Anti-slip in vehicle construction

Anti-slip in vehicle construction: Safety that goes far beyond tire rubber

When we think about safety in a vehicle, airbags, ABS, seatbelts, and stable bodywork immediately come to mind. Yet one often overlooked, but no less important, detail is slip resistance inside and on the vehicle itself. In vehicle construction, special anti-slip coatings and solutions are used to protect drivers, passengers, and cargo alike.

This blog article sheds light on exactly where these solutions are applied in vehicle construction, which products are used in addition to coatings, and why choosing the right material is decisive.

Where are anti-slip coatings used in vehicle construction?

Anti-slip coatings are indispensable in many areas of a vehicle, especially where safe entry and exit, working on the vehicle, or the transport of goods are involved.

Vehicle bodies and loading areas:

Vans and trucks: The loading area of a van or truck is often made of metal, wood, or plastic. Here, heavy goods, pallets, or tools can start to slide during sudden braking maneuvers or on curves. An anti-slip coating on the loading surface enormously increases static friction and prevents the load from shifting uncontrollably.

Special-purpose vehicles: In emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks or ambulances, heavy equipment often needs to be stowed quickly and securely. Coatings on the equipment compartments ensure a firm hold here.

Entry and exit points:

Steps and entryways: Whether on buses, trains, truck cabs, or construction machinery – the steps are often exposed to the elements and can become a dangerous slipping hazard in wet, snowy, or icy conditions. Here, anti-slip coatings, often containing coarse granules, are applied to ensure safe entry and exit.

Tail lifts: The surfaces of hydraulic tail lifts must ensure high slip resistance for operators, even in rain or dirt.

Trailers and bodies:

• • The floors of trailers, whether for passenger transport or freight, are treated with anti-slip coatings. This applies particularly to horse transporters, where the non-slip surface also serves the comfort and safety of the animal.

Further products for slip prevention

In addition to liquid coatings, other products that serve to improve slip resistance are also used in vehicle construction:

Anti-slip mats:

These mats made of rubber, polyurethane, or PVC are often used loose or bonded onto loading areas and the floors of vans. They are particularly useful when slip resistance needs to be flexible or is only required for specific transports. Unlike permanent coatings, they can be removed or replaced as needed.

Anti-slip adhesive tapes:

Similar to the mats, but often with even higher slip resistance, tapes with a rough surface are applied to steps, tail lifts, and ladders. They are a quick and efficient solution for retrofitting.

Aluminum anti-slip profiles:

For extremely demanding requirements, such as on the running boards of construction machinery or trucks, prefabricated aluminum profiles with a slip-resistant surface are often screwed into place. These offer high durability and resistance to abrasion and weather.

Choosing the right anti-slip solution

The decision for an anti-slip solution in vehicle construction is a trade-off between durability, cost, and the specific requirements of the application.

For long-lasting, professional protection: A permanent, chemically resistant anti-slip coating is often the best choice. It protects the underlying material not only from slipping hazards but also from corrosion, abrasion, and weathering.

For flexible applications: Anti-slip mats or adhesive tapes are a good alternative if the surface should not be permanently coated.

Safety in vehicle construction does not end with crash absorption. It begins at the first touch of the foot on the step and only ends when the cargo has arrived safely at its destination. With the right anti-slip solutions, such as those offered by specialists like Priotech Industrie, this comprehensive safety can be ensured.

 

Note regarding our partner

If you are part of a vehicle construction company and are reading this post, we recommend our partner "Oberflächenzentrum Süd". The company, which is based at the same location as Priotech Industrie GmbH, offers powder coatings in one of the most modern and largest facilities in Germany.