Take better care of your minibuses this winter - a few things you can do.

The weather is certainly getting colder and will only get worse in the coming months, so it’s time to consider what you need to do to take better care of your minibuses as the days get shorter and the weather worsens.

1. Check your screen wash levels more often

Not all daily walk-around checks include looking under the bonnet to check the level of windscreen washer fluid. In the winter, you will use significantly more washer fluid, so more regular checks need to be made. Keep a bottle of anti-freeze screen wash handy for easy top-ups and teach your drivers how to open the bonnet to add it.

Ensure you are using a screen wash that won’t freeze (as well as not being able to use the screen wash function, the ice will expand and could split the screen wash tank/container). Always check the freeze point on the label – it’s usually noted on the bottle. Do not be tempted to use washing up liquid; this just creates a foamy mess that restricts your vision.

2. Be kind to your windscreen and wipers

Never run your wipers when they’re obstructed by ice on the windscreen. This could blow the fuse, meaning you’ll need to replace it before you can drive anywhere.

It’s illegal to drive without a clear view of the road ahead. Your wipers play an important part in keeping your windows clear, but you may not have used them too much this summer. Lift them off the windscreen to check that the blades are not degraded or split, as this will cause them to smear the windscreen instead of clearing it.

If you notice a chip in your windscreen, get it fixed as soon as possible. Cold weather can cause a small chip to expand, eventually leading to a full crack. It’s far cheaper to repair a chip than to replace an entire windscreen.

3. Do not ignore warning lights

This is year-round advice, but it’s more important in the winter to ensure any warning lights are dealt with immediately, as a breakdown or issue on the road is far more unpleasant in the winter.

4. Check and clean all exterior lights

During your daily walk-around checks, make doubly sure that all your lights/bulbs are working: indicators, brake lights, fog lights, headlights, and the often-forgotten number plate light. With fewer daylight hours in winter, you’ll likely be driving in the dark more often.

Driving with a blown bulb is illegal, and you could face a fixed penalty notice or even get 3 points on your license if you are caught on the road with one. Winter also usually means dirtier minibuses with more rain, mud, and sleet around to obscure both your lights and your number plates. Give them a wipe over to keep them clean and bright.

Don’t forget that an indicator bulb that needs changing will tick faster than usual. Don’t wait until it fails to replace it.

5. Heater Blower and Heated Rear Screen

A working heater blower for your windscreen and heated rear windscreen are essential in the winter. Your heater blower helps to keep the windscreen clear from mist and condensation. If it’s not working properly, you may struggle to maintain visibility during your journey, which is not only illegal but especially dangerous in winter conditions.

The heated rear screen is just as important, as it clears frost or fog from the back window, giving you a clear view of the road behind. Make sure both the windscreen blower and rear windscreen heater are functioning before the winter weather sets in. If you notice any issues, get them fixed sooner rather than later.

6. Minibus Tyres

The tyres are the only point of contact between your minibus and the road, so they need to be in good condition. Driving with bald tyres is not only illegal but very dangerous, especially in wet and icy weather. The legal minimum tyre tread in the UK is 1.6mm, but we’d recommend at least 3mm for better grip during the winter. If you have a full-size spare tyre, don’t forget to check that as well.

7. Fluid Levels

Engine oil: Without sufficient oil, your engine could seize, leaving your minibus undriveable. Engine oil lubricates all the moving parts and helps keep the engine cool.

Brake fluid: Winter roads are often wet or icy, which increases your stopping distance. Ensuring your brake fluid is topped up and in good condition is essential for effective braking. It’s generally recommended to replace brake fluid every two years, as it can degrade over time.

Coolant: Your minibus’s coolant prevents overheating. In winter, it’s important that your coolant contains antifreeze – otherwise, it could freeze, causing serious damage to your engine. Most coolant in the UK should be sufficient to protect down to around -15°C, but check the freezing point and the mix ratio of water to antifreeze.

8. Fan Belt

The fan belt (or serpentine belt) is a rubber component that connects various pulleys in your minibus, powering essential systems like air conditioning, heating, and power steering. In winter, this belt goes from freezing cold temperatures overnight to much warmer conditions when the engine is running. These rapid temperature changes can make the belt more likely to crack or snap. Check for any signs of existing wear and tear before the cold weather hits.

9. Brake Pads and Discs

Brakes are vital all year round, but they’re even more crucial in winter when stopping distances increase due to wet or icy roads. Regularly check your brake pads and discs to ensure they’re not worn out.

Don’t forget to check your phones or navigation systems for any problems on the roads and increase the distance from the vehicle in front of you. Happy and safe winter driving everyone.

Our last three recommendations are more technical and require a little more vehicle know-how. If you are having minibus safety inspections as well as regular services and your annual MOT these will help flag up any issues. If you are not completing safety inspections speak to Rivervale Minibus for a quote as they are requirement of both a Section 19 Permit and PSV Operator’s Licence and our fleet of mobile engineers will complete these on your premises for you.

Lastly.. Don’t forget to check your phones or navigation systems for any problems on the roads and increase the distance from the vehicle in front of you. Happy and safe winter driving everyone.