Winter is here, and with it comes frosty mornings, icy roads, and sometimes – as we’ve seen recently across the UK – snow.
While the world may look like a winter wonderland, it’s no holiday for your street cleaning machines. Cold weather can take a toll on equipment, but with a bit of preparation, your fleet can breeze through the season like a pro.
Whether your street cleansing machinery is petrol or battery-powered, our winter maintenance tips will ensure your machines are ready for anything the season throws at them.
Here’s how to winter-proof your fleet and keep your operations running smoothly.
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Drain Water Systems
For any machine that uses water – think power washers or lances – frozen pipes are a disaster waiting to happen. Make sure to:
- Drain all water pipes and tanks after use. Even a small amount of leftover water can freeze, expand, and cause pipes to burst.
- Cover exposed pipes and lances to shield them from snow and ice when they’re not in use.
Burst pipes are one of the most common (and costly!) winter issues, so don’t let your machines fall victim.
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Don’t Forget Your Tyres
Cold weather can make tyre pressure drop, and underinflated tyres don’t perform well on icy or wet ground. Check the tyre pressure regularly on any of the machines in your street cleaning fleet to keep them safe and efficient.
For larger street cleaning vehicles, keeping tyres properly inflated not only ensures smooth operation but also helps with traction on slippery surfaces – because nobody wants to skid when clearing paths, especially in pedestrian-heavy areas!
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Fight the Frost
Frost is a real menace for machinery. Keep your equipment protected by:
- Storing it in a covered or insulated area whenever possible.
- Applying anti-freeze to systems in fuel-powered models.
- Using fitted covers to protect machines from ice buildup.
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Light the Way
Short winter days mean more work in low-light conditions. This is why it’s so important during the winter months to check all the lights on your machines, from headlights to indicators, to ensure they’re fully functional. Also, inspect the electrical connections for any signs of wear, particularly on electric street cleansing machinery.
Working in the dark is tough enough without worrying about whether you’re visible to others on the road or pavement.
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Routine Safety Checks
Before heading out into the frosty outdoors, make sure you’ve ticked these safety boxes:
- Battery health: Cold temperatures can reduce battery life, so ensure they’re charged and functioning well.
- Brakes: Double-check responsiveness, especially on machines working in icy or damp conditions.
- Fluids: For fuel-powered machines, keep oil and coolant levels topped up.
A few extra minutes checking these details can save hours of downtime later.
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End-of-Day Maintenance
After a hard day’s work in winter weather, your machines deserve some TLC. Think of it as tucking them in for a well-earned rest. Ensure that you:
- Wipe off snow, ice, or dirt to prevent corrosion or freeze-related issues.
- Clean out moving parts to avoid buildup.
- Store your machines in a dry, safe location to keep them winter ready.
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Plan for Repairs Before They’re Needed
Winter can be unpredictable, but breakdowns don’t have to be. With Addex Urban’s Repair and Maintenance Packages, you can keep your machines in top condition, no matter how harsh the weather.
From street cleaning sweepers to power washers, we’ll help your fleet handle the chill.
Get in touch to find out more about our different packages or read more in our blog here.
Winter-Proofing Your Specific Vehicle
We've also put together some specific videos around winter-proofing that can be found below:
Winter-Proofing the MV7000 Gladiator
Winter-Proofing the MV5000 Hotbox
Winter-Proofing the Electra Hydro
Winter-Proofing the Maxwind Hydro
Winter-Proofing the Electra 2.0 Evos+
Winter-Proofing the Maxwind
Winter-Proofing the Smartwind
Ready to Tackle Winter?
Winter-proofing isn’t just about protecting your investment; it’s about keeping your operations efficient and stress-free during the months that see the harshest conditions of the year. Whether you’re clearing icy pavements or managing winter street cleaning tasks, the right preparation ensures your machines won’t let you down.
Need help preparing your fleet? Reach out to Addex Urban for expert advice and support. Let’s keep your street cleaning machines working hard this winter.
