Diary of a Workshop Manager: Oil, Sweat, and Tears

Step into the workshop for a week of chaos, MOT stress, and mechanical miracles with our candid diary from a UK HGV workshop manager.

Monday: Brake Test Bedlam

Started the week with a bang -- literally. One of the apprentices managed to drop a brake caliper on his foot (steel toes, thank God). The day spiralled into chaos when two trucks failed their brake tests back-to-back.

Both blamed "dodgy pads," which is tech speak for "we haven't had time to service this since the Queen's Jubilee." Lesson: If it squeaks or smokes, someone should've checked it last week.

Tuesday: Parts Not Arriving. Again.

Chased a critical gearbox from a supplier.

It's "in the system," apparently. So's my will to live. Meanwhile, Dave in Bay 3 is fixing a fridge unit using cable ties and misplaced optimism.

I made a note to order more duct tape. Also: someone's written "fix me pls :)" on a broken tail lift in marker pen. Highlight: At least the workshop kettle's working.

Small mercies.

Wednesday: MOT Woes

Three MOTs, one pass. And even that one scraped through with an advisory list longer than a DVSA seminar. I'm convinced one of our units has a personal vendetta against emissions compliance.

Sent the team for a round of bacon butties to boost morale. Moral: MOTs are like birthdays -- you dread them but pretend to smile.

Thursday: Tyre Terrors and Triumphs

Two blown tyres and a night driver who insisted on "just topping up with air" instead of calling us. He's now our unofficial poster boy for bad decisions.

But we did complete four full services on time, so doughnuts all round. Chocolate sprinkles for senior techs. Win: One day without oil stains on my shirt.

I'm calling it a miracle.

Friday: The Leaky Finale

Wrapped the week with a leaking hydraulic hose and a driver who said, "it's just sweating a bit." Replaced the hose, cleaned the mess, and left five emails unanswered because it's Friday and I'm not a magician. Takeaway: Mechanics don't perform miracles, but we're the reason your fleet isn't on fire.

Final Thoughts

Workshop life is equal parts pressure and pride. It's dirty, it's demanding, but it's essential.

The next time a truck sails through an inspection, remember: someone in a boiler suit probably bled for that pass sticker.

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