Keeping Your Courier Van on the Road This Winter

The transition from summer driving to winter driving requires a little preparation. It is important to plan to prepare your courier-van for winter so that you are prepared for more dangerous road conditions. Your driving also changes with the onset of winter temperatures, so knowing what to check and how you react can help prevent accidents before they happen. To get started, we've created an unofficial course to help keep you safe and confident on the road this winter. 

Before delving into that article check that you have van breakdown cover and if you are using your van for hire and reward you will also need hire and reward van insurance. This advice will also apply to those that use their car for courier purposed, but in their case they will need car courier insurance.

Driving tips before you hit the road

winter van driving van tips
  1. 1
    Change your tires to winter tires before the first storm. Avoid the peak period of the season by making your appointment well in advance.
  2. 2
    Make sure you have the right tires. All winter tires have a symbol with a three-peaked mountain and a snowflake. This symbol means that the tires have been specially designed for driving in snow.
  3. 3
    Do not match different tire models. Your four tires should be winter tires.
  4. 4
    Keep your tires properly inflated. Check your tire pressure at least once a month during cold temperatures. Tires lose pressure faster in winter. In addition, driving with insufficiently inflated tires, especially on icy roads, is dangerous.

2. Do seasonal maintenance 

Make fall maintenance a priority each year, so your vehicle is ready for winter driving, even if it appears to be in good condition. The mechanic will make sure the essential parts are working well and take care of any hidden items that may be a problem for you during the cold days. We recommend that you schedule the service at the same time as the tire change to avoid a second appointment.

3. Understand your insurance policy

You can be the safest driver on the planet and still crash in winter conditions, even if it's not your fault. Read your auto policy to ensure you have the necessary protection to cover your vehicle and yourself in case of accidents during the winter. 

4. Keep an emergency kit for winter driving

Any winter driver knows that an emergency kit is a must in winter! If you have one in your vehicle, you can stay safe and warm if you ever get stuck on the side of the road.

Here is a list of items we recommend for your kit:

  • Snacks and water.
  • A first aid kit. 
  • A snow brush, a scraper, and a small shovel. 
  • A blanket and extra clothes. 
  • A flashlight and extra batteries. 
  • Jumper cables. 
  • Salt, sand, or even cat litter to be used for traction if you get stuck in the snow.

Tips for driving when you're on the road

  • Pay attention and drive calmly. 
  • Let go of the cruise control. 
  • Learn how to get out of a skid.
  • Tailgating - don't do that! 

Yes, winter driving can be intimidating. However, if you're well prepared, know what to expect, and drive safely, there's a good chance you'll get through the winter without incident. 

Remember, if you have an accident-free record, you could keep your courier insurance premiums low, so it pays to stay safe in the winter!

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