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November is fast approaching, and that means winter isn't too far behind. As we all know, conditions can change dramatically during the winter months - so you should be changing your routine to suit.
Luckily, there are a number of things you can do and products you can buy to help you mitigate the effects of winter on your van.
Don't make the mistake of thinking that winter tyres are only for snowy conditions. Winter tyres offer many benefits no matter if the weather is damp, wet or dry. They're made of a softer compound than a regular tyre, which grips the road surface better in temperatures under seven degrees Celsius, where a standard tyre becomes hard - offering less traction.
Winter tyres can also help in rural areas, providing enhanced traction and handling on slopes and bends.
"But I have screenwash. What do I need 'winter screenwash' for?" Because there are different substances on the roads during winter - things like salt are applied to improve safety - and they kick up onto your windscreen constantly. It's also a good idea to carry a spare bottle. You know what we're talking about - who hasn't noticed a really grimy winter windscreen, and tried to clean it only to find you've run out of screenwash.
Getting stranded or stuck is every motorist's nightmare. It's even worse when it happens in the middle of nowhere. Be proactive and think ahead - it's a no-brainer. Throw a few extra 'contingency' tools in the back of your van. Keeping a shovel in the back is easy - it won't take up valuable load space, and you can even find ones purpose built for removing snow and ice.
An ice scraper is an absolute must in the winter months. In fact, you probably have one in your van at all times. What a lot of people overlook is a screen cover. Ever tried to scrape off frosty ice? It's not much fun. A screen cover is designed to prevent frost from gathering on the ice on your windscreen, which eliminates the problem.
Again, this one is easy to overlook - but it's worth keeping a spare coat or jacket in the back of your van at the very least. If you breakdown or get stranded, it'll be much less painful if you can keep yourself warm.
With the cold weather on its way, maybe it's time to consider a new van. We offer free independent advice on any van in our range, as well as flexible finance options. If you'd like to talk to us about a new van, or to get a tailored quote - call us on 0845 021 0444 or enquire online!