Even though winter has been a long time coming, it is here again and with it the difficult weather conditions on European roads. It brings with it special requirements for freight transportation. Not only the tractor unit, but also the trailer must be prepared for winter. The experts at Kögel Trailer GmbH have compiled the most important tips for freight forwarders, logistics companies and drivers so that they can set off on the winter roads stress-free with their trailers.

Tips for tires and chassis

- Check your Winter tires carefully. Especially in regions with harsh winter conditions, all tires should be suitable for winter use and have sufficient tread. The legal requirement is usually at least 1.6 mm, but a tread of at least 4 mm is recommended. In Germany, France, Sweden and Finland, winter tires must display the Alpine symbol, a mountain pictogram with a snowflake. M+S tires may no longer be used.

- Customize the Air pressure on: The air pressure can change in cold temperatures. This can have a detrimental effect on driving safety. It should therefore be checked regularly and adjusted to the recommended level. Tire pressure monitoring systems, which monitor the air pressure in real time, can help.

- Check the Brake systemThe brakes must be fully functional. Brake lines, brake discs and brake pads should be checked for wear and damage, as slippery or poor roads can cause additional stress.

- Check Shock absorbers and suspensionPerfect shock absorbers are important, as snow and ice can create uneven road conditions.

Tips for lighting and electrics

- Check all Lighting equipmentThe complete lighting system including rear lights, indicators and brake lights must work and must not be covered by snow or ice. Side marker lights increase visibility in snowy and foggy areas. Reflector signs on the trailer and contour markings for the portals also ensure that the vehicle is more visible to other road users.

- Also occasionally check the ElectricsCables and plug connections can be damaged by moisture and cold. Before the onset of winter, they should be checked and, if necessary, insulated and sealed against water to prevent short circuits and corrosion.

Tips for loading area and body

- Check Roof and tarpaulins for snow and ice safety: The roof of the trailer should be stable and in good condition to bear the weight of snow and ice. Tarpaulin structures must be tightly stretched and sealed to prevent water from penetrating. Leaky areas are taped over with tarpaulin patches.

- Remove Accumulations of snow and iceBefore departure, it is mandatory to remove all layers of snow and ice from the tarpaulin and the roof to avoid the risk of falling ice. This also includes clearing the roof in winter. This can be done conveniently using so-called roof de-icing systems or manually. There are a large number of service stations that have ice-free scaffolding so that drivers can clear the roofs of their vehicles of ice and snow - the Truck-Stops.com app, for example, shows these service stations. This prevents snow or ice from sliding onto other vehicles and causing accidents. Apps such as the driver app from Huss-Verlag (fahrer-app.de) show rest stops that have snow and ice clearing stations.

- Wait Doors and locksDoors and hinges should be maintained and lubricated if necessary, as they can become stiff in the cold. Water-repellent lubricants help to prevent freezing.

Not only does Kögel's own trailer workshop in Burtenbach offer a winter check for trailers with the necessary inspections and corresponding repairs or replacements, the workshops that are part of the Kögel workshop network are also ideally equipped for this task. For them, the safety of all road users is paramount. Careful inspection and optimization of a trailer makes a significant contribution to this. Of course, KÖGEL authorized workshops also generally offer all the necessary statutory inspections for HU, SP and UVV.

Click here to go to the KÖGEL workshop search: www.koegel.com/service-center

Your contact for this press release:

Isabell Unseld
Public Relations Manager
Phone +49 151 40203941
Isabell.Unseld@koegel.com

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