Whether you are driving the same delivery vehicle each day or rotating with other drivers, ensuring that whatever you’re behind the wheel of is safe and reliable in the coming winter is your responsibility.

Finding yourself stuck without windshield washer, a no-start, or without proper winter tires when the first snow falls – or even just poor visibility due to worn wipers or fading headlights – can be easily avoided by taking a few minutes to check over your delivery vehicle, and thinking ahead.

Each morning you should:

• Check and refill windshield washer fluid, if necessary.
• Check how well your wipers are working.
• Make sure all your exterior lights are working.

Pay special attention to how well it starts. Are there signs that the battery is low? Other issues?

Plus, there are several start-of-season items you should have already addressed by now:

Ensure tires are appropriate for winter before the first snow.

You do not want to be sidelined unexpectedly the same day your trade customers are getting slammed with the first-snow rush.

Consider installing winter wiper blades.

They really do work better, and help you drive more safely.

Consider upgrading the lighting.

Dark mornings and evenings put a premium on visibility, and no doubt you have suppliers with options available for you to showcase.

Pack a winter kit and supplies.

While you may not find yourself out of a local delivery route, you should still have a safety kit on hand just in case. Also, ensure you have a snow brush and, as an option, a small shovel in case you – or someone else – gets stuck.

Ensure you are dressed for the weather outside, not the conditions inside your delivery vehicle.

You should have appropriate footwear, gloves, hat, coat.

If you find it uncomfortable to drive in winter wear, consider having them in a separate “go-bag” that you can access in case you need to be out in the elements.

Above all, keep your wits about you, especially in the early days of winter when other drivers, and you, are still getting used to the winter driving conditions.

This article first appeared in the September/October print edition of Jobber Nation.