By RAM Tracking on 17 Dec 2025
By Michael Hoyle, Head of Account Management, RAM Tracking
Winter doesn't wait for anyone. One morning your fleet is running smoothly, the next you're dealing with flat batteries, frozen locks, and drivers stuck on icy roads. The difference between businesses that sail through winter and those that struggle? Preparation.
A few simple steps now prevent expensive problems later. Here's how to get your fleet winter-ready without the stress.
Winter exposes every weakness in your vehicles. That battery that's been "a bit slow" all summer? It'll die completely at 6am on the coldest morning of the year.
Get these checks done before the first freeze:
Battery testing (cold weather is the biggest cause of battery failure)
Antifreeze levels checked and topped up for winter protection
Heating systems so drivers can work safely
Brake checks for reliable stopping power
Wiper blade replacements if they're more than 6 months old.
Top up screen wash with winter-grade solution that won't freeze.
A new battery costs roughly £100 and a breakdown costs you a day's work. Don't wait, book winter health checks early when garages are quieter and you can get vehicles in faster.
Your tyres are the only thing connecting your vehicle to the road. In winter, that connection needs to be spot-on.
Check every vehicle for:
Tread depth above 3mm: the legal minimum is 1.6mm, but winter needs more
Damage or bulges: cold weather makes existing damage worse
Correct pressure: check weekly as cold weather deflates tyres
Age: tyres over 5 years old lose grip even if tread looks fine
Cold weather changes everything about fuel, from how much you use to how it behaves in your tank.
Keep tanks above a quarter full to prevent fuel lines freezing and give drivers contingency if they get stuck. Expect higher fuel consumption from cold engines, heating systems, and slower traffic conditions. If operating in very cold areas, consider diesel additives to prevent gelling. Stock up on AdBlue and store bottles indoors as it can freeze in extreme cold.
Hope for the best, plan for the worst. When the Met Office issues severe weather warnings, you need a plan ready to go.
A good winter plan makes it clear when non-essential journeys should be delayed, who updates customers, and how those updates are shared. It should also include backup routes for regular jobs, clear instructions on who drivers contact if there is a problem, and what information they need to provide.
Communication is everything. Customers understand weather delays but what frustrates them is silence. Keep them informed helps maintain trust. Real-time vehicle tracking helps you see exactly where vehicles are, share locations with customers, and decide quickly whether drivers should continue or turn back.
The businesses that cope best with winter are the ones that prepare earliest. Book those health checks now, order your emergency supplies, and get your contingency plans written before you need them.
Winter preparation isn't complicated, but it makes a massive difference. Spend a few hours now sorting batteries, tyres, and schedules and you'll save days of hassle when the freeze hits.
Winter preparation doesn't have to be complicated. The good news? You can prevent costly breakdowns and keep your operations running smoothly with the right technology and preparation.
RAM’s fleet management software helps you stay in control of winter preparation. You can schedule and track maintenance with automatic reminders, complete digital vehicle checks with photo evidence, and see where every vehicle is in real time when bad weather hits.
Driver behaviour monitoring helps identify drivers who may need extra winter coaching, while MOTs and service records are stored digitally in one place. You can also integrate fuel cards to help keep winter fuel costs under control.
Ready to simplify your winter fleet operations? Contact us for your free no-obligation quote today and discover how RAM Tracking keeps your fleet moving through the coldest months.
Michael Hoyle is the Head of Account Management at RAM Tracking, where he leverages over 7 years of industry experience to drive customer success and operational excellence.
With a deep understanding of job management solutions and fleet tracking technology, Michael has established himself as a trusted leader in the telematics space.
His customer-centric approach and analytical mindset have helped countless businesses optimise operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.
Budget for basic winter preparation including battery testing and replacement if needed, antifreeze checks and top-ups, wiper blade replacements, and essential emergency kit for each vehicle.
Don't forget to factor in higher fuel costs throughout winter months due to cold starts, heating use, and slower traffic conditions. Getting ahead of potential problems is always cheaper than dealing with breakdowns and lost productivity.
It depends where you operate. Fleets in rural areas or hilly regions benefit significantly. Urban fleets that can postpone journeys during severe weather usually manage fine with quality all-season tyres kept above 3mm tread depth.
Battery failure is the leading cause of winter breakdowns. Cold weather reduces battery capacity, and if your battery is over 4 years old or showing signs of weakness, it'll likely fail when temperatures drop. Test and replace now, it's cheaper than a breakdown callout.
Keep tanks above half full to prevent fuel waxing. If temperatures regularly drop below -10°C in your area, consider diesel winter additives. Store AdBlue indoors as it freezes at -11°C, and keep vehicles topped up.
Your garage can test this during your winter health check. They'll ensure your coolant provides adequate winter protection for UK conditions. Don't just top up with water as this dilutes protection and risks freezing.
Keep vehicles well-maintained, ensure correct tyre pressures, reduce unnecessary idling, use fuel cards with discount schemes, and plan routes to avoid congestion where engines run inefficiently. Winter typically increases fuel consumption due to heating, cold starts, and slower traffic, so budget accordingly.
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