The winter months can provide a number of challenges for truck drivers across the UK as they face additional traffic and difficult driving conditions. However, one of the most important things that they need to deal with is maintaining a safe and sensible temperature within the cab of the truck. This can help to keep the drivers safe and well, and the trucks running properly, so it is a key factor to be aware of.
That is why Fleet Ex have put together some of our top tips on how to keep your HGV warm in the winter.
Layers
As a driver, you will probably find that the temperature of the truck changes during the day according to when the sun comes out and when night falls. This means that you need to be able to adapt quickly and easily, and one of the easiest ways to do this is through wearing layers.
Try to stick to natural fibres as these tend to be more breathable and come prepared with a number of layers that you can put on and take off as you need them. It can be beneficial to have thermal layers that can go beneath other items, sitting close to the skin, without making you feel bulky.
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Portable heaters
Keeping your cab warm while you are driving is relatively easy as you can put the built-in heaters to effective use. However, this can be much more difficult at night when the engine is switched off and you are trying to get to sleep.
Having a portable heater in your sleeper cab can help to make sure that you stay warm at night when temperatures are likely to drop even further. An auxiliary power unit can still have full power even when the engine is off. There are also electric and gas heaters available which can be quieter and provide good levels of heat.
If you do install a heater in your cab, it is important to make sure that it is not covered or obstructed in any way as this could present a fire hazard.
Natural light
Natural light can be a fantastic way to heat your cab throughout the day, so lift shades and let light through your sunroof to let natures own heater do its job for a while.
Hot food
There are many ways to keep warm on the outside, but an effective source of heat is to warm up your insides too. Make sure that you have a source of hot food available, as this can act as internal heating. Try to keep a microwave in your cab so that you can easily heat things up instead of relying on sandwiches and cold snacks.
Bedding
Your rest is especially important, as it will affect your ability to drive if you have not had a proper break. To sleep well, you need to be at a comfortable temperature in bed and so you might need to take some extra bedding with you.
Things such as sleeping bags which have been designed for low temperatures can help to provide you with the extra insulation that you need, ensuring you get a good night’s sleep safely and easily. In addition to this, you might also want to consider investing in heated mattress pad. This can be slipped underneath you, and as they tend to be 12V pads, they can be plugged into a lighter socket without the truck engine needing to idle.
Extra blankets
It is advisable to carry extra blankets in your truck. These can be useful if the temperature drops further than expected or if you end up stuck for extended periods of time. They are also useful in an emergency for anyone around you who might need help.
Warm accessories
We all know that we can lose a lot of body heat through our heads, so make sure that you have a warm hat handy, as this can provide warmth while you are driving and resting. Our feet are often another source of cold for the rest of our bodies, and so thermal socks can be a great solution. It is advisable to keep a few spare pairs in your cab so that you can change them if your feet get wet when you get out of the cab.
Cold feet can make it harder to feel the pedals whilst you are driving, so this can be a big safety concern. You also need to make sure that your hands are not affected by the cold in order to grip the steering wheel properly and so insulated gloves which are still thing ensure you are warm but still able to feel everything.
Outer layers
One of the things that can make you colder, is the affect that the weather can have on you when you have been outside. If you allow yourself to get cold when you get out of the cab, then it can take a long time for you to get warm again.
It is therefore important to have good outer layers such as jackets and coats that you can put on when you have to go outside. Make sure that you take these off when you get back into the cab – just as your mother used to tell you, keeping it on means you won’t feel the benefit when you need it.
Visibility
A warm cab doesn’t just benefit the driver, it also helps to prevent windscreens and mirrors from freezing. This can severely hamper your view of the road when frost or snow sets in, so keeping your windows warm is an essential part of the job.
Keeping the cab warm is essential for the health and safety of every driver. The cold can impair their ability to react and to drive properly, and if it hampers sleep, it means that concentration, focus and reaction times will all be affected the next day. A warm cab means a safe cab both for the driver and for everyone else on the road.