For van owners, mileage is one of the most important factors to consider when it comes to servicing and maintenance. Whether you use your van for business or leisure, the more miles it covers, the more wear and tear it’s going to experience.
But mileage isn’t the only thing that governs when your van should be serviced. In this article, we’re going to explain more about van servicing and mileage to help you determine when and how you look after your van.
Why does mileage matter for van servicing?
Every mile your van travels will put strain on its mechanical components. The engine, gearbox, brakes, suspension, tyres and other parts and components are subjected to varying levels of wear and tear. As the mileage increases, certain components are more likely to require inspection, adjustment, servicing or even replacement.
A low-mileage van that spends most of its time making short journeys around the city will experience more demanding conditions than a high-mileage van that regularly travels longer distances.
This is because frequent short journeys prevent the engine from reaching its optimum temperature, which can negatively impact certain van components, especially those within the engine. Mileage should therefore be viewed as being just as important as other van maintenance services, like repairs and replacements.
How often should a van be serviced?
The recommended servicing interval varies depending on the manufacturer of the van, the model, the engine and how the van is used. Many manufacturers provide servicing schedules that are based on mileage or time. This means that a van may require van servicing after a certain number of miles have been driven or once a specific time period has concluded. Usually, it’s whichever one comes first. Commercial vans may require more frequent van maintenance if they’re subjected to heavy use on a regular basis.
What happens during a van service?
A van service involves inspecting and maintaining several important components. Depending on the service level and the type of van you own, this can include: engine oil and filter replacement, checking fluid levels, inspecting brakes, checking tyres and tyre pressures, inspecting suspension components, checking lights and electrical systems, inspecting steering components, checking belts and hoses, inspecting the exhaust system, checking the battery and examining the vehicle for signs of leaks or damage. More comprehensive services may involve additional checks or replacement of components according to the manufacturer’s schedule.
How does high mileage affect your van?
A van accumulates more miles, especially if it’s used all day every day in a commercial capacity. But in turn, certain components will naturally become more susceptible to wear and tear. Let’s take a closer look at some elements that could be at risk as a result of high mileage:
- Engine components – the engine works incredibly hard, especially if the van is always carrying a heavy load. Regular van servicing and engine oil replacements are essential for ensuring smooth engine component operation, including timing belts, timing chains, cooling systems, seals, gaskets and pistons
- Brakes – braking components experience friction every time you slow down or stop. Pads and discs can wear over time, with the rate of wear depending on mileage, driving style, vehicle weight and journey types. City driving means brakes need to be replaced more regularly than a van that does motorway driving primarily
- Suspension – these components absorb bumps, potholes and other road imperfections. Shock absorbers, springs, bushes and other parts will deteriorate over time. This is especially true if your van is regularly fully laden with a heavy load
- Tyres – tyre pressure, alignment, load and driving style can influence the rate at which tyres deteriorate. Tyres should be inspected regularly, looking for cracks, bulges, cuts and tread wear. If you notice any of those, replace the tyres as soon as possible
Does the type of mileage matter?
By the “type” of mileage, we mean how the vehicle is being driven and where it’s being driven. For instance, 10,000 miles of motorway driving is different from 10,000 miles of urban or countryside driving. For example, motorway driving won’t involve elements that city driving does. The city driving elements that can affect mileage and wear include:
- Frequent braking
- Frequent acceleration
- Stop-start driving
- Repeated cold starts
- Short journeys
- Frequent gear changes
- Increased clutch use
- Numerous potholes
- Uneven road surfaces
- Tighter turns
These conditions can place additional stress and strain on a vehicle without you even realising it. You might think that motorway driving is more strenuous on a vehicle, but it’s quite the opposite. A van travelling at a constant speed, even if it’s a higher speed, can be less demanding on some vehicle components. This is why servicing schedules should take the vehicle’s actual usage into account.
Is this the same for vans with heavy loads?
Commercial vans are regularly required to carry heavy loads. While they’re designed for that purpose, constantly operating a vehicle close to its weight capacity can increase mechanical wear and tear on the vehicle, placing additional strain on things like:
- Brakes
- Suspension
- Tyres
- Clutch
- Gearbox
- Engine
- Steering components
If your van needs to carry heavy or considerable loads regularly, then you should always stay within the recommended weight limit. In addition, notify the professionals doing your van service of the van’s use. This enables experts to look more closely at parts of the van that could be negatively affected by the continuous need to carry heavy loads when they carry out their inspections.
Why are regular services important for high-mileage vans?
As your van becomes older, it will accumulate more mileage, naturally. But as the mileage grows and the age increases, it’s even more important to ensure it undergoes regular van servicing. When a van is serviced, it provides an opportunity to identify developing problems before they have a chance to become larger, more serious and more costly.
A simple worn component is simpler and cheaper to repair or replace than something more complex. It’s also a way of keeping yourself, your passengers and other road users safe while on the move.
For instance, something like suspension, clutch or gearbox failure can be detrimental to the performance of your van, and it risks the safety of others. Van servicing is effective when it comes to preventative maintenance. This is especially important if you use your van to run a business, as it can directly affect your livelihood.
VanServ know how important your vehicle is to your livelihood. That’s why we’re pleased to offer a wide range of services, including van servicing, van gearbox repairs and replacements, van clutch repairs and replacements, key cutting and programming, van remapping and more. If you’d like further information about how we can keep your van in top condition, no matter how heavy the load is, get in touch with a member of our friendly, knowledgeable team today – we’re always happy to hear from you.