Regular van servicing is incredibly important for a number of reasons. It helps to keep your van safe, reliable and cost-efficient. Whether you use your van for business or trade, or use it to have a leisurely family holiday, routine van servicing is imperative to keep the van performing well. As such, it reduces the risk of breakdowns and even has the potential to increase the lifespan of your van.
As vans are often required to carry heavy loads for a considerable amount of time, and will usually do more mileage than an average car, van servicing needs to be carried out on a regular basis. But how often should that be done? In this article, we’ll be discussing the different types of van service you can get, alongside why van servicing matters. So, how often should you be having a van service? Let’s take a closer look:
Van servicing: types & intervals
Most van manufacturers will recommend that their vehicle be serviced every year, or every 10,000-12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, the exact interval and type of service you need will differ depending on the make and model of the van you have. It can also depend on how the van is used, whether it be continuous commercial use or every so often for a staycation in the summer. Generally, when it comes to van servicing, it’s split up into two different categories: interim and full. Let’s take a closer look at those in more detail:
1. Interim service
An interim service is a lighter maintenance check when compared to a full service. It’s normally recommended every 6 months, or at 6,000-10,000 miles, whichever comes first. An interim service is perfect for vans that are used frequently for work or commercial purposes, when demand is highest. The benefit of an interim service is that it has the potential to identify minor problems before they become expensive repairs. Typically, the following things are checked as part of an interim service:
- Oil change
- Oil filter change
- Brake inspection
- Inspection of tyre condition, including tread depth and pressure
- Fluid top-ups, including coolant, brake fluid and washer fluid
- Light checks
- Battery checks
- A visual inspection of belts and hoses
2. Full service
A full service is more comprehensive than an interim service. It’s usually recommended that a full service is carried out once a year, or every 12,000-20,000 miles, whichever comes first. The purpose of a full van service is to ensure that the vehicle is operating safely and efficiently for the year to come. It can also identify small issues before they become more serious and expensive to repair or replace. A full service may include the following things:
- Engine oil replacement
- Engine oil filter replacement
- Air filter replacement
- Fuel filter inspection
- Fuel filter replacement
- Brake system inspection
- Suspension checks
- Steering checks
- Exhaust system inspection
- Battery test
- Diagnostic scan for fault codes
Van service frequency: the factors that affect it
While manufacturer recommendations will provide a clear van servicing guideline that many van owners will adhere to, there are several factors that apply that can affect exactly how often a van service is carried out, regardless of whether it’s an interim van service or a full van service. The factors that can affect the van servicing frequency include the following:
Mileage
The more miles a van travels, the more wear it experiences. Vans used daily for deliveries or long-distance travel may need servicing more often than vehicles that are only needed occasionally.
Load & usage
Vans that carry heavy or considerable loads will place additional stress on the engine, suspension, brakes and tryes. Tradespeople and logistics drivers, for instance, may then benefit from short service intervals.
Driving conditions
Driving in harsh conditions can accelerate vehicle wear and tear. This can include factors like start-stop city driving, driving on rough or uneven roads, driving in extremely high or low temperatures and towing heavy equipment or trailers. These aforementioned conditions can increase strain on the engine and its braking system.
Vehicle age
The older the can, the more likely it is to require frequent maintenance. This is because components will naturally wear out over time. Regular servicing will help to prevent unexpected failures, too.
Why does van servicing matter?
There are many ways in which a van service can benefit both your vehicle and your business if it’s used for commercial purposes. Some of the reasons why regular van servicing matters include the following:
Improved safety
Routine inspections help to ensure critical components, including brakes, tyres and steering function. This significantly reduces the risk of accidents being caused on the roads by mechanical van failures.
Better fuel efficiency
A well-maintained engine operates more efficiently. Clean oil, proper tyre pressure and a clean air filter can improve fuel economy and reduce operating costs in the process. This is just another reason to have your van serviced regularly and at the right intervals.
Reduced repair costs
Identifying minor issues as early as possible will prevent them from becoming major, more expensive problems. This means that regular van servicing, at the right intervals, can often save you both time and money in the long-run.
Increased vehicle lifespan
The right maintenance will help a van last longer, as well as maintain its overall reliability. This is especially important for businesses that depend heavily on their vehicles. This is the case whether it’s needed for commercial or domestic use.
Improved resale value
A van with a well-documented and accurate account of its full service history will usually be worth more when the time comes to sell it or swap it for something else. The difference in value can be considerable between a serviced van and a non-serviced van.
How can I tell if my van needs servicing sooner?
There might be some instances where your van will need servicing before it’s scheduled to be serviced. If this is the case, then your van will present you with some sure signs that it needs to be serviced. Some of the warning signs that suggest your van needs to be serviced sooner rather than later include:
- Usual engine noises
- Warning lights on the dashboard
- Reduced fuel efficiency
- Difficulty starting the engine
- Vibrations when braking
- Pulling to one side when braking
- Smoke smells
- Other unusual smells
If you notice any of the aforementioned signs, then it’s time to book your van in for a van service as soon as possible, even if it’s not ready for its scheduled one yet. A van service can allow problems to be noticed and fixed in good time to keep your van running smoothly and efficiently.
The specialists at VanServ are highly experienced in all aspects of van maintenance and repair. Our services include van servicing as well as the replacement or repair of engines, clutches, gearboxes and many other essential components. In addition to routine servicing, we also offer remapping, key cutting and key programming, making us a convenient one-stop solution for all your van needs. From van air conditioning regassing to suspension inspections – and everything in between – you can always depend on the knowledgeable team at VanServ. If you’d like to find out more about how we can assist you, feel free to contact a member of our friendly and professional team today – we’re always happy to help.