Is your body ready for winter?
7 areas worth checking
Cold weather, moisture, shorter days, and road salt mean more demanding conditions for daily operation. Inspecting the body before the first frosts will help you identify worn components and plan their replacement in time.
Review the seven areas worth focusing on. Depending on the type of your bodywork, check the individual parts, their fastening, and proper operation. When replacing any part, always verify the dimensions and compatibility with the solution in use.
1. Door and Gate Seals
A properly fitting seal helps protect the interior of the body from water and dirt. Inspect it around the entire perimeter of the doors and gates. Check for cracks, deformation, loose areas, and proper contact when closed. Replace worn seals with a suitable type.
Classic PVC seals require care before winter. Their sealing lips need to be lubricated with a suitable product according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent them from freezing to the contact surface and to ensure the door can be opened easily.
Welded TPV sealing eliminates this routine task. Thanks to its harder sealing lips with a low-friction surface, it does not require winter lubrication to prevent freezing. The sliding design reduces freezing to the contact surface and makes doors easier to open during winter operation.
2. Closures, Hinges and Locking Mechanisms
The side panels and doors must close and lock properly. Test each latch and check the hinges, play, and mounting strength. Watch for damage, wear, and changes in the operation of the mechanisms.
Also check the door hold-open function. Its proper operation is important during both loading and unloading.
Replace damaged components. Clean and service moving parts according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the specific part.
3. Fenders and Mud Flaps
Functional mudguards and splash guards help reduce the spray of water, mud, and other dirt from the wheels. Before winter, check their condition and fastening.
Inspect the fenders for cracks or damage. Check the mounting brackets for firmness and ensure that the mud flaps are not torn, loose, or missing.
When replacing, choose according to the dimensions and mounting method. At the same time, check the related brackets and fastening hardware.
4. Lighting
Shorter days bring more driving and work in the dark. Test the position, rear and reversing lights. Inspect the cables and connectors, focusing on damage or loose connections.
Clean the lights and replace any defective components. When selecting a replacement, verify the voltage, connection, and intended function of the light.
If there is insufficient light in the work area during loading and unloading, you can equip the body with suitable LED work lighting.
5. Toolboxes
The toolbox must close properly, and its lid must function safely. Inspect the seals, test the locks, and check the hinges, lid supports, and toolbox fastening.
Look for damaged seals, difficulty closing, or supports that no longer function properly. If you find water inside, investigate its cause.
A fault in one component does not necessarily mean replacing the entire box. Depending on its type, it may be possible to replace a specific spare part, such as a lock, seal, or lid support.
6. Tarpaulin and Its Attachment
For the tarpaulin to protect the cargo from adverse weather, it must be in good condition and properly secured. Inspect its surface, seams, and the areas where it comes into contact with the structure.
Also check the eyelets, straps, cords, and tensioning elements. Look for damage, loose attachments, and stretched components.
Replace damaged components and adjust the tension according to the body design. When selecting accessories, verify their dimensions and compatibility with the existing mounting points.
7. Cargo Securing
Checking cargo securing equipment is part of regular maintenance throughout the year. Before winter, include it in the overall inspection of the body.
Inspect the lashing straps, their edges and seams. Test the ratchets and buckles, and check the hooks and anchor points.
Remove damaged equipment from service. Select replacements according to the transported load, the required parameters, and the method of securing it.
Prepare the extension before the frost arrives
During the inspection, note the parts that need repair or replacement. Verify their designation, dimensions, and mounting method so that you can select the correct replacement.
Related parts and equipment can be found in ALSAP’s offer via the links for individual items. Not sure which option to choose? Send us the part designation, its dimensions, and photos. We will help you verify the suitable solution.






