Winter is coming, which means it’s time to start working through your fleet winter maintenance checklist! Keeping your drivers safe and efficient on the road is important all year round, but especially now that the weather is changing. With this in mind, here are five essential ways to prepare your fleet for winter.
Offer your drivers up-to-date driving training
Even if your drivers have been working on the road for years, it’s still important to offer them regular training. Remind them of the risks and threats they might face on the road throughout winter, from heavy rainfall to frost and snow, and make sure they can drive confidently and safely in every condition.
Create winter-ready emergency breakdown kits
Now is also the time to make sure your fleet is equipped with a winter-appropriate breakdown kit. This should include blankets, high-visibility clothing and torches to keep your drivers safe and warm in the event of an emergency.
It’s also vital to share the contact details of your fleet’s emergency breakdown assistance company with your drivers. Having the number of a trusted on-site service and repairs company will minimise fleet downtime and make sure your drivers never have to wait long for assistance.
Check your fleet’s batteries regularly
Vehicle batteries lose their power quickly in cold environments, so battery inspections should become part of your winter maintenance routine. It’s important to check your fleet batteries weekly using a portable load tester throughout the colder months and to have the batteries inspected by a professional before temperatures drop too harshly.
Inspect your fleet for signs of damage and wear
Keeping on top of fleet maintenance is vital throughout the winter months. As your drivers travel long distances in extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions, any existing problems will develop and worsen significantly.
Avoid this by asking your drivers to conduct a visual inspection of their vehicle before and after every journey, looking for signs of damage such as tyre bulges and chipped windscreens.
Book a fleet maintenance service with trusted professionals
In addition to inspecting your fleet, you should also book professional maintenance services with trusted professionals, such as the team at Transcare. We specialise in using OEM dealer-level specific diagnostic equipment, allowing us to inspect trucks comprehensively and identify potential issues early on.
Not only this, but we can also take care of all repairs to keep your drivers safe on the road. From tail lift weight testing to axle alignment services, we offer everything you need to keep your fleet well-maintained.
To discuss our truck maintenance and repair services in more detail, don’t hesitate to contact us at Transcare today. You can rely on us for the highest-quality truck services in Derby, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and beyond.
