Prepare your van for winter

With December finally here, it’s time to start preparing for winter. In the UK, the season can change dramatically during these colder months, so it’s important to be prepared. This may mean investing in helpful items for your van or changing your routine; either way, we’ve got you covered with our handy guide on preparing your van for winter.

Invest in winter tyres

Winter tyres aren’t just for driving in snow. They offer many benefits, whether the weather is damp, wet, or dry. Made of a softer compound than regular tyres, winter tyres are able to grip the road surface better in colder temperatures where regular tyres tend to harden, offering less traction.

On top of this, make sure you carry out standard tyre checks, particularly tyre pressure and tread depth. Tread depth in especially important in winter due to the need for better traction and grip. While 1.6mm is the legal limit, we recommend not going below 3mm for your safety.

Keep your ice scraper and screen cover handy

An ice scraper is a must-have in the winter months, and we’d go so far as to recommend keeping one in your van at all times. However, to give yourself a head start in the morning, you can’t go wrong with a screen cover. They’re designed to prevent frost from gathering on your windscreen, removing the need to scrape the ice off in the first place.

Check your windscreen wipers

Visibility is of utmost importance in the winter months, especially when it’s dark and raining or snowing. What’s more, the additional grime on the roads from salt and mud can make your windscreen doubly dirty, so a good pair of wipers is a must for keeping your windscreen clear. On that note, make sure your screenwash is always topped up, and it’s not a bad idea to keep a spare bottle in your van just in case.

Ensure your service schedule is up-to-date

It's important to ensure your service schedule is up-to-date, for additional peace-of-mind while driving during the tricky winter months. During a commercial vehicle service, one of our expert technicains will only the best Mercedes-Benz Genuine Parts to ensure the best quality for your vehicle. With local van servicing centres in Exeter, Plymouth, Taunton and Truro, we’re here to keep your business moving.

Thanks to Mercedes-Benz ASSYST, you’ll never over or under service your van again. Your vehicle knows when it needs a service to maintain optimal performance, which depends on a number of variables such as your driving style and the type of roads you travel on.

Make sure your van has breakdown cover

Breaking down is never fun, but it’s arguably worse in the winter. Ensure your peace of mind that help is never far away with breakdown cover – and save yourself some money at the same time. Thankfully, all new and Approved Used Mercedes-Benz Vans come with Service24, or MobiloVan, our free roadside assistance package. 

To speak to one of our teams in Taunton, Exeter, Plymouth amnd Truro, please call us on 0330 162 0480.