When the temperature outside begins to fall, that means that autumn and winter are upon us. But with the extreme cold comes mechanical issues with your van, regardless of its size or what you use it for. Not only can cold temperatures cause parts and components to degrade, but they also make navigation more difficult, especially when the roads are frosty or icy.
Whether you’re a tradesperson or a dedicated campervan owner, there are ten winter health checks you need to do on your van before you embark on your journey. In this article, we’ll be telling you what those winter health checks are and how you can use them to make sure your van is as safe as possible to drive this winter.
10 van health checks you need to do on your van this winter
From tyre conditions and battery health to brake checks and adequate lighting, there are ten simple checks you need to carry out on your van before heading out on the roads. Here are ten van health checks you need to do on your vehicle this winter:
1. Tyres
Wet and icy roads demand maximum grip. Check that your tyres have at least 3mm of tread depth (the legal limit in Britain in 1.6mm) or more to allow for adequate and effective grip and traction. This is even more important when the roads are snowy or icy. You should also be adjusting the tyre pressure regularly to the manufacturer’s recommendations as cold air can lower tyre pressure quickly. If this sounds time-consuming, then perhaps consider the fitting of winter tyres while the cold weather is here or if you need to drive around more rural or hilly areas.
2. Coolant/antifreeze levels
Antifreeze prevents your engine from freezing when the temperature drops to extreme levels, but only if the mixture is right. Check coolant levels in your van as well, ensuring it’s a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and distilled water. Top these coolant levels up as and when needed throughout the winter season. You should also be looking for coolant leaks around your van, paying particular attention to hoses and the radiator. Again, if you aren’t sure what you’re looking for, bring your van into a specialist firm, like VanServ, for a professional, in-depth winter health check that you can always count on.
3. Lights
Your vehicle lights can include everything from the main headlights to the lights that illuminate your registration plate, which is a legal requirement in the UK, and something that can cause your van to fail its MOT. In the winter, dark mornings and early nights mean that your vehicle lights are more important now than ever. So, go around your van and check all vehicle lights, from headlight and indicator bulbs to brake lights and fog lights, and everything in between. It’s also possible for you to brighten your lights with regular cleaning. This removes any grime and salt build-up.
4. Wipers & screenwash
Visibility is key during the winter, when conditions are right for frost, fog, ice and snow. Windscreen wipers are crucial for maintaining windscreen visibility, as is your screenwash. Screenwash not only rids the windscreen of dirt and debris, but it can also aid in melting away frost, ice or snow that has formed on your windscreen overnight. If you want to be ultra careful, then opting to have new windscreen wipers fitted on your van is a great first step when it comes to maintaining a roadworthy van throughout the winter season. You should also keep screenwash topped up at all times, which is a legal requirement in the UK.
5. Windscreen
You should check your windscreen for imperfections, cracks and holes during the winter. This is especially important when the frost and ice hit. This is because moisture can seep its way into the cracks or holes and freeze, therefore causing the cracks or holes to become bigger. Eventually, the entire windscreen could break, which is incredibly dangerous for both you and other road users. To ensure maximum longevity and protection, either have the windscreen imperfections fixed or have the entire windscreen replaced. It only takes for you to drive over a pot hole for your windscreen to shatter if it’s already damaged.
6. Engine oil & filters
Engine oil thickens up in the cold weather, which can make steering notoriously more difficult. Check your oil level and consider using a winter-grade oil if recommended by your manufacturer. Replace the oil filters if your service interval is coming up. Alternatively, take out a service plan with VanServ, where an oil and filter change will be done at the same time, as part of the service itself.
7. Brakes
When the weather turns cold and damp, it can affect brake performance and integrity. This includes rust buildup, especially if your vehicle is sitting there for a long time without being used. Listen out for squeaks, grinding noises or any changes in how the pedal feels when it’s depressed. For absolute peace of mind, have your brake pads, discs and fluid inspected regularly, especially before going on any prolonged winter journeys.
8. Battery
The cold weather can halve a van battery’s life and its efficiency. You can test your van battery easily by bringing it into your local car garage, where a health check can be carried out on it. They’ll be able to give you accurate readings with regard to its health and lifespan. It’s recommended you have this done on your van, even if you don’t suspect any battery issues. It helps to keep you ahead of the game should it begin to deteriorate, meaning any battery failures won’t be a huge, expensive surprise.
9. Bodywork
When the weather turns cold and damp, it can increase the likelihood of rust buildup. This can have a detrimental effect on how your van looks and performs, whether it’s used for business or leisure purposes. It’s also important that you’re washing off any dirt, grime and salty residue that builds up on the surface. This protects the paint and protects the bodywork from deterioration over time.
10. Heating & demisting system
It’s imperative that you’re as comfortable as possible while driving your van, whether you use it for business or leisure purposes. Part of this includes having an adequate heating system at the ready. Not only does this ensure cabin comfort, but it also aids in keeping your windscreen clear at all times while the vehicle is in motion. It comes hand in hand with your demisting system, essentially. If you don’t think your heating or air conditioning system is up to scratch, then book your van in with the team here at VanServ. We’ll be able to pinpoint any issues and resolve them effectively, all in time for the depths of winter.
VanServ has a team of dedicated, highly-skilled technicians who are able to carry out health checks and repairs on a wide range of vans, regardless of the make, model or age. If you’d like further information about how we can help you today, from air conditioning and key cutting to servicing and remapping, and everything in between, then get in touch with a member of our friendly, knowledgeable team today – we’re always happy to hear from you.