Keep your fleet on the road this winter

Commercial feature from PIB Automotive

Because the Met Office continues to issue weather warnings within the UK, PIB Automotive takes a take a look at among the challenges facing fleet drivers when conditions are poor, and the steps all motorists can take to maintain secure on the road and help to scale back winter motor claims.

Starting preparation early can assist ensure what you are promoting doesn’t grind to a halt when the weather is bad.

Routine maintenance checks

Regular checks are key to managing any fleet. Think about using winter tyres in your fleet vehicles, which can allow them to drive over ice and snow with greater ease than general tyres.

When bad weather hits, encourage drivers to think about whether their journey is crucial, if not then it’s advisable to attend until the weather is best. As this isn’t at all times an option for what you are promoting, plan your drivers’ journeys, avoiding areas susceptible to flooding or heavy snowfall, and permit additional time for slower speeds and traffic congestion.

The Highway Code dictates drivers must have the option to see clearly out of all windows before setting off on their journey.

Before setting off drivers should check windscreen wiper blades are fully functional, replenish with fuel, at all times carry a totally charged cell phone and make certain tyres have the legal tyre tread depth. Use quality screenwash, ensure drivers have the variety of your breakdown provider handy. A square of carpet that will be put under drive wheels will be an amazing asset to assist your drivers to get moving within the snow.

Encourage drivers to pack essentials, reminiscent of a warm blanket, torch, food, drink, wellies, de-icer, ice-scraper, spade, hi-vis jacket and emergency warning triangle. Cold and wet conditions invariably result in fog and impaired vision: drivers should drive slowly and never use fog lights unless visibility is seriously impaired. (Turn them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other drivers.)

Drivers must also be careful for glare from low sunlight and other headlights – make sure the windscreen is clean in and out to scale back the dazzling effect.

Our top suggestions in your drivers

Driving in snow

The largest challenge of winter driving is coping with icy roads and snow. All the time reduce speed, keep a big gap between you and the automobile in front, and avoid breaking and steering, especially around bends. As a substitute, go right into a lower gear earlier on, allowing your speed to scale back easily before gently hitting the brake. When you end up skidding, don’t panic and don’t brake. Gently steer into the skid to straighten up and regain control. Most cars have anti-lock braking systems (ABS), but they work less efficiently on slippery surfaces – there is no such thing as a substitute for cautious driving.

Condensation is a daily occurrence as there is bigger difference in temperature and moisture levels inside and outdoors the automobile. If this builds up and reduces visibility, it may be dangerous. Avoid turning up the heater as this will result in drowsiness, or using the air recirculation setting as this prevents outside air coming in. As a substitute, open windows barely to create more of a balance.

Driving in heavy rain

Damp could cause problems with engines and electrical systems, and it’s easy to flood the engine when driving through water. When driving in heavy rain, do not forget that stopping distances shall be at the least double as tyres have less grip. Decelerate, use dipped headlights, don’t use rear fog lights and, when you break down, keep the bonnet right down to prevent the electrical system getting soaked. Driving too fast through standing water could cause the tyres to lose contact with the road, called aquaplaning – to regain grip, ease off the accelerator, don’t brake and permit your speed to scale back until you regain control of the steering.

Driving through a flood

Size up the water first, even when you’ve to get out of your vehicle. When you suspect it’s too deep, find one other route. Modern door seals will keep water out, but this will make the automobile buoyant and it could float if the water gets too deep, leaving you stranded (the water will eventually find its way in).

When you resolve to drive through, keep your vehicle in a low gear and engine revs up to keep up momentum, and persist with the center of the road which shall be shallower.

Once through, grip could also be affected so gently apply brake pressure to create friction and warmth, evaporating off any excess moisture. Never try and drive through fast flowing water, you possibly can easily get swept away.

Preparing upfront, carrying out crucial maintenance, and making vehicle checks can assist make your operations run more easily.