7 Truck Cab Essentials for Winter

Anyone who drives a truck will know that their needs will change with the seasons. Driving a truck during the winter can be extremely dangerous and you can be left with some difficult situations if you are not fully prepared.

To get you ready for those winter roads, Fleet Ex, global suppliers of ex-fleet trucks have put together their list of essential things that you should have in the cab of your truck this winter to make sure you are safe and well at all times.

Cold weather survival kit

There is nothing worse than being stranded in the cold weather, either because of a traffic issue, a weather event or a breakdown. It is therefore essential that you are prepared to be stuck in your cab for a significant amount of time and you will need a kit handy that can get you through all sorts of different circumstances.

There are some essential tools that this should include, such as a snow shovel, a de-icer and a set of jump leads, as these can get you out of many difficult situations. You should also make sure that you have a first aid kit handy in case you have suffered any injuries, become unwell or anyone nearby might be in need.

Things like a torch, a high visibility jacket, and an emergency foil blanket can also be useful in an emergency or when it gets dark.

Warm clothing

Things like warm blankets and clothing can come in handy if you are stuck in your cab for a while and are unable to run the engine to keep you warm. You should also ensure that you have a heavy coat or some overalls that will protect you from the elements if you need to get out of the truck. Anything that you wear outside should have reflective strips or you should be able to add a hi-vis jacket or vest over the top to ensure you are visible at all times.

You should also make sure that you have waterproof boots and gloves on hand that can keep you warm and dry outside, especially if there is a layer of snow on the ground. These can help to make maintenance tasks easier and can prevent you from becoming too cold during deliveries.

Some pocket hand warmers can also be really useful to get your hands back up to temperature, whether you have been outside attending to an emergency or simply refuelling.

Just because it is winter, you should not assume that it is safe to put the sunglasses away. On a bright day there can be a lot of glares, and the sun is often much lower, so it can cause problems for visibility. Keeping a pair of sunglasses in your cab at all times can therefore ensure you are prepared for every type of weather.

Food and drink

Try to make sure that you have access to some hot food and drink during the day. Filling up a flask of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or soup can be useful whether you are stuck or simply need something to warm you through on a chilly day. 

In the event of a significant delay, you might also benefit from having plenty of bottled water and a few energy bars and non-perishable foods on board to keep you going.

Documentation

There are a number of important documents that you should have with you in your cab. Your insurance documents will inform you of who you need to contact in the event of an accident, and your breakdown cover will also get you out of a number of problems. These should be kept in any vehicle, but as an HGV driver, you might also need other documentation relating to what you are carrying or if you are doing international work.

Communication tools

As a truck driver, you will know the importance of staying in contact with the people you are working for and your customers, but this is even more essential during the winter. You need to make sure that you have your mobile phone with you at all times in order to let them know if you have become stranded or experienced any kind of problem.

This can help to ensure that you are rescued as soon as possible, and the emergency services can be contacted if necessary.

We all know how quickly a mobile phone battery can be drained, so ensure you have a portable charger on hand as well. This should be something that can be pre-charged and does not rely on energy from your truck, just in case you have a problem.

Windscreen care

It is a good idea to have some screen wash and spare wiper blades on board during the winter weather. This is because icy weather conditions can mean that your windscreen wipers break, so having a spare set can ensure there are minimal delays to your journey.

You can also top up on your screen wash whilst out on the road to maintain visibility, however this is something which should be checked before you set off.

Pre journey checklist

It is important that you perform a number of checks on your vehicle before you set out during the winter. This can involve a range of different elements including your tyres, your fluid levels, your heater, lights and your brakes, as these will be essential at keeping you safe on the road.

You should have a checklist of everything you need to assess before setting out on your journey, and you can record anything you have noted, adjustments you have made or issues you might have raised.

When driving an HGV, your truck is your sanctuary, so it is important to make sure it is fully prepared before every journey. Even the shortest trips can result in unexpected delays during the winter, so being fully prepared can help pass the time and keep you safe, well and comfortable. Having all of this in your cab with you can make any problems much easier to deal with and hopefully get you home faster.