In the midst of an Indian summer, don’t forget that winter’s coming and your fleet needs protecting before the cold weather hits. To help you prepare for colder climes, here are five things you can do to cold-proof your convoy for winter.
Think about tyres
Extreme cold weather is considerably rare in the UK but if you live in a remote area that is likely to see a lot of snow and ice over winter, you might consider investing in winter tyres for your fleet.
Winter tyres use a tread rubber compound and tread pattern specifically designed to grip the road and give better braking performance on snow, ice and wet roads in cold conditions. In many parts of mainland Europe, carrying a set of winter tyres is compulsory; this is not the case in the UK so most people tend not to invest in them unless they do a lot of driving in snow or ice.
Snow socks can also help in wintry weather. While they’re no substitute for winter tyres, they can help you get home after unexpected snowfall. To fit snow socks, you simply slip them over your car’s wheels, drive on, then remove them once you’re clear of the hazard. They cost around a quarter of the price of winter tyres and there are no additional costs for fitting and removing. Snow socks are also much more user-friendly than snow chains, which can be complicated to fit and can only be used where the road surface is covered in a layer of compacted snow or ice.
All-season tyres are a great compromise if you don’t want the expense or inconvenience of fitting two sets of wheels every year. As the name implies, all-season tyres can be used all year round and they use the same rubber compound as winter tyres, which gives them better traction and breaking performance in cold conditions. Like winter tyres, all-season tyres will be marked with a snowflake or mountain symbol but they often also bear a sun or the words “M&S” (Mud & Snow) to mark their difference. Like any compromise, however, they won’t be as good as winter tyres in snow and ice or standard tyres in summer.
Fortunately, winter tyres, all-season tyres and snow socks are not considered alterations to a car so they shouldn’t affect your insurance premium, although it’s a good idea to let your insurance provider know about any changes.
Keep locks lubricated
Before temperatures begin to plummet, spray your vehicle locks with WD-40 to help keep them from freezing. Don’t try to warm the lock by breathing on it as the moisture from your breath will condense and freeze. Applying Vaseline can be an effective and low-cost way to stop doors sticking in cold weather.
Remember to check batteries
Battery capacity is reduced by cold weather so give your batteries, cables, terminals and fluid a thorough inspection at this time of year.
Make sure you check your fleet’s battery cables to see if there are cracks and breaks; if so, make sure they’re replaced in time for winter as the cold weather will make them worse. Ensure your battery terminals all fit comfortably and have no loose connections and check you have enough battery fluid by opening the refill hole; if the liquid is below the bottom of the cap, top up with clean water.
To check your battery’s remaining voltage, have a look at the hydrometer (a device that measures the amount of liquid to water ratio). Lots of batteries have a built-in hydrometer that tells you how much charge (voltage) remains but if you can’t find one in your vehicles, you can use a handheld hydrometer instead.
While you’re inspecting your batteries have a look at the manufacture date. If you know how old your battery is, you’ll have a better idea of when you’ll need a new one. If you’re looking to replace worn-out batteries, it’s important to note that you should never buy one with a six-month-old manufacture date.
Winter-proof your engine, windshield and paintwork
The AA attributes 60% of engine failures to engine coolant problems, so it’s important to adjust your engine coolant ratio for winter. The optimum winter ratio is 60% coolant to 40% water and if you’re unsure on how to do this yourself, ask a trusted professional to help. During winter months, it’s also best to switch over to a thinner, less viscous engine oil, especially if temperatures are likely to drop below freezing where you work.
To protect your windshield from cold, heavy grime, select a washer fluid with an anti-freeze solution that will cut through slushy, dirty sleet. Be careful not to use boiling water to get rid of frost or snow on your windshield as this can cause the glass to crack. Instead equip your drivers with an ice-scraper and a can of de-icer; ask them to store it at home or in the garage so they’re always able to get hold of it and it won’t be trapped inside the vehicle if the locks freeze. It’s also a good idea to have any small chips repaired before the cold weather sets in to avoid cracking.
We also recommend giving every fleet vehicle a deep wash and wax to protect the paintwork from chipping when it gets cold.
Plan for emergencies
Finally, ensure your entire fleet is fitted with emergency packs that include blankets, a torch, high-vis jackets and a towrope in case of a breakdown. Always encourage your drivers to listen to weather forecasts and plan their journeys accordingly. When the weather turns, remember that main roads will be tackled first by council gritters, so remind your fleet to stick to ‘A’ roads where possible. If you’re unsure about road conditions for a particular journey, the Highways Agency can give you a clear indication to check before you drive.
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