Winter and Christmas driving of your new school minibus

Winter and Christmas period use of a school minibus will vary enormously from school to school. Some schools will lock up their new minibus for the Winter/Christmas period but our weather pattern over the last few years has meant that the snow has arrived in January and February, so assuming you will carry on driving it, its worth revisiting some of the servicing tips of prior blogs and adding some winter specific advice

At Vanlease UK,  Our advice is to never drive your school minibus in snow if you really don’t need to.  Snow on the ground does not simply mean reduced traction and longer stopping distances, last year hundreds of people ended up stuck in cars and vans overnight on the M6 motorway because wagons simply could not get up a hill near Haydock. Not dangerous, but frustrating and cold

 

Over winter, ensure that your mobile phone is fully charged and ideally carry a plug-in charger. Make sure that you have the numbers in your phone that you would need in any emergency.   I have, I admit, gone on and on about looking after your tyres, but in winter this is crucial. If you have any questions about your tyres, seek professional advice at a tyre specialist.  Engine oil, anti-freeze and screen wash need to be checked more often in winter. Use a stronger screen wash mix to stop it freezing.  Assuming you are going out, decide on a route and leave a note of it or tell someone. Check the weather and issues on the AA.com.   Overnight, leave a cover on your windscreen. Before any journey, check your lights for operation and cleanliness. Dirty lights can’t be seen

 

During winter, have a spare pair of warm shoes/boots, a thick jumper and a blanket, under a seat. A torch, shovel and some high calorie food, like chocolate bars, are also a good idea. Many delivery companies now carry half a bag of sand/salt which is great to get you moving again, but remember you also have to stop.   Snow socks for vans that are ideal for minibus use are on sale at companies like Costco and Halfords. In my opinion, these are great to get you home and no more

 

Prior to winter, lubricate all locks and WD40 the locking mechanisms, this will repel water and avoid any freezing. Check your windscreen wipers, its essential that they are in good condition going in to winter

 

If you come across flooding, avoid it at all costs, the electrics and air inlets of your school minibus are low down and not designed for wading. In shallow water, drive slowly and carefully so that you don’t make a wake. Once out of the water, dab your brakes to check that they are ok

Look out for gritting wagons.  Not only do they damage your minibus if you get too close, but if they are out and about then you should not be, they are a sure sign that the roads are going to freeze or it’s going to snow, they can’t grit every road.  Salt can do additional long-term damage but a good wash normally gets it all off