{"id":10601,"date":"2021-12-16T12:19:32","date_gmt":"2021-12-16T12:19:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/?p=10601"},"modified":"2026-08-18T11:31:11","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T11:31:11","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-hgv-driving-in-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/how-to-prepare-for-hgv-driving-in-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prepare for HGV Driving In Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The end of the festive season doesn\u2019t mark the end of the winter weather in the UK. In fact, it\u2019s just the beginning. From sleet and snow to ice and rain, every year brings us an onslaught of freezing atmospheres to deal with. For any driver, being on the road can be nerve-wracking. For a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/news\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HGV driver<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with a larger vehicle, the threats can be even more significant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve recently gotten your HGV license and you\u2019re keen to start your new job as a driver, it\u2019s important to be properly prepared for the unique challenges the winter months can bring. Here are some important tips to keep you on track.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prepare your Vehicle<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First, you\u2019re going to need to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/what-sort-of-careers-can-you-do-with-an-hgv-lgv-license\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">make sure your HGV is in good condition<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Most bigger companies hiring HGV drivers will help with this, by hiring specialists to check the fleet on their behalf. However, it always pays to do a few checks yourself, if only for peace of mind.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Start by examining the following things:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your heater: You really want to make sure you can use this, particularly in freezing weather.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tyres: Check things like balance, wear, and pressure before you get on the road.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Windscreen wipes: Ensure they\u2019re in good condition and ready to wipe away snow.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Defrosters: These absolutely must be in good condition too.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Block heaters: Check the engine block heater to prevent overnight freezing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fluid levels: Is everything topped up?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lights: You\u2019ll need these to help you get around in those darker days.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exhaust: This should be clear from any snow or ice<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow any guidelines set by your boss when determining whether your HGV is ready for action too. If you notice anything out of place, ask before you get behind the wheel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prepare Yourself<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While your vehicle might be the most worrying thing in winter weather conditions, the weather might also have an impact on you. As a driver, you may need to adjust the way you drive during cold spells, so you don\u2019t fall victim to icy patches. Mentally preparing can be an important part of staying safe on every journey. As obvious as it may sound, practice driving carefully. Sudden, sharp movements can cause you to lose control of a big vehicle. Remember to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Slow down: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most accidents happen because drivers are travelling too fast. This is especially problematic for HGV drivers because it takes longer to bring the vehicle to a stop.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Allow for extra space:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Increasing your stopping distance means you\u2019re less likely to end up in trouble if your tires skid or slide. While there\u2019s often a tendency to associate hazardous weather with snow, and ice, fog and rain can be problematic too.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Be consistent:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Stay steady and go easy on the brakes. Make sure you\u2019re feeling confident behind the wheel.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Create a Survival Kit<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With a bit of luck, you won\u2019t need to use this kit at all during your time as a HGV driver \u2013 but it\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/safety-as-a-long-haul-hgv-driver-what-you-need-to-know\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">better to be safe than sorry<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Make sure you have the right equipment on-hand for every possible situation you might encounter in dangerous weather conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For instance, you might need:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An ice scraper and de-icer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A shovel and a bag of salt or sand<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jump leads to get you back on the road<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Warm clothes and a thick blanket<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A flask of hot tea or coffee<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plenty of water and extra food<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sunglasses (for glare)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A first aid kit<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A high visibility jackets<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A flashlight<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s best to ensure you have extra fuel too, just in case your journeys take a little longer than planned, or you find you need to take an alternative route.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check Before you Drive<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Checking a few things before you drive can make your life a lot easier. For instance, keeping up-to-date with weather information, and aware of changing conditions and road closures will stop you from getting stuck on the road. Consider planning your route in the morning before the trip and looking for any issues ahead of schedule.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s also important to be aware of certain hazards which can cause a lot of problems for HGV drivers, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Black ice: This is a dangerous road condition which often presents itself as a layer of transparent ice, making the road look wet. It can very easily cause your HGV to slip and swerve if you\u2019re not extremely careful.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bridges: Gritters don\u2019t always treat bridges in the UK, so it\u2019s best to make sure you\u2019re taking extra care when approaching any elevated structure.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heavy rain: Make sure you know how dangerous heavy rain can be when it comes to damaging your visibility. Hold the steering wheel straight and avoid hitting the brakes too hard.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fog: In thick fog, you\u2019ll need to slow down and use your lights as much as possible. Don\u2019t feel pressured to drive faster than you feel confident with.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always Put Safety First<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you\u2019re trying to thrive as an HGV driver, it\u2019s tempting to put speed and getting to your destination first. However, safety should always be the most important thing. Underestimating the dangers of winter weather or pushing yourself to travel faster and further than you reasonably can may lead to horrific results.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Part of putting safety first is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/driving-hours-breaks-rest-your-rights\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">knowing when to stop.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> There\u2019s a good time and a bad time to stop driving. When weather conditions become so bad that driving just isn\u2019t a possibility anymore, don\u2019t just slam the breaks, or swerve off to the side, as this increases your risk of issues. Instead, look for a safe place to stop as quickly as possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may have to wait for a while for visibility to improve in some cases, so just keep your boss updated on your situation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay Safe in Winter<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Though HGV driving can be an exciting and well-paying career for many people throughout the UK, it\u2019s important to make sure you\u2019re approaching each job with care. During the winter months, when the roads of the UK can be particularly dangerous, knowing how to stay safe is essential. With the tips above, and your HGV certification, you can stay ahead of the bad weather.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The end of the festive season doesn\u2019t mark the end of the winter weather in the UK. In fact, it\u2019s just the beginning. From sleet and snow [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10601","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news"],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-11-01 03:03:10","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10601","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10601"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10601\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19326,"href":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10601\/revisions\/19326"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10601"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10601"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.surreyandhampshirehgvtraining.co.uk\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10601"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}