Tips to make your trailer park winter-ready and traffic-safe
SOURCE: www.transporama.be
Although winter was a while in coming, it is now back on European roads, resulting in challenging weather conditions. This places specific demands on freight transport. Not only the tractor, but also the trailer must be properly prepared for winter. Below is a collection of the most important tips from the experts at Kögel Trailer GmbH. These are addressed to transport and logistics companies and drivers so that they can hit the winter roads with their trailers without stress.
Tips for tires and undercarriage
- Check all winter tires carefully: In areas with severe winter conditions, all tires must be suitable for winter use and have adequate tread. Legally, a minimum of 1.6 mm is usually required, but a tread of at least 4 mm is recommended. In countries such as Germany, France, Sweden and Finland, winter tires must carry the "Alpine" symbol, an icon of a mountain with a snowflake. Tires with only an M+S marking are no longer permitted.
- Adjust tire pressure: Tire pressure can vary in cold temperatures, which can adversely affect driving safety. Therefore, check it regularly and adjust it to the recommended level. Tire pressure monitoring systems, which monitor pressure in real time, can help.
- Check the brake system: The brakes should be in perfect condition. Check the brake lines, brake discs and pads to make sure they are not worn or damaged, as slippery or bad roads can cause extra strain.
- Don't forget the shock absorbers and suspension: It is important that the shock absorbers are in good condition because snow and ice can cause uneven road conditions.
Lighting and electrical system tips
- Are all lighting systems in working order? The entire lighting system, including taillights, turn signals and brake lights, must function properly and not be covered by snow or ice. Side marker lights increase visibility in snowy and foggy areas. Reflective panels on the trailer and marker stripes at the rear make the vehicle more visible to other road users.
- Test the electrical system regularly: Cables and connectors can be damaged by moisture and cold. Check them before winter, and insulate and protect them from water penetration to prevent short circuits and corrosion.
Tips for the cargo area and bodywork
- Are the roof and tarpaulins still sufficiently resistant to snow and ice: The roof of the trailer must be sturdy and in good condition to support the weight of snow and ice. Sail structures must be tight and watertight to prevent water infiltration. Damaged areas should be repaired with tarpaulin repair tape.
- Remove accumulations of snow and ice: It is essential to remove all layers of snow and ice from the tarpaulin and roof before departure to avoid the risk of falling ice. This includes clearing the roof. This can be done easily with so-called roof de-icing systems or manually. Many parking lots have special scaffolding for clearing snow from roofs. These are indicated, for example, in the Truck-Stops.com app. This prevents snow or ice from sliding onto other vehicles and causing accidents. Apps, such as the driver app from publisher Huss (fahrer-app.de), show parking lots with snow clearing stations.
- Maintain doors and latches: Doors and hinges should be maintained and lubricated as needed because cold can make them sticky. Water-repellent lubricants help prevent freezing.
How does AllConnects help you better manage your trailers and semi-trailers?
In winter conditions, proper management of your trailers and semi-trailers is crucial to avoid delays and unexpected problems. All-Connects offers smart track & trace solutions that allow you to easily monitor your entire trailer fleet.
See the exact location of your parked trailers
Our battery-powered GPS trackers, such as the AC.FLEXY, provide real-time visibility into the location and status of your trailers, even in remote locations. You can also use our software to automate maintenance scheduling, ensuring timely checks on critical issues such as tires, lighting and braking systems. Read all about trailer tracking and management here.
Thanks to our solutions, you not only avoid downtime, but also improve the safety of your drivers and the efficiency of your transportation operations, even during the harshest winter conditions. All-Connects ensures that you always stay one step ahead.
Want to know more?
Request a free demo and find out how our software can help you make the most of your trailers! Boost your efficiency with a team that is always there for you.
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