Keep your tank at least half full. Water vapor can collect in the bottom of your tank and when drawn into your engine’s fuel line, it can freeze in the winter and prevent your engine from starting.
As the temperature drops, it’s important to make sure you are using the right viscosity of motor oil. In especially cold climates, even oil with a viscosity of 10W-30 may be too thick! It’s best to check your owner’s manual for the recommended viscosity for freezing temperatures.
Just as heat and everyday driving can cause wear and tear on your vehicle’s belts, so can cold weather. A worn timing or v-belt could spell disaster for you and your vehicle, especially when driving in remote regions. Make a belt inspection part of your regular routine and check for signs of fraying or cracking. Change any worn belts now to help avoid a breakdown during the worst of winter.
The best time to check and top off your vehicle’s fluids is before harsh winter weather hits. Check and top off engine coolants, power steering, brake, windshield washer and battery fluids.
If your engine gets off to a rough, jittery start, misfires or simply doesn’t want to start, there’s a good chance it could be the spark plugs. The side of the road is certainly no place to be in a winter storm. So check your spark plugs, making sure to clean or replace them if necessary.
Summer heat takes its toll on batteries. However, in the winter cold, when you need the extra cranking power, your battery may not be up to the task. Consider replacing it if it is more than 3 years old and keep the contacts free of corrosion with a battery post and terminal cleaner.
Inspect wiper blades for fraying or cracking and consider using heavy-duty winter blades for tough ice buildup.
If your vehicles operate in a cold region with snow and ice, all weather tyres may not offer the best performance. Consider outfitting your fleet with winter tyres instead. They offer better traction in icy conditions and even cold, dry roads.
In the darker winter months, it’s important to be seen by other drivers. Walk around your vehicle to make sure all lights are working.
With slippery winter road conditions, making sure that your brakes are in working order is a top priority. If your brakes make a highpitched squealing sound when engaged, it’s time change them out for a new pair.
Procure Plus work in partnership with Crown Commercial Service to offer a comprehensive fleet solution to suit the customer. Working in collaboration to harness the leverage across the entire public sector, this arrangement will ensure that the teams out on the road are fully enabled to maintain the housing stock. To find out more about this service and how we can help please contact us on 0303 030 0030 or email peter.winstone@procure-plus.com
The journey to net-zero is well underway and the government’s 10 point plan aims to accelerate the UK’s transition to electric vehicles. But what will/could this transition look like for social housing providers?
Where do you start:
At Procure Plus we’d love to help you navigate this challenge, simply contact Peter Winstone at peter.winstone@procure-plus.com to start the conversation.