Why Winterising and Servicing Your Machinery Matters

Winter is tough on plant and agricultural machinery. Cold temperatures, moisture, and harsh weather can take a serious toll—leading to breakdowns, unplanned downtime, and expensive repairs.

If you rely on your equipment to get the job done—whether in agriculture, construction, or another field—then winter is not the time to neglect maintenance. This guide covers why winterising matters, how to do it right, and why ongoing servicing is essential to keeping your machines productive and protected all season long. 

Why Winterising Is Essential

Winterising means preparing your machinery to perform in freezing conditions. It’s about prevention—minimising cold-weather damage and ensuring equipment starts, runs, and works as expected. Here’s why it’s critical:

1. Prevent Cold-Weather Damage

Oils and coolants thicken in low temps, reducing lubrication and stressing moving parts. Winterising helps by switching to cold-weather-grade fluids that keep everything running smoothly.

2. Extend Equipment Life

Cold starts, brittle components, and poor lubrication can accelerate wear. Winter protection preserves engines, hydraulics, and key systems—giving your investment a longer working life.

3. Avoid Downtime

A failed machine in mid-winter can stop an entire operation. Winterising lowers the risk of breakdowns and helps ensure uninterrupted productivity.

4. Keep Operators Safe

Machines that are sluggish, faulty, or poorly maintained in cold weather create safety hazards. Well-serviced, winterised equipment is more predictable and safer to operate.

Winterisation Checklist: Key Steps

Winter prep doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on these high-impact maintenance tasks:

Use the Right Lubricants

Cold temperatures demand winter-grade oils and greases. Thinner, lower-viscosity oils help engines start easier and reduce friction during operation.

Check and Replace Filters

Air, oil, and fuel filters must be clean and winter-ready. Clogged filters reduce efficiency and stress the engine. Use high-quality replacements to maintain performance—easily found through RICO Europe’s Part Finder.

Inspect the Coolant System

Top up antifreeze with the correct mix for your region. Check for leaks, test radiator pressure, and ensure the system is sealed and functioning properly.

Look After the Battery

Batteries lose strength in cold weather. Inspect for corrosion, clean terminals, and make sure the charge holds. Weak batteries are a common cause of winter downtime.

Examine Belts and Hoses

Rubber components can crack or snap when frozen. Inspect all belts and hoses for wear or brittleness, and replace anything questionable.

Store Equipment Properly

If you’re not using machinery daily, store it indoors or under cover to protect against ice, snow, and moisture buildup.

Why Ongoing Winter Servicing Matters

Winterising is only the first step. Regular servicing through the colder months is just as important to keep your machinery reliable and efficient.

Maintain Performance

Components face more stress in winter. Servicing helps you adjust, lubricate, and replace parts before they become problems.

Save on Fuel

Cold starts and thicker fluids increase fuel usage. Serviced engines run more efficiently, saving money over the season

Catch Issues Early

Regular checkups help spot leaks, cracks, or worn parts before they lead to major failures or downtime

Stay Warranty-Compliant

If your equipment is under warranty, skipping winter servicing could void coverage. Stick to the service intervals to protect your investment.

Find the Right Products With RICO Europe

Winter maintenance depends on using the right filters, oils, and lubricants. RICO Europe makes this easy with two powerful tools:

Part Finder

Quickly locate the exact air, oil, or fuel filters your equipment needs. Just enter your make and model—no guessing, no mistakes.

Oil Finder

Match your machinery with the right cold-weather oils and lubricants. Keep engines protected and performing, even in sub-zero temperatures.

Stay Ready. Stay Running.

Don’t let winter slow you down. With the right prep and products, your machinery can handle whatever the season throws at it.

Use RICO Europe’s Part Finder and Oil Finder to get exactly what your machines need—fast, accurate, and built for winter conditions.