Prepare for winter with Unipart Group's TTC

Winter is a dangerous time to be on the roads even for the most experienced of drivers. However, TTC, the truck and trailer component distribution arm of the Unipart Group, says it has the essential winter products and tips to help you stay safe. The company advises that, before you drive, you should ensure that you have the essential winter products in case you get caught in the snow. Some of the products that TTC offer include: high visibility jackets, rock salt, and traditional brown rock salt for winter de-icing, heavy duty snow shovels – both small and large, salt bins in 110ltr and 130ltr sizes and snow chains.

A good check of the vehicle’s visibility is essential for effective winter operation. Vehicle visibility aids such as lights, reflectors, marker boards, conspicuity tape and windscreen wipers are a good place to start. Light units and reflectors should be checked for cracks and damage and correct operation. Bulbs can be replaced and spare bulbs ordered to replenish depleted supplies. Windscreen wipers should be checked for deterioration of the rubber blades. After enjoying the summer temperatures and the onslaught of freezing conditions, wiper blades are often left to scrape over partly thawed ice in an attempt to clear the last residue. TTC stock an extensive range of vehicle marker products, a comprehensive range of Trico wiper blades and an expansive range of TTC quality alternative lighting products, which will ensure vehicle fleets remain safe and legal.

The increase in electrical load that is applied to the vehicle throughout the winter months can have significant implications for vehicle electrical systems. Electrical coils should be checked for damage and deterioration. A genuine Susie® electrical coil will provide an excellent replacement to ensure the electrical requirements of the trailer are able to cope with the demands of winter. Batteries will have also deteriorated through the summer months to a point where their reserve capacity may not be sufficient for the demands of the vehicle in the extreme cold winter temperatures. Cold weather places huge demands on tired batteries as the electro-chemical reaction slows and performance is reduced as the temperature plummets. The Yuasa Cargo battery range that TTC offers is designed to handle the ever-increasing power demands of modern commercial vehicles and is equipped with the reliability to deal with all situations and environments.

Malcolm England, Senior Product Manager at TTC said: “The harsh winters of recent years have given rise to a higher number of potholes. Steering and suspension joints that may have taken a ‘knock’ due to the road conditions following last winter, may have further deteriorated over the summer months. Damaged suspension joints can be addressed using TTC’s quality alternative steering and suspension range. Roadsprings and air bags can also be checked for signs of deterioration and replaced before they contribute to vehicle downtime.

“Finally, having spent some time making sure the vehicle starts, thoughts can be given to ensuring it is equipped to stop. Air coils can be checked for damage and deterioration and replaced with a genuine Susie® air coil for the ultimate durability. Brake pads, brake discs, brake drums and brake chambers can be checked for wear and damage. The TTC quality alternative range of braking and air brake components can be used to ensure that once your fleet is rolling, when you wish to stop it, you can.”

Whatever the winter season may bring, the TTC quality alternative range can ensure your fleet is kept at maximum operating effectiveness.