Read about the best practises for maintaining your refrigerated vehicles’ temperature and keeping your day moving.
Best Practices for Temperature Controlled Vehicles
- Load products at a temperature no higher than the temperature you wish to maintain within the vehicle.
- If the vehicle has an overnight standby function, pre-chill or set the temperature before loading. This is especially important for multi-drop, deep-frozen operations.
- Polar-grade thermal curtains are recommended for multi-drop vehicles, particularly during the summer months.
- Do not load products above the load lines.
High Temperatures in Summer months.
During periods of high external temperatures, it is advised to use the standby plug to bring the rear compartment down to the desired temperature before use.
It is not recommended to leave the vehicle idling.
Idling
Prolonged idling leads to incomplete fuel combustion, which creates soot. This can result in a build-up of soot in the EGR valve, turbo, and intake system, as well as carbon deposits inside the engine.
Diesel vehicles are also fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), which requires high exhaust temperatures (generated during normal driving) to regenerate and clean itself. When idling, exhaust temperatures are too low, causing soot to build up instead of being burned off. This can lead to:
- Blocked DPF
- Warning lights
- Reduced performance
- Breakdowns
- Costly repairs
During Deliveries
- Keep door opening times to a minimum
- Never leave doors open while making deliveries
- Ensure doors are always properly closed
Maintenance of the Temperature Controlled area
The internal rear lining is suitable for washing. Any stubborn marks can be cleaned using a household cream cleaner.
After washing, it is essential that door gears, rollers, and locking mechanisms, plug door key locks, are lubricated weekly
Important Loading Guidance
- DO NOT load unsecured heavy items (e.g. sack barrows) that may cause damage to the lining.
- DO NOT load pallets with protruding objects or drag them across the floor without pallet load rails.
Damage & Repairs
Any damage or punctures to the temperature-controlled area must be reported to Northgate Temperature Controlled to ensure appropriate repairs are carried out.
