Van maintenance 6 top tips for a happy and healthy Van
Not only will proper maintenance of your van keep you safe for the long miles on the road, it will also increase the value, should you come to sell says Moneybarn. Doing simple maintenance tasks yourself could prevent larger issues which result in a visit to the garage and could save you a lot of time and money. So, here are the Moneybarn top tips for keeping your van road-ready… Tyre Maintenance A van’s tyres need to be checked more often than a car, as the extra weight of a van and its contents means more burden on tyres. Too little pressure increases wear and tear, but too much pressure increases the chance of a blow-out, so aim to check tyres once a fortnight to ensure they are safe and performing well. Tyres must be correctly inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s specification for the weight of the load, so refer to your handbook to check you have the right pressure for your van. Tyres at the right pressure will also be more efficient, so you will save money on fuel and help the environment. Look under the bonnet You should check fluids, including oil and coolant levels, are sufficiently topped up once a week. Low oil levels can break an engine completely, leading to a highly costly replacement. It’s also illegal to drive without at least minimal levels of fluids. Pay special attention to transmission fluids and brake fluids; if they are going down quicker than they should be, you may have a dangerous leak. Check your battery It’s particularly important to check your battery in the winter, as cold weather can have a negative impact on battery life. If your battery is not fully charged, or it has been adversely affected by the cold, there is the increased chance of stalling or your van not starting at all. While you are checking the battery, look at the cables and terminals for worrying signs like cracks or breaks. If you spot any, make sure you take your van to the garage to get these professionally looked at. Don’t forget your MOT Once your van is three years old, by law it needs an MOT. The test ensures your vehicle meets the minimum acceptable environmental and road safety standards. An MOT is crucial as not only could it be dangerous, you can’t get your vehicle taxed without it which may invalidate your insurance. Aesthetics are everything Although keeping your van clean won’t help its performance, it could reduce the chances of rust appearing and increase the potential re-sale value. If you’re using your van for business, keeping it clean and well-presented will also help your public image. While often its unavoidable for the interior of a van to stay spotless, especially if your profession means dirty clothes and shoes, you should still take precautions such as seat protectors to ensure the cars condition is preserved as much as possible. Let there be light Not only is it dangerous to have a broken light, it is also against the law. Lights are an essential safety feature and should be checked regularly and bulbs replaced immediately if broken. Vans in particular collect dust and dirt which can affect the light’s performance, so make sure you clean your lights regularly. For more information from Moneybarn please click here
