How to Prepare Your Taxi for Winter: A Guide for UK Taxi and Private Hire Drivers
Winter is coming, and as a taxi driver, you're going to face far more than your fair share of icy roads, reduced visibility, and snow. Being prepared is not just about your safety; it's a legal requirement and crucial for ensuring the safety of your passengers.
This guide aims to arm you with the knowledge and tips you need to navigate the winter months safely.
The FORCES Framework
First off, we’ve got the FORCES Framework that comes recommended by the RAC. This 6-letter acronym (Fuel, Oil, Rubber, Coolant, Electrics, Screen Wash) stands for the 6 things you need to keep an eye on in the winter months:
Fuel
Always keep your tank at least a quarter full. You never know when you'll be stuck in traffic in freezing conditions. You want to be able to the heater going if you’re stuck!
Oil
Regularly check your oil levels. Low oil can lead to engine damage, especially in cold weather. It’s an easy check to make and it could help stop you breaking down.
Rubber (Tyres)
Ensure your tyres have the legal tread depth and are correctly inflated. Good tyres provide the grip you need on icy roads.
Coolant
Check your coolant levels and use antifreeze. A frozen engine is the last thing you want when you’re about to start a shift.
Electrics
Test all your lights and indicators. A faulty headlight can severely impact visibility, and increases your risk of an accident.
Screen Wash
Finally, use an anti-freeze screen wash. The last thing you want is your view obscured by a frozen windscreen. Or, not be able to get rid of an obstruction because your screen wash has frozen.
Take A Little More Time
When you drive full-time, it can be easy to forget some of the beginner knowledge you gain when you’re learning to drive.
Remember, stopping distances can increase ten times in icy conditions. This means even if you’re only driving at 20mph, it can still take 120+ metres to stop. If you find yourself skidding, ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go.
It’s better to advise customers of longer wait times, at this time of year. This allows you to plan your journeys safely.
Preparedness
What can be a simple breakdown situation in warmer weather can quickly become life-threatening if it drops below freezing. If you do find yourself in an emergency situation, you want to make sure you’ve done the proper preparation.
The below checklist should be an absolute minimum to keep in your car to ensure your safety, in the case of an emergency or breakdown:
Taxi Driver Winter Car Checklist
De-icer
Ice-scraper
Blankets
Torch
Hi-vis clothing
Power bank
Food and water (enough to cover your full occupancy)
If you find yourself in an emergency, pull over safely and call for assistance. Keep your emergency kit within reach and stay calm.
Considerations for EV Drivers
It’s well documented that the cold can affect the performance of petrol and diesel engines. But it can also impact EV performance.
When colder temperatures hit, if you drive an EV you will likely find you range reduced. This is because the chemical processes that happen inside the battery slowdown when the temperature drops. This means it can’t take or deliver its charge as efficiently.
If this applies to you, you need to be sure you have enough charge to last during your shift and keep a close eye on it throughout the day.
Technology to the Rescue
Consider using apps that provide real-time weather updates and route planning to avoid traffic and road closures.
Also consider installing What3words. W3W is a geotagging tool that divides the entire planet into uniquely labelled 3 metre squares. Every single possible location on earth can be identified by a unique three-word phrase.
This app has been widely supported by emergency services and first response organisations, as it removes all ambiguity about your location.
It’s also something to bear in mind from a customer perspective, particularly if you live in a rural area where there aren’t many road signs.
Winter driving as a taxi driver in the UK is not for the faint-hearted, but with the right preparation, you can navigate through the season safely. Remember, your safety and that of your passengers is paramount. So, gear up and drive safe!