Knowledge centre for winter driving and traction

Guides, videos, and checklists that help professional drivers and fleet operators drive more safely and stay on the move in winter conditions. Here, we gather Onspot’s expert knowledge on automatic snow chains, traction, and winter operations.

Driving safety and performance in adverse conditions

6 tips on driving a school bus in adverse conditions

School bus drivers have significant responsibility for student safety, which must never be compromised. Adverse weather and slippery roads place greater demands on a driver’s judgement.

In this guide, you’ll find practical advice on:

  • Preparing for adverse conditions
  • Driving safely in difficult conditions
  • Maintaining the right attitude and behaviour in challenging situations

Download '6 tips on driving a school bus in adverse conditions'

 

5 ways to improve performance in slippery conditions

There are many ways to improve driving performance in slippery conditions. Some are obvious, while others are often overlooked. In this guide, you’ll learn how to improve your driving when roads are icy and the weather is harsh.

Download '5 ways to improve performance in slippery conditions'

 

The professional driver's guide to keep up with your schedule

There are many reasons why schedules are missed, and just as many ways to stay on track. We’ve brought together practical advice to help improve your chances of arriving on time.

In this guide, you’ll find tips on:

  • Effective trip planning
  • Vehicle preparation
  • Traction equipment
  • Emergency supplies

Download 'The professional driver's guide to keep up with your schedule'

 

Driver's checklist

Using your Onspot automatic snow chain system correctly ensures you get the most from your investment. It also extends the system’s lifespan and helps prevent damage caused by misuse.

In this checklist, you’ll get a practical guide to using the system effectively to keep your vehicle moving efficiently in winter conditions.

Download 'Drivers checklist'

 

Driver's manual

Your Onspot system can boost efficiency and safety on the road, but only if you use it properly. The driver's manual to get detailed instructions on when to activate your system, how to drive when it is activated, and how to maintain and care for the system over time.

Download 'Drivers Manual'

Fleet efficiency and operational performance

5 ways to improve fleet uptime in slippery conditions

Ensuring your vehicle is properly equipped for different weather conditions—and compliant with relevant regulations—can be critical to delivering on time and avoiding penalties.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make your journey more efficient when winter conditions set in.

Download '5 ways to improve fleet uptime in slippery conditions'

 

The guide to improve fleet productivity

Transport enables prosperity. Even a short disruption can bring large parts of society to a standstill. So when transport and logistics companies are facing greater challenges than ever, productivity is critical.

In this guide, you’ll find practical insights from successful freight operators in the USA and Europe, and learn how to strengthen your company’s productivity.

Download 'The guide to improve fleet productivity'

Emergency and high-stakes driving situations

How to shorten your response time in rescue driving

Losing traction means losing response time. This whitepaper explores the relationship between the two and why it matters.

In this guide, you’ll find:

  • The key causes of reduced response time
  • How they relate to loss of traction
  • How to achieve immediate traction

Download 'How to shorten your response time in rescue driving'

 

Tips and tricks: How to save lives, deadlines and reputation with Onspot

Using your Onspot system effectively helps you get the most from it. With a few simple tips, you can improve both safety and productivity.

In this guide, you’ll get practical tips on how to make the most of your Onspot in everyday use.

Download 'Tips and tricks: How to save lives, dealines and reputation with  Onspot'

Understanding traction solutions and technology

Automatic snow chains explained

If you don't know what snow chains actually are, this guide is for you. Watch the video to find out how automatic snow chain systems work, including their key principles and features.

Watch 'Automatic snow chains explained'

 

Onspot – See how it works

At the push of a button, automatic snow chains are activated, giving you immediate traction. In this guide, you’ll see how the system works and hear directly from users about their experience.

Watch 'Onspot - See how it works'

 

A comparison: 4x4 vs automatic traction control

Upgrading to a 4x4 solution is a common consideration when renewing a truck fleet. However, it is not always the most suitable option. Automatic snow chains can be a more cost-effective and efficient alternative, depending on your needs—and in some cases, combining 4x4 with Onspot may be the ideal solution.

In this guide, you’ll find a clear comparison of 4x4 and Onspot to help you decide what’s best for your fleet.

Download 'A comparison: 4x4 vs automatic traction control'

Comparing solutions and evaluating options

A comparison: Regular vs automatic snow chains vs auto sock

Many rescue vehicles are equipped with conventional snow chains as standard. They are robust and effective—but what alternatives are available?

In this guide, you’ll find a clear overview of traction solutions for rescue vehicles to help you assess your options.

Download 'A comparison: Regular vs. automatic snow chains vs. auto sock'

 

The complete comparison chart – Onspot vs alternatives

Each method of improving traction comes with its own advantages and limitations. This guide provides a clear overview of Onspot and other traction methods to help you choose the right solution.

In this guide, you’ll find:

  • Brief descriptions of each method
  • Their key advantages and disadvantages
  • A comparison overview chart

Download 'The complete comparison chart - Onspot vs alternatives'

 

Would I benefit from an automatic snow chain system?

Commercial drivers often operate in demanding conditions, with a level of responsibility beyond that of many other road users.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the benefits of an automatic snow chain system from the driver’s perspective.

Download 'Would I benefit from automatic snow chain system?'

Business case and decision support

5 top arguments for an automated snow chain system

Automatic snow chain systems are often assumed to be complex and demanding to maintain—but in practice, they are straightforward and do not add unnecessary work for mechanics.

In this guide, you’ll find answers to common questions and concerns, helping you understand how the system fits into everyday maintenance.

Download '5 top arguments for an automated snow chain system'

 

Report: The top 5 arguments for Onspot

Onspot helps commercial drivers stay on schedule in slippery conditions and avoid unnecessary disruption on the road. In this guide, you’ll hear directly from drivers about their experiences with the system.

Watch 'Report: The top 5 arguments for Onspot'

 

Make sure you get what you want – requirement specification

As a school bus driver, you can influence how the vehicle is specified. In this guide, you’ll find a practical checklist of requirements for a traction control system that improves safety and helps you stay on schedule.

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Installation, usage and maintenance

How to guide: Mount Onspot in X easy steps

Installing Onspot is a straightforward process, as you'll see in this video showing a step-by-step demonstration of the installation procedure. It does not replace the mounting instructions included in the Onspot kit, but helps clarify the process and build confidence for your first installation.

Watch 'How to guide: Mount onspot in X easy steps'

 

How to keep your Onspots working properly

You get the best return on your Onspot investment when the system operates at peak efficiency. Both drivers and mechanics play a role in ensuring it is used and maintained correctly.

In this guide, you’ll find:

  • Service and maintenance checklists for mechanics
  • An operating checklist for drivers

Download 'How to keep your Onspots working properly'

 

How to maintain/repair Onspots

This checklist makes life easier by bringing together key maintenance and repair tasks in one place. It covers the essential work activities for both initial service and ongoing maintenance.

Download 'How to maintain/repair Onspots'

 

Maintenance guide – tips and tricks for keeping my Onspots ready

Regular, high-quality maintenance is key for getting the most out of your onspots. This maintenance checklist helps you ensure maintenance is done correctly.

Download 'Maintenance guide – tips and tricks for keeping my onspots  fresh/ready'

Testimonials and real-world impact

Testimonial: What mechanics say about Onspot

Compared to other systems, Onspot is uncomplicated and reliable, which means easier and smoother work for mechanics. Hear what mechanics say about their experience from installing and maintaining Onspot.

Watch 'Testimonial: What mechanics say about Onspot'

 

Testimonial: Why my school district chose Onspot

Numerous school districts have discovered and experienced how Onspot helps school bus drivers improve safety and keep up with the schedule. Read the case study of how Adams 12 Five Star Schools in Colorado, USA, benefit from Onspot.

Download 'Testimonial: Why my school district chose Onspot'

 

Situations when Onspot enables your work situation

When every minute counts, Onspot is a tool for rescue vehicles making the way to the incident scene. Hear experienced rescue drivers reflect on traction control, and how Onspot helps them saving lives. 

Watch 'Situations when Onspot enables your work situation'

 

See what some of 250 000 Onspot customers say

Watch 'What some of 250 000 Onspot customers say'