Why Preparation Pays
By Cheryl Ashton, Marketing Coordinator, TSG UK
Prepare your forecourt for winter with proactive maintenance to prevent breakdowns, ensure safety and protect revenue.
Winter brings more than a cold snap; it poses challenges for forecourt operators. Equipment must withstand harsh conditions to keep sites running smoothly. Rain, ice and freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on dispensers, electric vehicle (EV) chargers and wash systems, turning minor issues into costly breakdowns. The solution? A proactive maintenance strategy that keeps your site running smoothly when the weather is at its worst.
Cold Weather Risks
Low temperatures make components brittle, condensation can freeze inside equipment and blockages become more likely. Lighting failures compromise safety, while frozen pipes and clogged filters disrupt service. For busy forecourts and EV hubs, downtime does more than disrupt service; it erodes customer trust and cuts into revenue.
Plan Ahead with Preventive Maintenance
Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) is the smartest defence against winter disruption. Instead of waiting for faults to occur, PPM schedules inspections and servicing while equipment is operational. This approach identifies wear and tear early, extends the life of dispensers and chargers and reduces emergency callouts. It also creates a predictable routine, enabling operators to manage budgets effectively and avoid costly surprises.
“Winter is unforgiving on forecourt equipment. A robust PPM strategy is not optional; it’s essential for keeping sites safe, compliant and operational in extreme conditions.” Cheryl Ashton, TSG UK.
What to Check Before the Freeze
Dispensers: Inspect hoses, filters and seals for signs of wear. Replace brittle components and check calibration to prevent meter drift.
EV Chargers: Test transformers, circuit breakers and cooling systems. Confirm load balancing and inspect connectors for damage.
Wash Systems: Check brushes, nozzles, drains and detergent levels. Run test washes to ensure full contact and correct soap application.
Forecourt Infrastructure: Inspect lighting, signage and canopy structures. Clear drainage channels and verify that interceptors are functioning properly to prevent flooding.
Simple daily checks, such as cleaning equipment, verifying payment terminals and clearing obstructions, can make a big difference. Combine these with scheduled professional servicing for maximum resilience.
Safety and Compliance Matter
Winter conditions heighten safety risks. Damaged cables, corroded fittings or poor lighting can lead to accidents. Regular maintenance helps operators stay compliant with health, safety and environmental regulations, avoiding penalties and protecting reputation. For EV hubs, new Public Charge Point Regulations demand 99 percent uptime for rapid chargers, a target only achievable through robust maintenance.
Customer Experience Counts
A well-maintained site is safer and more appealing. Clean facilities, reliable equipment and bright lighting create a positive impression that encourages repeat visits. Neglecting maintenance risks queues, complaints and lost loyalty.
TSG: Your Winter Partner
TSG UK Solutions brings over 50 years of expertise in installation, service and maintenance. From tailored PPM programmes to emergency support, TSG helps operators safeguard uptime and control costs. TSG’s Care and Protect programme adds intensive cleaning and maintenance for dispensers, chargers, wash systems, canopies and signage, revitalising older sites and preserving newer installations.
Winter is unforgiving, but with the right preparation, your forecourt can weather the storm. Prevention is not just better than cure, it’s the key to keeping customers moving and profits flowing.
