When winter rolls around, keeping your fleet of refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) running smoothly can be challenging. But with the right preparation, you can ensure your vehicles remain reliable, efficient, and safe, even in harsh conditions.
In this guide, we cover five essential winter maintenance tips for your refuse collection fleet.
Inspect and Service Key Components
Start by inspecting and servicing key components before winter sets in, allowing you to tackle whatever the season throws your way with confidence. Focus on the following:
- Inspect Hydraulic Systems
Hydraulic systems are central to every RCV but can be particularly vulnerable to cold weather. Low temperatures can cause fluid thickening and reduce system efficiency. Check for leaks and ensure fluid levels are correct to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
- Test Brakes for Optimal Safety
Safety is crucial on icy roads. Inspect brake pads, rotors, and air lines to ensure they’re performing at their best. Staying ahead of potential issues provides peace of mind for you and your drivers, ensuring safe winter driving. - Evaluate Tyres for Winter Readiness
Your RCVs need the right tyres for traction during frosty months. Check the tread depth and, if possible, switch to winter tyres. Improved traction can significantly increase stability and driver confidence on slippery roads. - Check Batteries for Reliability
Cold weather strains batteries, reducing capacity. Test each battery and replace any that show signs of weakness to prevent unexpected breakdowns. A strong battery means fewer delays and a more reliable service for your customers.
By following these steps, you’re setting your RCV fleet up for a successful winter. Now, let’s explore how to protect your vehicles from freezing.
Protect Your Refuse Vehicle Against Freezing
Winter temperatures can wreak havoc on your RCVs if you’re not prepared. Here are our top tips to prevent freezing issues:
- Switch to Winter-Grade Fluids
Use winter-grade engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and antifreeze. These specialised fluids prevent freezing and ensure proper flow, improving reliability through winter months. - Apply Anti-Freeze to Bin Lifts
Bin lifts are crucial for daily operations and vulnerable to freezing. Applying an anti-freeze solution prevents them from seizing up, ensuring uninterrupted collections. - Insulate Exposed Pipes
Exposed hydraulic and air lines are prone to freezing. Wrap these components with insulation to reduce freezing risk and maintain vehicle efficiency.
Enhance Visibility and Safety
Winter conditions demand extra attention to visibility and safety. Here’s how to keep your drivers safe and visible:
- Ensure Lighting is Fully Operational
Shorter daylight hours mean reliable lighting is essential. Verify that headlights, brake lights, and indicators work correctly to support safe operations. - Install Winter Wipers
Heavy-duty winter wiper blades tackle ice and snow build-up, ensuring drivers have a clear view of the road. - Stock Emergency Supplies
Winter weather can be unpredictable. Stock each vehicle with emergency supplies like ice scrapers, de-icer, and blankets to ensure driver safety if they get delayed.
By protecting your RCVs against freezing and enhancing visibility, you’re creating a safe, operational fleet throughout winter.
Train Drivers on Winter Operations
Your drivers are on the front lines, and their training is essential. Equip them with the skills to stay safe and effective:
- Teach Winter Driving Techniques
Train drivers on winter driving techniques, including maintaining safe speeds, using engine braking, and keeping a greater distance from other vehicles. - Review Procedures for Frozen Waste and Blocked Access
Winter affects waste collection too. Ensure drivers know how to handle frozen waste in bins and navigate blocked access due to snow. Efficient management minimises schedule disruptions.
Schedule More Frequent Vehicle Inspections
Winter is tough on vehicles, making regular inspections even more essential. Increase inspection frequency to catch cold-weather issues before they escalate. Frequent check-ups help keep your fleet in top condition and reduce costly breakdown risks.
Get Your Refuse Vehicles Winter-Ready
By following these winter maintenance tips, RCV hire companies and operators can keep vehicles reliable and safe throughout the UK’s harsh winter conditions. Regular maintenance and proactive winterisation minimise downtime and ensure efficient waste collection services. For further tips discover more ways fleets can prepare for safe winter operations.
Want to maximise the performance of your refuse vehicle fleet? We’ve got you covered! Dive into expert tips, industry insights, and the latest RCV news by viewing our latest guidance. . .
You can also learn more about what makes us the UK’s trusted refuse vehicle provider? Explore our services and discover why so many choose Trest their refuse vehicle provider at trest.uk.
