Top 4 Van Maintenance Tips
When they aren’t maintained correctly, vans can easily fall into disrepair and breakdown failures. We have put together our top 4 tips to ensure your van is well maintained, to help keep it on the road and you out of trouble.
Maintaining Your Van
Maintaining your van is easy when you know what to look out for, from suspension to rust and much more, repairing the problem early will help prevent it from becoming a major problem. These van maintenance tips will help to save you both time and money.
Springs
Most vans used a suspension system known as leaf springs and these are designed to help assist in the load bearing of the vehicle. Over time they will reach a point where they crack or snap and then they will need replacing. Your can source replacement leaf springs from a number of reputable specialists such as Sanderson Leaf Springs.
Rust
Due to the workload most vans undertake and the conditions they are exposed to, they are commonly prone to rust. Most rust patches appear around the wheel arches and doors, however they are likely to also occur on other parts of the chassis over time. Rust is easy to identify and the sooner you spot it, the easier it will be to repair. Specialist fillers can be used to sand down and the rust and then used to recoat the area. It is also worth noting you might want to touch up the paintwork, once the rust treatment has been applied.
Engine
If you aren’t a mechanic, then the engine can be a much more tricky part to maintain. It is also advisable to ensure all of your fluid levels are correct such as oil and brake fluid and that the correct type is being used. Servicing is one of the best ways to keep your engine running smoothly and it’s recommended the engine is serviced at least once every year or every 10,000 miles; whichever is the best option for you.
Tyres
Due to the high mileage most vans undertake and the type of work they are used for, van tyres can run down much quicker. It’s important that tyres remain above the legal tread requirements and that they are free of damage such as cracks, splits or tears. Some cracks and tears can be fixed using a tyre repair kit, although sometimes it is more cost-effective in the long run to replace the tyre as a whole.
