Is Your Truck Winter Ready: 5 Ways to Prepare Your HGV for Winter

With freezing temperatures, dark mornings and icy roads, winter can be one of the toughest times of the year for HGV drivers.

That means preparation can make the difference between a smooth delivery and a costly breakdown. Guidance from FORS and other transport safety bodies have noted that winter brings increased risks such as poor visibility, reduced traction and unpredictable weather.

In this article, the team here at Walker Movements outline the five key areas that HGV drivers need to focus on, offering practical, field-tested advice that you can use in real situations.

Pre-journey checks are essential

It is said that failing to prepare is preparing to fail and this is just as true with any HGV journey. Before embarking on any winter journey, you should begin with a walk-around inspection, looking at lights, tyres, mirrors, wipers and number plates to ensure everything is clean and visible.

You also need to check your tyre pressure and tread depth as well as inspecting the windscreen washer fluid and de-icer to ensure everything is topped up.

Your pre-journey checks are a good time to confirm that the battery is in good health and that your air brakes are free from moisture, as condensation can freeze and cause dangerous pressure issues. You should also make sure that you clear any snow or ice from the roof of your HGV, as well as the steps and any reflective surfaces to prevent falling debris hazards.

To make sure you cover everything, you should use a checklist approach before each trip as recommended by the FORS Winter Driving Guide. A disciplined pre-journey routine will prevent small oversights from becoming roadside emergencies.

Is your winter survival kit stocked?

It is important that you have certain pieces of equipment on board for safe, comfortable and compliant winter driving. There needs to be some de-icer and a scraper for your windscreen and mirrors, as well as tyre chains or snow socks if travelling on hilly or rural routes.

You will also need to pack a tow rope, jump leads and high-visibility jacket to deal with any breakdowns and a first aid kit and a torch with spare batteries for emergencies.

A breakdown or accident could leave you stranded for a significant amount of time, so your survival kit should also include things like non-perishable snacks, bottled water, warm clothing, a hat and gloves. Packing a shovel and some grit or sand for traction if you get stuck is a good idea, while windscreen antifreeze and extra washer fluid are essential.

It is important to remember that even short journeys can become challenging in severe weather conditions, so being fully equipped is part of a professional safety culture. Some fleet operators now include a seasonal winter pack in every vehicle to make sure that their HGV drivers are fully stocked with everything they need.

Make sure you are prepared for emergencies

Any HGV driver will know the importance of contingency planning for breakdowns, isolation or a loss of power in freezing conditions. It is therefore important that you have a portable power bank or charging lead to hand to keep your communication devices alive and keep some reflective cones or warning triangles to mark the vehicle if it is stopped on the roadside. A thermal blanket or sleeping bag can be useful if the cab loses heat, and high-vis clothing will protect you by offering night visibility and roadside safety.

You should make sure that you have a portable torch, whistle and a small fire extinguisher close to hand, and also keep a list of emergency contact numbers, such as breakdown services, fleet offices and local recovery providers.

If you do find yourself stranded, you should stay with the vehicle unless instructed otherwise, using your hazard lights and conserving battery power.

Make sure that you regularly check all weather and traffic updates before you set off so you are aware of any potential hazards that you might encounter. If you are properly prepared, then it is much easier to keep yourself and your cargo safe.

Keep your truck well maintained

Preventative maintenance is the backbone of winter reliability, so you must ensure your vehicle is in good working order at all times. You should check your tyres for even wear and replace them early if the tread is low, whilst also ensuring that they have the correct cold weather pressure as under-inflation can reduce grip.

The cold weather puts extra strain on older batteries, so make sure this is replaced if it is starting to show signs of weakness or there is corrosion around the terminals.

When it comes to fluids you need to use winter-grade engine oil and ensure that your antifreeze concentration meets manufacturer specifications. It is also vital that you maintain adequate brake fluid, power steering and coolant levels.

You should pay close attention to your wipers and lights and replace any worn wiper blades whilst confirming that all bulbs and reflectors are working properly. Having some spare bulbs in the cab can help you to deal with any problems you might encounter while you are on the road.

Your heating and defrosting systems will be invaluable during the winter, so make sure that all heaters and blowers are operational to prevent misting and improve your visibility

It's not all in the equipment…

Safe driving habits are just as vital as mechanical readiness so make sure you reduce your speed and increase your stopping distances as icy roads can multiply the braking distance tenfold. You should also use engine braking wherever possible rather than sudden pedal braking to maintain control and avoid harsh acceleration or steering inputs on slippery surfaces.

Keep your headlights and fog lights clean for visibility and monitor your weather reports to help you avoid any unnecessary risks. If the weather conditions worsen, then pull over safely and wait until they have passed. You should also plan your routes taking rest stops and fuel stations into account and never let the tank drop too low in cold weather.

Winter readiness can protect lives, loads and livelihoods, so by creating your own winter checklist you can make sure that your truck is well prepared and keeps moving whatever the weather.