Batteries

Cold weather can have a debilitating effect on batteries and their overall performance. If the battery in a company vehicle is not fully charged, or has been adversely affected by the cold, there is an increased chance of not starting.

A regular overnight trickle charge can be useful to give the battery a chance to revive when the vehicle is not in use for a length of time.

Oil

Make sure that the correct oil type for your vehicle is used during winter. It’s an easy choice to pick up any kind of oil at the forecourt but by checking the manufacturer’s recommendation in your vehicle handbook you can get the best oil to suit the performance of your vehicle.

It’s also worth considering that many vehicles need thinner oil this time of year because thick oil does not flow as freely in the cold as it does in warm weather. So the next time you need to top up the oil levels it’s worth considering spending an extra couple of pounds to save you money in the long run.

Emergency winter pack

It may seem an extra hassle but making sure each company vehicle has its own emergency winter pack can provide much needed comfort and relief to your drivers if a vehicle breaks down. This ensures that if a vehicle breaks down or becomes snowed in drivers are comfortable and able to access essentials such as a warm blanket, torch, bottled water and snacks.

Companies have a duty of care to provide safe vehicles for staff, and this can be even more important in the winter months when weather conditions have more of an impact on a vehicle’s performance. If a company vehicle is involved in an accident then the company could be held liable if the vehicle had not been properly maintained.