Preparing your vehicles for winter
Advice | Advice | Preparing your vehicles for winter
Unexpected snowfall and treacherously icy roads can cause chaos for drivers and fleet managers. Here are some simple steps to help prepare for a season of trouble-free driving.
Servicing and maintenance
There’s no better time for a service than in the run up to winter. Maintenance throughout the season is also important, even once a service has been conducted. This should include:
Routinely checking the concentration of antifreeze in the coolant system, and bringing it back to the correct winter level
Replacing the car battery at the first sign of trouble
Replacing any faulty light bulbs immediately
Keep at least a quarter of a tank of fuel in case of unexpected delay
For fleets, your customers should train and ensure drivers know how to deal with adverse conditions
Tyres
Regular visual checks will highlight any prominent defects to tyres. Any damage to the tyre walls such as cuts, cracks or bulges should be dealt with immediately as they could lead to slow punctures or blow-outs at high speeds
In winter, drivers should ideally have a minimum tread depth of 3mm, as this helps the car to remove additional surface water on the road. Anything less than 2mm remaining on a tyre should be replaced immediately
Consider installing winter/all season tyres; they are specifically designed to provide increased grip in winter conditions. In extreme weather, snow chains are also worth considering. Any tyre enhancements must be fitted to the manufacturer’s standards
Do not under-inflate tyres; it is a myth that a softer tyre means better grip
Prepare for the worst
You can rest in the knowledge that you’re prepared for the worst by stocking your vehicle(s) with the following items:
Ice scraper / de-icer spray
Powerful torch with spare batteries
Reflective triangle
First aid kit
Warm clothing, shoes and blankets
Insurance and broker documents, including any contact information for emergency claim hotlines
Bottled water and non-perishable foods
Jump leads
Snow shovel
Tow rope
Complete set of replacement light bulbs and they should remember…
Always carry a mobile phone and spare batteries
Preparing and driving the car
Allow at least 10 minutes more in the morning to prepare their car
Clear all windows of snow and ice, and clear the roof of snow
Give extra time for their journey and stick to main roads where possible
Always let someone know where they are going, and when they expect to arrive
For fleet managers, vehicle tracking tools are available
Gentle manoeuvres are the key, particularly when braking
Always try to pull away in second gear, and select a higher gear such as third or fourth for travelling downhill
In the event of skidding, depress the clutch, steer into the skid and avoid the temptation to brake forcefully
Black ice can appear to be just a wet patch, so be wary
Always put their safety before punctuality in winter conditions
Listen to local traffic reports and heed advice from their local authority or police concerning driving safety.
Want to find out how we can help insure your commercial motors, including fleets, all on one policy? Get in touch with Edwards Insurance Brokers on 01564 730 900 today.
This article originally appeared on Allianz.
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