As winter approaches, it’s crucial your business has a winter fleet safety plan in place for the cold months ahead. Ensuring your fleet is prepared for winter can prevent dangerous consequences and keep your business running smoothly.
In this blog, we’ll talk you through essential safety checks and share the best winter maintenance tips to keep your car fleet and employees safe.
Winter driving checks
The best time to advise your employees to conduct winter checks on their cars is before the cold weather sets in. Below is the checklist recommended by the RAC for basic checks:
- Fuel: Ensure tanks are full to avoid condensation.
- Oil: Check and top up oil levels.
- Rubber: Inspect tires for wear and ensure they are properly inflated.
- Coolant: Check coolant levels and top up if necessary.
- Electric: Test the battery and electrical systems.
- Screenwash: Fill up with winter-grade screenwash.
Regular maintenance checks should be part of your fleet’s schedule, especially with changing climates. A good annual fleet maintenance schedule includes seasonal checks and regular servicing.
Winter driving tips
Once you’ve assessed all your fleet vehicles and ensured they’re safe to drive, it’s time to consider how your drivers can do their bit to support safe winter driving.
Let’s take a look at some winter driving tips for your employees to help keep themselves and your business fleet safe.
What to pack in a car emergency kit
It’s recommended your drivers keep an emergency kit in their car, especially in winter. Essential items to include are:
- Warm clothing and blankets
- First aid kit
- High-energy snacks
- Flashlight and batteries
- Ice scraper and de-icer
- Jump leads
- Shovel
- Tow rope
Having an emergency kit in every fleet vehicle ensures your employees are prepared for any unexpected situations.
Questions to ask before deploying a fleet in winter
Before asking your employees to take to the road in winter, consider these questions:
Is it safe for your fleet vehicles to be on the road in the current weather conditions?
If visibility is severely reduced or if there are reports of icy conditions, it might be safer for your employees to delay their journey until conditions improve.
Do your drivers have backup routes planned?
Having backup routes planned is essential for ensuring the safety and efficiency of your fleet, especially during winter when weather conditions can be unpredictable. Here are some tips to help your drivers plan effective backup routes:
- Check weather reports: Regularly monitor weather forecasts and road conditions. This can help in anticipating any potential issues on the primary route.
- Identify key detours: Map out several alternative routes in advance. Identify key detours that can be used if the main route becomes impassable due to weather conditions or accidents.
- Safety first: Always prioritise safety over speed. If conditions are too dangerous, it might be best to delay travel until it is safer.
Are your employees comfortable driving in the weather conditions and is safety a priority?
Ensuring that your employees are comfortable driving in current weather conditions and prioritising safety is crucial for the wellbeing of your fleet and overall business operations. Here are some steps to help assess and enhance comfort and safety for your company car drivers:
- Driver training: Provide regular training sessions on how to handle various weather conditions, such as fog, ice, and snow. This can boost confidence and competence.
- Open communication: Encourage your employees to communicate any concerns they have about driving conditions. Create an environment where they feel comfortable voicing their worries in a safe space.
- Weather assessments: Regularly check weather forecasts and road conditions. If conditions are severe, consider delaying trips or finding alternative routes.
- Safety equipment: Ensure all vehicles are equipped with necessary safety gear, such as winter tires, fog lights, and emergency kits. This can help your drivers feel more secure on the road.
- Health and wellbeing: Make sure your drivers are well-rested and in good health before they start their journeys. Fatigue can significantly impair driving ability, especially in challenging conditions.
- Feedback: After trips, gather feedback from your employees about their experiences and any difficulties they encountered. Use this information to improve future safety measures and training programs.
By considering these questions before your employees head out on the road this winter, you’re prioritising safety and ensuring your drivers are prepared for the change in weather conditions.
How to avoid wheelspin on an icy road
Knowing how to drive on ice is crucial. If your drivers hit ice unexpectedly, handling it correctly could reduce the risk of an accident.
To avoid wheel spinning, your drivers should:
- Accelerate gently and avoid sudden movements.
- Use higher gears to reduce the wheelspin.
- If they begin to wheelspin, take their feet off the pedals and steer into the skid.
How CBS can support your business fleets
Fleet maintenance is vital, especially during extreme weather conditions. It’s easy to overlook important checks, so having a maintenance plan and schedule is essential.
Outsourcing your fleet maintenance can offer many benefits, including maximising fleet performance. Read more about the benefits of outsourcing your fleet.
If you’re looking for help to manage your fleet solution through every season, click here to see how we can help your Business Fleets or get in touch with us today.