Winter driving tips for truck drivers

Arne stresses the fact that in winter time, more than any other season, you never know what problems you might run into on the road. “If you know temperatures are going to be freezing, make sure your truck can cope and be prepared for every situation,” he says.

Here is what you need to do:

• Check your antifreeze, windscreen washer fluid and cooling system.  Also check the battery, the lights (especially the fog lights), and make sure the windscreen wipers are working properly.
   
• Make sure your tyres are well-suited for the weather and compliant with local legislation, which varies from country to country
   
• Be extra vigilant with tyre inflation pressures: cold temperatures reduce the air pressure in your tyres, so check your pressure more often than during summer months.
   
• Keep your truck clear of the signs of winter. Inspect your lights and registration plate to make sure they’re free of snow and winter road dirt, and defrost and demist your windscreen to maintain maximum visibility.
   
• Wash your vehicle frequently to prevent the build-up of road salt, which causes corrosion.

In some countries, truck tyre chains are mandatory. Make sure you know how to mount them, especially in freezing weather. It’s a good idea to practice beforehand.

• Always keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, so you’re able to react in time should the vehicle in front of you suddenly stop or encounter difficulty.
   
• Slow down. Keep in mind that speed limits are set for dry roads and good weather conditions.
   
• Drive smoothly: sharp curves, sudden acceleration and hard braking decrease traction. Keep a steady speed and, again, stay at a safe distance from other vehicles.
   
•  Be wary of black ice. “When there’s snow on the road, everyone tends to drive carefully; black ice is what’s really dangerous, because it’s invisible and extremely slippery. Sometimes you can’t even stand on the road. Keep an eye out for it, especially on bridges and when temperatures are dropping fast.” One handy tip: if the spray from tyres of vehicles in front of you stops, that may be a sign of black ice.

• Sand and a shovel: “The most important things to have in your truck in cold weather. If you get stuck in ice, you’ll need sand to get out.”
   
• Warm winter clothes: A warm coat, hat, gloves, good shoes, the whole deal. This is because the main risk with winter driving is having to wait for hours for conditions to get better or because a truck is blocking the road – and when you’re not rolling, it will get extremely cold in the cab.
   
• Water and non-perishable food, in case of long waits stuck on the road.
   
• At least half a tank of fuel at all times, in case the journey is longer than expected.
   
• A flashlight, high-visibility jacket, a warning triangle, a phone charger and a charged mobile phone.