Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter: An Independent Trader’s Guide

As an independent trader, your vehicle is often your lifeline, transporting you to client meetings, delivering goods, or simply commuting to and from work. With winter approaching, it’s crucial to ensure your vehicle is well-prepared to handle the colder weather and adverse conditions. Here are some essential tips to help you get ready:

Essential Winter Vehicle Checks:

1. Tire Check:

• Tread Depth: Ensure your tires have adequate tread depth to grip icy roads. The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but for optimal winter performance, aim for at least 3mm.
• Tire Pressure: Cold weather can significantly impact tire pressure. Check and adjust it regularly to maintain proper inflation.
• Winter Tires: Consider investing in a set of winter tires for extreme winter conditions. These tires are specifically designed to provide better traction on snow and ice.

2. Battery Check:

• Battery Health: Cold weather can drain your battery faster. Have your battery tested to ensure it’s in good condition.
• Battery Cables: Inspect the battery cables for corrosion and tightness. Clean and tighten any loose connections.

3. Fluid Check:

• Coolant: Ensure your coolant is mixed with antifreeze to prevent freezing in cold temperatures. Check the coolant level and top it up if necessary.
• Windshield Washer Fluid: Use a winter-grade windshield washer fluid that can withstand freezing temperatures.

4. Wiper Blades:

• Blade Condition: Replace worn or damaged wiper blades.
• Winter Wiper Blades: Consider using winter wiper blades with built-in heating elements to prevent ice buildup.

5. Lights:

• Functionality: Test all your vehicle’s lights, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals.
• Lens Clarity: Clean the lenses to ensure maximum visibility.

Additional Winter Driving Tips:

• Clear Windshield and Windows: Before driving, clear all snow and ice from your windshield, windows, mirrors, and lights.
• Slow Down: Reduce your speed, especially on slippery roads.
• Increase Following Distance: Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
• Gentle Acceleration and Braking: Avoid sudden acceleration and braking, as these can cause your vehicle to skid.
• Use Low Gear: Use a lower gear to help maintain traction on slippery roads.
• Emergency Kit: Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, and a first-aid kit.

By taking these steps, you can ensure your vehicle is ready to face the challenges of winter weather. Remember, a well-maintained vehicle not only improves your safety but also enhances your productivity and peace of mind.

NCASS Members – FREE Fuel Card

While a fuel card doesn’t directly prepare your vehicle for winter, it can indirectly help you manage winter-related expenses and logistics:

Budgetary Control:

• Predictable Costs: A fuel card often comes with detailed transaction reports, helping you track and budget your fuel expenses. This can be crucial during winter months when heating costs and other expenses might increase.
• Potential Savings: As an NCASS member, you can apply for your free Esso Card™, which can save you money on your fuel costs, especially during long winter journeys. Click here to apply.