Bullwell Trailer Solutions

Following the chaos that occurred on the roads during the winter months last year, trailer repair and maintenance specialist Bullwell Trailer Solutions, is advising all goods vehicle operators to ensure their vehicles are prepared for the bad weather that is predicted for the upcoming months.

In May this year (2011) the Transport Committee revealed that £280 million a day was lost in transportation distribution during Winter 2010 and now, with Exacta Weather online forecasting frequent and significant snowfalls in November, December and anuary, it’s predicted vehicles will face similar problems in 2011.

In response to these predictions, Lichfield based Bullwell Trailer Solutions is encouraging goods vehicle operators to make the required pre-winter checks and ensure vehicles are serviced regularly to help prevent any unnecessary disruptions.

Steve Pye, company engineer at Bullwell Trailer Solutions says: “When looking back to the main issues that were recorded during services at Bullwell Trailer Solutions last year, the presence of snow on the ground really caused the fewest problems. In fact, the main challenges that goods vehicle operators faced were the cold temperatures and wet weather, thus in winter months, it becomes increasingly important to have regular services, alongside conducting independent periodical checks to both trucks and trailers.”

Bullwell reveals that the most common faults recorded during November to February 2010/11 were within the braking system, with HGV brakes being affected by the changing temperatures.

Steve continues: “When water in the air drops below zero degrees it is possible for this to cause the braking system to freeze.  As well as putting anti-freeze down the braking lines to prevent this, it is vitally important that the vehicle’s air drying system is defect-free.

“Additionally, as the nights draw darker, it is also vitally important that drivers ensure all lights are fully functional, especially the marker lights on their trailers. Without such lights, it becomes much harder for smaller vehicles to make out the outline of the trailer and as such, road safety is greatly reduced.

In response to conditions experienced on the roads in previous years, many companies are now encouraging drivers to install winter tyres, which have a heightened aggressive tread. These tyres are typically designed for Alpine regions which receive much more severe snowfall than is experienced in the UK.

“After last year’s harsh winter there has been much discussion about whether winter tyres should be encouraged on HGVs in the UK,” Steve continues.  “With the snowfall the way it is in this country there is not actually a huge demand for these tyres, which can often add a great expense onto the management of a fleet.

“Tyres however, really do need to be at the forefront of drivers’ minds as a worn down tread or incorrect axel positioning can greatly reduce a vehicle’s safety. I would recommend that tyres on trucks and trailers are inspected before the colder temperatures and heavier rainfall becomes the norm. Drivers must remain vigilant in maintaining the standard of the tyres – all of which should be fitted to the manufacturer’s specification.

“Ultimately, if a HGV receives regular servicing and testing to the standards set by VOSA and outlined in the manufacturer’s specification, there is no reason why the trailer or truck, should experience severe problems during the winter. It is for individual drivers and fleet managers to ensure such standards are adhered to and it becomes ever more important as the weather gets worse.”

Last year (2010) 100 per cent of Bullwell’s mobile engineers remained operational during the winter months; an achievement which is credited to the high level of service and maintenance that each vehicle received.