The Importance of Regular Van Maintenance: The Dos and Don'ts
You drive a van, so logic dictates that you’ll be using it for typical workhorse duties, such as transporting large and heavy loads, towing trailers and/or utilising it as an integral tool for your business.
Point is, vans are seen as heavy-duty vehicles for heavy duty tasks and are subsequently designed to absorb the rough and tumble that often occurs during its working life.
Nevertheless, just because a van undergoes the rigours of work doesn’t mean that a bit of regular TLC through maintenance can’t keep it performing at its best and ensure a longer life cycle.
Easy Van Maintenance You Can Carry Out Yourself
While you may assume that maintaining your van is a job for a mechanic, there are key steps you can take between service intervals to ensure your commercial vehicle remains in top nick.
Here are some easy-to-follow dos and don’ts that will help you avoid any nasty (and potentially costly) surprises.
DO
Check your tyres: The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, though it’s advised not to let your tread reach below 3mm. Make sure they are each at the correct pressure and inflate them if not.
Check your doors and locks: Vans and their cargo can be the target for unscrupulous thieves so be wary of maintaining your doors and locks to ensure they put up the stiffest resistance should they be challenged.
Test your brakes: As a vital component for safe driving, you’ll need to check both your foot and parking brakes and address any changes immediately. Be mindful that the heavier weight of van load means brake pads and discs are more prone to wear.
Check all lights are working: Now and then, turn on your headlights, dipped lights, fog lights and so on to check they are all working. Any lights that are not working will fail an MOT.
Check your fluids: Make sure your brake fluid, engine oil, and coolant are all at the right levels, and check for any leaks.
Check your dashboard warning lights: Make sure the full beam, airbag, and ABS lights display correctly.
Test your horn: Make sure your horn is in working order so you can alert others of your presence.
Check your battery: Ensure all cables are secure with no visible signs of damage, and that your battery remains operational.
Test your wipers: Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition. Squeaking, smearing or juddering means you need a replacement, while particular poor wiper blades are enough for your van to fail its MOT.
DON’T
Underestimate cleaning: By cleaning your van regularly, you can reduce the risk of rust building up over time and causing damage. Regular cleaning will alert you to any potential issues that might need fixing, which might prove important if you are leasing a van and are subject to end of lease wear and tear guidelines.
Leave it all till your MOT: Simple issues like low tyre tread, faulty lights and worn wiper blades can cause an MOT failure, so inspect them regularly to avoid your vehicle being deemed unroadworthy.
Ignore changes in performance: If you notice any changes to your steering, braking, or engine sound, make sure to get this checked out right away. These changes might be a warning sign of a bigger problem, which could worsen and prove costly to rectify further down the line.
Accelerate or brake harshly: This can cause more wear on your van over time and make you use more fuel.
Neglect your van in extreme weather: In harsher weather like snow and ice, make sure you have plenty of de-icer and all your winter essentials. Similarly, make sure your van doesn’t overheat in the summer.
Why Is Van Maintenance Important?
So, why van maintenance is so important?
Well, as your mobile office, your van is the tool that keeps your business moving. As such, you’ll naturally want to make sure it’s in the best condition possible.
There are other reasons too, such as:
- Retaining the resale value of your van and protecting against depreciation costs, which is important if you are leasing a van.
- Maximising your safety on the road and that of others.
- Avoiding costly repairs on the day of your MOT.
- Maintaining a good business image for your customers.
Whether you own the van yourself or lease it for your company, good van maintenance will help you to keep costs low. And get the most out of your van.
The Differences Between Van and Car Maintenance
First off, it may be useful to understand how van maintenance and servicing differs from that of a car, as this is not the same for both.
While the actual process itself and costs for an MOT will be the same, there are some areas where a van will require extra care and attention.
For instance, vans are a more common target for thieves, with the assumption that they store expensive tools and equipment all the time. This means that you’ll need to regularly check your side and rear doors as these will see a lot of use day in, and day out.
Check for any visible signs of damage and make sure all your locks are secure. It also goes without saying that you should avoid storing your tools inside your van overnight if possible.
Another key difference between car and van maintenance is when it comes to tyres. Vans typically carry heavier cargo than cars, so their tyres will deteriorate faster due to the added weight.
That’s why you’ll need to regularly check your tread depth and pressure, as well as make sure there is no visible damage.
Van Servicing and Maintenance at Vansdirect
Want to get the best for your van and your business? At Vansdirect, we have a whole service dedicated to van maintenance.
Vansdirect offers a range of van servicing and maintenance packages suited to your individual needs, to help you spread the costs of your maintenance.
When it comes to your MOT, we’ll help you find your nearest approved garage to complete the inspection.
We’ll also help you arrange collection or delivery of your van in a way that suits you for added convenience. You can read more about van MOTs in our helpful blog.
Vansdirect also offers a van servicing and maintenance packages, which includes:
- 24-hour assistance with our driver helpline
- Access to over 16,000 approved garages nationwide
- All servicing, maintenance, and repairs
- MOT tests
- Breakdown assistance
- Tyre replacements
- Free courtesy van (subject to availability)
Van Servicing and Maintenance packages can be built into your monthly fee is you are leasing a van. It will help you cushion the cost of any unforeseen and unwanted servicing and repair costs outside of a new van warranty, while it will go a long way to ensure your van meets wear and tear guidelines at the end of a lease.
More Than Just High-Quality New Vans
At Vansdirect, we’re motivated to help thousands of businesses across the UK find their perfect new van. Our finance options like Hire Purchase and Contract Hire mean there’s nothing stopping you from finding the right van. Not even the cost!
Going one step further, we also help you to get the best for your business. Our other services like racking and security~, fuel cards, livery, and insurance allow you to take care of everything under one roof. All with the help of our trusted industry partners.
Lease A New Van With Vansdirect
Leasing a van with Vansdirect has never been easier to better value for your business
Get the right van lease deal, right now on the van you want, including the Ford Transit Custom, Vauxhall Movano, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Citroen Berlingo.
Speak to our expert team today and you could be driving a new van sooner than you expected for less than you think.
