
How to avoid: Always check both sides. When one item is amber or red, check all closely related items as a matter of course.
Not flagging significant pre-existing damage
Error: Recording minor pre-check damage but failing to note significant bodywork, wheel or glass damage clearly.
How to avoid: The pre-check is a legal record. Document and photograph any damage, however minor. This protects the customer and the business.
Rushing the road test
Error: Completing the road test in a car park or at very low speed without covering sufficient distance to identify dynamic faults.
How to avoid: The road test must cover sufficient distance and speed range to genuinely assess the vehicle’s dynamic condition. A car park loop does not meet this standard.
Not topping up screen wash
Error: Forgetting to top up screen wash because the vehicle appeared to have sufficient fluid.
How to avoid: Screen wash is topped up on every vehicle on every visit as standard. It is not optional and is not conditional on the level found.
Signing off without approver
Error: Completing the report and passing it to front of house without the approver signature.
How to avoid: The SSS check requires both the technician and approver signature before it is complete. A report without both signatures is not complete and must not be presented to the customer.
Related SOPs
- Auto IQ 15-Stage Diagnostic Process — where SSS findings require further diagnostic investigation
- Quality Control and Sign-off SOP — the approver sign-off process for completed SSS reports
- Workshop COSHH Register — full handling and disposal requirements for brake fluid, antifreeze and other hazardous substances
- Ramp Operating Procedure — correct ramp use and safety requirements
Legal and regulatory references
- UK Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 — legal minimum standards for tyres, brakes, lights and steering
- DVSA MOT inspection manual — tyre tread depth legal minimum of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread around the full circumference
- COSHH Regulations 2002 — handling requirements for hazardous substances used during the SSS check
- Manufacturer workshop manuals — vehicle-specific minimum specifications for all measured items
Version history
Version history will be recorded here as this SOP is reviewed and updated. Each entry should note the date of the change, what changed and who approved it.