Pre-Winter Vehicle Check
Before winter sets in, conduct a comprehensive vehicle preparation:
Battery
- Test battery capacity (cold reduces battery performance by up to 50%)
- Check terminals for corrosion
- Ensure alternator charging correctly
- Consider carrying jump leads or booster pack
Cooling System
- Test antifreeze concentration (-25°C minimum recommended)
- Check all hoses for cracks or perishing
- Inspect thermostat operation
- Ensure heater matrix is flowing
Lights
- Clean all lenses
- Replace any dim bulbs
- Check alignment
- Carry spare bulbs
Tyres
- Minimum 3mm tread recommended for winter
- Consider winter-rated tyres for regular cold-weather operation
- Check pressures (will drop in cold weather)
- Inspect for any damage
Fuel System Preparation
Diesel fuel can cause problems in cold weather:
Fuel Waxing
- Standard diesel can wax (solidify) below -5°C
- Waxed fuel blocks filters and stops engines
- Use winter-grade diesel from October onwards
- Consider fuel additives for extreme cold
Water Contamination
- Water in fuel freezes and blocks fuel lines
- Drain water traps before winter
- Keep tanks full to reduce condensation
- Check filters for water regularly
AdBlue
- Freezes at -11°C (but designed to thaw and work again)
- Keep tank above 1/4 full
- Don't add additives to AdBlue
- Heated lines and tanks are standard on most modern HGVs
Emergency Equipment
Carry essential winter emergency kit:
- Basic Kit
- Hi-vis jacket and warm clothing
- Torch with spare batteries
- Warning triangle
- First aid kit
- Emergency food and water
- Phone charger
- Winter Specific
- De-icer and ice scraper
- Snow shovel
- Tow rope or strap
- Jump leads
- Blanket or emergency sleeping bag
- Sand or cat litter for traction
- For Extended Journeys
- Thermos with hot drink
- Additional warm layers
- Snow chains (if travelling to areas that require them)
Driving in Winter Conditions
General Principles
- Allow extra time for journeys
- Increase following distances
- Reduce speed in adverse conditions
- Be smooth with all controls
Ice and Snow
- Use highest gear possible to reduce wheel spin
- Brake gently and early
- Avoid sudden steering movements
- Watch for black ice, especially on bridges
Visibility
- Clear ALL windows and mirrors before setting off
- Remove snow from roof (can blow onto following vehicles)
- Use dipped headlights in poor visibility
- Keep windscreen wash topped up with anti-freeze additive
Loading Considerations
- Snow and ice add weight to vehicles
- Loads may shift in slippery conditions
- Allow for increased stopping distances when loaded
Planning Winter Journeys
Before Setting Off
- Check weather forecasts and road conditions
- Plan routes avoiding known problem areas
- Inform control of your route and expected times
- Consider alternative routes
During the Journey
- Take regular breaks
- Monitor weather conditions
- Keep fuel tank well topped up
- Be prepared to stop if conditions worsen
If You Get Stuck
- Stay with your vehicle if safe
- Keep engine running intermittently for heat (ensure exhaust is clear)
- Make vehicle visible (hazard lights, hi-vis items)
- Contact your operator and breakdown service
Mountain Passes and Hills
- Know your route's challenging sections
- Consider chains or socks for severe conditions
- Don't attempt hills if not confident
- Use lower gears for descent control