During the winter months we see a rise in road traffic accidents – almost twice as many than at any other time of the year.

As the weather gets colder, driving conditions become treacherous making it imperative that you prepare your vehicle for the months ahead.

You’d be surprised by how few SMEs have winter fleet management plans in place. However, it doesn’t take too much time or effort to put a winter policy in place.

Here are a few essential checks that you should carry out:

Staff management

Is that appointment in Cornwall on a day when snow is forecast really necessary? Is public transport an option? Can the appointment be rearranged?

Try to be realistic about whether the journey is essential or could be postponed. Driving in winter can be very dangerous due to adverse weather conditions and longer periods of darkness. So the obvious decision, especially if the weather looks treacherous, should be not to drive.

Tyre checks

You should be checking tyres regularly, regardless of the time of year, but it is even more important in the winter season. Check to see if there is adequate tread and that none of your fleet’s car tyres are near the legal limit. Whilst checking the treads, check the pressure and look for any damage such as punctures, splits or bulges.

Fitting winter tyres or snow socks to your company vehicles will not only improve braking distances but it also gives you better traction and control.

Battery

Car battery problems occur pretty frequently during bouts of cold weather, especially with older batteries. It is worth checking the batteries as soon as possible at a local garage just to be on the safe side.

Lights

Perform regular company car lighting checks to ensure that all of your bulbs, including break lights and main-beam, are in full working order. Ask your employees to wipe down car lights before setting off on any journey, and also check the indicator and fog lamps are working correctly.

Vision

Before setting off on a long journey, it’s imperative that staff check their car’s washer liquid levels to ensure that the windscreen remains clear throughout the journey. Adding a spot of de-icer or antifreeze to the liquid is also a good idea.

Break down awareness

Make sure that all of your company cars are equipped for break downs or lengthy stops in severe weather. They should all have a blanket or warm coat, a torch, a warning triangle and, most importantly, a first aid kit. It may also be a good idea for drivers to carry drinking water, food and spare fuel in case they find themselves stranded in an unfamiliar area.

CVSL Marketing Manager, Steve Black added: “Preparation is key; you must be prepared for any and every given scenario. When it comes to adverse weather conditions, you can never be too careful.”

“Check your lights, tyres and washer liquid levels on a regular basis. And before you set off on a long journey, make sure you have your essentials: bottled water, de-icer, food and something to keep you warm.”

BMW have unveiled a highly innovative solution for electric car users to power up their vehicles quickly – dual function lamp posts.

The German auto manufacturing giant has already developed two prototype ‘Light and Charge’ street lights that currently sit outside their Head Office in Munich. And this is just the start of a city-wide pilot scheme due to be launched in 2015.

With this invention BMW aims to combat the distinct lack of electric charging points in built-up areas by inserting car-charging sockets into existing street lights.

The solution will not be exclusive to BMW users, for a small fee drivers of non-BMW vehicles can also use the charging station via a smartphone app.

“Seamless charging infrastructure is essential if we want to see more electric vehicles on the road in our cities in the future,” said BMW Board of Management member Peter Schwarzenbauer.

Check out CVSL’s electric car leasing section for more details on how you can drive one of these environmentally friendly cars with one of our contract hire deals. Call us today on 0800 085 4256.

There are exciting times ahead in the Electric Vehicles (EVs) market. With many high quality fully electric vehicles being launched by leading manufacturers on a regular basis, they are becoming a real force to be reckoned with.

Even though EVs have been on the market for a while now, only recently have major car manufacturers (such as Nissan and BMW) invested in electric models. And we have already seen huge technological advancements, increased driving distances and reduced vehicle prices.

Here are the key benefits of EVs:

• EVs are much cheaper to operate as they run on electricity. They do not have exhaust systems or require oil changes, meaning that maintenance costs are reduced.
• There are many performance benefits which ensure a smooth and quiet drive.
• EVs are the most environmentally friendly vehicle; with a huge reduction in carbon emissions.

Across the UK we are seeing the rapidly developing vehicle recharging infrastructure being implemented; with over 5000 mapped charging points nationwide.

Statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that, while there were very few electric cars on UK roads three years ago, there are now approximately 10,000; with 1,200 electric vehicles sold in March 2014, compared with 270 in March 2013. Also 10,200 hybrid cars – which use a combination of electricity and petrol or diesel – have been sold in Britain this year, an increase of 45% on 2013.

Additionally, the Government has unveiled a £500m low-emissions vehicle industry investment plan.

Nick Clegg commented: “The major investment is there to make driving an electric car affordable, convenient, and free from anxiety about the battery running out. But it’s also about creating a culture change in our towns and cities so that driving a greener vehicle is a no-brainer for most drivers.”

CVSL sees unlimited potential with EVs and to coincide with their ever-increasing we have extended the range of EVs available on our website. Click here to browse our range of EVs.