Because dropping off groceries, meals, pet supplies, and more is a win-win for both you and the people you’re delivering to, don’t let winter conditions stop you. Use these tips to prep your car for winter driving, ensuring a safe and five-star experience for you and your delivery customers.
And remember, delivery driver safety is always a high priority. To ensure your protection, Grubhub monitors market conditions in real-time. In events such as inclement winter weather and unsafe road conditions, we’ll communicate directly with you, providing guidance and potential market closures so you’re informed.
What does it mean to winterize a vehicle, exactly?
While this element of delivery driving isn’t critical for individuals living in warmer climates, it should be considered for people who experience colder winters. Winterizing a vehicle means you take safety measures to prepare your vehicle to drive safer and easier in the snow, ice, and freezing temperatures—improving your driving experience and keeping you and those around you protected.
Why is it important? For several reasons, really. But the factor that should push you to do this is, first and foremost, your safety and the safety of everyone you share the road with. If you’re slipping and sliding all over or don’t have visibility while driving, you put yourself and others at risk, and driver safety is a top Grubhub priority.
Additionally, maintaining regular upkeep of your vehicle for winter can keep it running smoothly, helping it to last throughout the season and beyond. This means you can enjoy less extreme costs for either incidents or vehicle maintenance, saving you time and money.
Winterizing your vehicle: Steps to take
Curious about what actions can help you prepare for any road conditions and stay safe this winter? We’ve lined up a few ways to winterize your ride as the weather changes. Keep in mind that some of these steps come with costs, and as an independent contractor with Grubhub, you are responsible for those costs. There’s no need to do every single item on this list—do what you can within your budget and you’ll be good to go!
Here are some ways to prep your vehicle for safe winter driving and low temperatures:
Replace windshield wiper blades
Winter wiper blades are meant to handle snow, ice, and sleet better than regular blades. They can help keep windshields clear and improve visibility. If you’re driving and you notice that your windshield wipers are not fully clearing the elements off your windshield, it’s best to replace them. Additionally, if your windshield wipers have been on for years or are starting to look brittle and dry, opt for new ones.
Top off or replace windshield washer fluid and winter-grade coolant
Winter-grade windshield washer fluid is designed not to freeze and will help clear the road grime and salt that’s especially bad during the colder months. Additionally, coolant can help keep your engine at the correct temperature, reducing car problems.
If your windshield washer fluid and coolant are low, go ahead and add some more, ensuring you’re careful not to splash any in your eyes as you pour them. When adding coolant, check the bottle to identify the correct amount of water to add, as this is determined by the temperature range you’re expecting to drive in.
Check battery health
Cold weather can reduce battery capacity and make it harder to start the engine. Check that your car’s battery is in good condition and the terminals are clean and corrosion-free. Chemical reactions within the battery can make electricity slow down during winter, making it hard for it to produce maximum power.
Think back to the last time you replaced your battery: was it more than five years ago? If so, it may be time to swap it for a new one. However, if levels are normal and it’s running smoothly, go ahead and hit the road.
Ensure your tires are ready
Winter tires, or snow tires, provide better traction on snow and ice, improving control and stability. Their special rubber compound and deeper treads help grip icy roads, unlike all-season tires that can become stiff in cold temperatures. If installing winter tires isn’t an option, ensure your existing tires are in adequate condition for colder temperatures.
To determine if your tires are ready to take on winter roads, make sure you have enough tread on them. You can do this by inserting a penny into one of the grooves between the treads with Lincoln’s head facing you. If you see all of Lincoln’s head, then the tread depth is less than 2/32 of an inch, which is much too low. At this point, you should replace your tires. If some of his head isn’t showing, your tires are fine.
Additionally, make sure your tires are aired up properly as a deflated tire can make driving dangerous. This is especially important during the colder seasons because drastic temperature changes can cause your tires to deflate much faster than normal, meaning checking your tire pressure consistently is vital.
Maximizing your winter delivery experience
While winter can be a more stressful time to be on the road, a few simple strategies can keep your deliveries, and yourself, safe and efficient:
Give yourself extra travel time
Winter weather can be unpredictable, with snow, ice, and traffic delays popping up unexpectedly. Plan your routes ahead of time and build in extra travel time to avoid feeling rushed or stressed. You can use a route planner to pick the most efficient and clearest paths. And remember, in times of inclement weather, Grubhub will be in contact with safety measures and market closures to ensure our delivery partners are protected.
Prepare a winter emergency kit
While we hope you never need to use it, having a winter emergency kit can come in handy if you ever experience a dead battery or accident that keeps you from being somewhere warm and safe. Keep essentials close like:
- Flashlights
- Extra phone chargers
- Blankets
- Gloves
- Water
- Non-perishable snacks
- Ice scrapers
You can keep these items in your backseat where you can easily access them without the kit being in the way on a regular basis.
Drive slowly and smoothly
Icy roads require extra caution. Reduce your speed to give yourself more time to react to sudden changes, such as a car stopping ahead or a patch of black ice. Maintain a steady pace, and avoid sudden accelerations, sharp turns, or hard braking, as these can cause your vehicle to skid or lose traction. When approaching intersections, bridges, or shaded areas, exercise additional care—these spots are more prone to freezing and may not appear icy at first glance. Keep a greater following distance between your car and others to allow for longer braking times, and always use gentle, measured movements to steer and brake.
Always ensure the food is packaged properly
Cold weather can impact food temperature. Double-check that items are securely packaged and insulated to stay warm and fresh. Use thermal bags so the items get to the customer exactly how they want them to.
Use headlights and hazard lights wisely
Visibility is often reduced in winter storms or fog. Use your headlights to improve sightlines and make yourself visible to others. When pulling over for a delivery or emergency, use hazard lights to signal your stopped vehicle.
Wear warm layers
Stay comfortable during the winter months by dressing in warm, breathable layers. Don’t forget gloves, a scarf, and sturdy shoes to keep you warm between deliveries. Grubhub has functional—and stylish—apparel that can help you stay on brand without freezing when dropping deliveries off, including fleece-lined winter jackets, ponchos, pullovers, and more.
Ready to take the wheel?
Apply to drive with Grubhub today! Enjoy flexible scheduling, the ability to earn extra cash year-round, and the peace of mind that comes with being part of a team that prioritizes your safety.
