Ten Essentials To Keep In Your Commercial Vehicle

Whether you’re a trucker, courier, or cabbie, you already know you’ve got to be prepared to get the job done. The roads are unpredictable, and you must prepare for any scenario. 

In this blog, we’ll be looking at those essential items you should keep in your work vehicle that make life – and your job – a little bit easier on the road.

1. Mobile Phone Holders

The days of payphones and roadside emergency phones are well behind us. Now, we need constant access to our mobiles in case of a change of plan – which can be a problem when driving.

We can’t stress enough about the safety issues that phones present and how dangerous it is to use them while driving. There are steps you can take to prioritise your safety alongside your customers. Many phone holders, such as adjustable claw models, can be attached to the dashboard. These allow you to see your maps if needed, along with any alerts from your boss or customers, without taking your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel.  

2. Chargers

Chargers are also essential for this kit. Some phone cases and holders have built-in chargers to boost the battery on the move. If your vehicle is compatible, you can get a USB charger. For older models, there are adapters for your vehicle’s cigarette lighter. Still, other options exist, such as a portable battery power pack that’ll charge your mobile anywhere (just make sure it’s fully charged, too).

3. Life Hammer And Seatbelt Cutter

Even the safest drivers can have accidents, so be prepared for the worst. A life hammer and seatbelt cutter are essential for getting you out of your motor in an accident. These lifesavers should be within easy reach in case of emergency.

4. Paper Maps

Smartphones have rendered physical maps useless. There are now even apps specifically for HGV and taxi drivers to help them stay on course. 

With most digital maps, you have GPS and can search by location and postcode. So why bother having a paper map? What happens if your phone gets lost or broken or your signal or battery dies?

A map means you’ll still get to where you need to go, even if it takes some effort. Before you leave, mark out some landmarks that will pop up on road signs in the areas you’ll be in. It’ll help you get your bearings a lot quicker.

5. Torch

Torches can be helpful in several situations. For example, you’ll need light if your vehicle breaks down at night. 

You never know where and when you’ll break down, so don’t get caught out. A flashlight will also help you stand out if you need to trek down dark roads or flag down vehicles for assistance.

While you can use your phone’s torch, it can drain your battery, which you want to avoid during a breakdown. We recommend having a torch with rechargeable batteries or a wind-up torch.

6. Safety Equipment

Speaking of breaking down, it’s essential to ensure the only thing that needs fixing is the vehicle. Sometimes, your hazard lights aren’t enough, so make sure you have a couple of hi-vis jackets and reflective cones or triangles so others can spot you on the side of the road.

7. Essential Kit For The Snow

Snow can fall thick and fast, making roads treacherous very quickly. Plenty of motorists get caught out every year when this happens, so carrying a few important items means you won’t be one of them. 

Consider keeping the following items in the boot of your vehicle in case of snow:

• A piece of carpet, floor mat or even cat litter (!) for traction if a wheel skids on snow.
• A blanket and warm clothes in case you’re stuck for an extended time.
• An ice scraper.
• Some polish or Vaseline for rubber door seals to stop them from freezing.
• WD-40 for your locks, so they don’t freeze up either.

8. Water And Food

Getting dehydrated and feeling hungry can cause your concentration to drop, which can be further exacerbated if you’re stuck in a jam for hours or have a breakdown. 

Make sure you have a decent meal before you set off. However, to stave off those hunger pangs when you’re stuck for hours in traffic, we recommend having protein bars or cereal bars with a long shelf life in the boot to keep your energy levels up.

For the fluids, keeping some bottled water on standby can help you avoid a hairy situation on the road and keep you going in a jam. This is especially useful for mid-summer traffic jams when temperatures are high. It’ll keep you hydrated and can be used later to top up the radiator if you don’t use it.

9. First Aid Kit

Crashes aren’t the only way to get injured on a trip. Whether it’s cutting your hand on a steak knife during a pit stop or slamming your fingers in a door, it’s a good idea to have a few things in the car to look after yourself. Ensure you restock it after you use it.

10. Spare Clothes

Ok, so you’ve eaten that steak, but what happens if you get sauce all over your clothes when a client is waiting for you at the other end of your journey? Make sure you’ve got a spare set so that this isn’t a problem. It’s also good if you get splattered with mud or soaked in the rain.

Have some wellies or boots on hand as well. Sturdy footwear is essential if you have to face up against thick snow or mud. Those new trainers aren’t going to cut it.

Commercial Van & Car Insurance at Staveley Head

Another major essential for any commercial vehicle owner is insurance. Whether you’re looking for van insurance for your business, courier insurance (and goods in transit), or even a private hire policy, our teams can help. Call us on 0800 0815 024 to get a quote and free expert advice on the commercial cover you need.