Winter tips for your car fleet

Does your company rely on your cars being operational and ready to use at any time? Then you know from experience that maintenance and servicing require more time and care in the winter than in the rest of the year. Find out here how you can deal with snow and ice.

In most cases, it doesn’t take much for your corporate fleet to be properly prepared against all the adverse winter conditions. Prevention and correct action in emergencies are essential. 

Prevention tips for your company cars  

Prepare your vehicle fleet for the winter

It goes without saying that you should fit winter tires to your vehicles. But do you also have winter checks carried out? That would be just as important and it’s never too late to do so.

You should have the following checked:

• Electronics / electrical system
• Braking system
• Fan belt
• Exhaust system
• Wheel suspension

Regular car maintenance and checks

• The tread depth of winter tires – 4mm – is the minimum requirement. 
• Driver assistance systems with the corresponding sensors – snow, salt and dirt – can lead to malfunctions.
• Vehicle lighting systems, mainly the right setting for the headlamps. 
• Do you have vehicles that are used mainly for short distances? Low temperatures drain more power than ever from the car battery. The battery is recharged when the vehicle travels occasional longer distances. 

Sub-zero temperatures conceal other risks. Particularly if your vehicles are parked outside or a long time or overnight. In these instances, for example, any based on water-liquid can quickly freeze. We therefore recommend the following precautionary measures:

• Make sure that the windscreen-wiper unit and radiator are always full. 
• Use special cleaning products for rubber seals for doors and the trunk. 

Equipment in the car during the winter months

You should keep the following items in the car:

• Snow chains
• Jumper cables
• Tow rope
• Broom and folding shovel
• And a warm blanket for emergencies

Prevention tips for your employees

Your company’s most valuable asset is its employees who drive on the roads every day by car, delivery van or truck. The following tips help improve safety:

• Allow for more time for journeys and orders.
• Drive with care in snow and ice.
• Do not make any sudden swerving maneuvers. If you skid, gently steer in the opposite direction and keep your eyes on the road, not on the impending danger.  
• Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, as it takes much longer to brake than in the warmer summer months.
• Don’t be frightened about applying emergency braking in an emergency: The driver assistance systems will help you, particularly the anti-lock braking system (ABS). 

Is your vehicle fleet already insured with us and do you want to make a mark? AXA offers free prevention talks in order to raise awareness among you and your fleet drivers about the dangers of driving in traffic. This would show your employees that their safety is your priority.