Maintenance Tips for Winter Season
Winter poses unique challenges for commercial vehicle operators. Sub-zero temperatures, ice, and road salt can wreak havoc on your fleet if you're not prepared. Here's a practical checklist for winterising your HGVs.
Battery Health: Your First Priority
Cold weather is brutal on batteries. A battery that's marginal in autumn will fail in winter. Have every battery load-tested before temperatures drop. A 12 V battery reading below about 12.4 V at rest needs charging and testing, and most HGVs run two 12 V batteries in a 24 V system, so check both. Clean terminals thoroughly and apply dielectric grease to prevent corrosion. Consider upgrading to higher cold-cranking amp (CCA) batteries for vehicles operating in extreme conditions.
Coolant System Check
Despite the name, coolant is crucial in winter. Ensure your antifreeze concentration is correct for the lowest expected temperatures - a 50/50 mix typically protects to around -35°C, but follow the coolant manufacturer's specification and check the concentration with a refractometer. Inspect all hoses for cracks, soft spots, or swelling. Replace worn hoses before they fail on a frozen motorway.
Diesel Fuel Management
Diesel fuel can gel in extreme cold, clogging filters and fuel lines. Fuel stations in colder countries switch to winter-grade diesel, but if you fill up in a warmer country before heading north or into the mountains, use approved anti-gel additives. Keep tanks at least half full to reduce condensation. Carry spare fuel filters - they're often the first casualty of cold weather.
Air System Maintenance
Moisture in air brake systems can freeze in valves and lines and affect braking. Check the air tanks for water daily and drain them if your vehicle has manual drain valves, and check air dryer cartridges. Replace desiccant cartridges on schedule - they work harder in cold, humid conditions. Test all air lines for leaks; even small leaks become problems when compressors work overtime in cold weather.
Tyre Considerations
Winter tyres aren't just for cars. Winter tyre rules for HGVs differ by country: some require winter tyres for a fixed season, others whenever winter conditions apply, and some require snow chains to be carried in mountain areas. Check the rules for every country on your route, for example Germany, Austria and France. The legal minimum tread depth for HGVs varies by country (1 mm in the UK, 1.6 mm in many EU countries, and some set a higher minimum for winter tyres), but aim for at least 4mm for adequate winter grip. Inspect sidewalls for cracking caused by age and UV exposure; these weaken in cold conditions.
Lighting and Visibility
Short winter days mean more driving in darkness. Clean all lights thoroughly and replace any dim or flickering bulbs. Check that heated mirrors function correctly. Stock up on windscreen washer fluid rated for -20°C or lower - standard summer fluid will freeze on your screen.
Emergency Kit Essentials
Every vehicle should carry: a high-visibility jacket and torch, ice scraper and de-icer, jump leads or a booster pack, blankets and warm clothing, non-perishable snacks and water, a warning triangle and first-aid kit (required in several countries), a basic tool kit and spare fuses, and traction aids (sand, cat litter, or traction mats).
Pre-Trip Inspections
Extend your daily walkaround in winter. Check for ice buildup on lights, mirrors, and steps. Ensure wipers aren't frozen to the windscreen before starting them. Allow extra time for hydraulic systems to warm up, but avoid long idling, which some countries and cities restrict. Test brakes gently before leaving the yard.
Being prepared for winter isn't just about preventing breakdowns - it's about driver safety and keeping your commitments to customers. The investment in proper winter maintenance pays dividends in reduced downtime and repair costs. If you do find yourself stranded, the TBD247 map shows truck workshops, mobile mechanics and roadside assistance near your location, so you can contact them directly.