Whether your van is used for business, travel or just everyday use, it’s a crucial part of your life that’s heavily relied upon. If something happens to your vehicle, then it could throw your entire life off course. The best thing to do is to ensure that you’re maintaining your van with regular servicing.
But why does a van service help to keep it roadworthy when it undergoes an MOT? Is it not the same thing? In this article, we’ll explain the differences between a van service and an MOT. We will also give you the reasons why van servicing will help to keep your vehicle running all year round.
What is the difference between an MOT & a van service?
The main difference between a van service and an MOT is simple. An MOT is a legal requirement, and a van service is not. An MOT is a legal safety inspection of a vehicle once a year when over the age of 3. It ensures that your vehicle meets the minimum safety and environmental standards to remain on the road.
A van service, on the other hand, is optional. It focuses on vehicle maintenance to ensure it runs as smoothly as possible. It checks that everything is working efficiently. A van service also involves inspecting the condition of the vehicle as a whole. In addition, it looks into the replacement of worn parts, depending on the tier you go for. The different van service tiers are as follows:
What are the different levels of van service?
- Interim van service – this is the entry-level van servicing tier that’s designed for low-mileage drivers. It often includes an oil and filter change. It also includes the inspection of the van’s main components, such as tyres, windscreen wipers and lights
- Full van service – this is recommended every 12 months or every 12,000 miles. It often includes: air filter change, fuel filter or spark plug change (depending on whether the vehicle is petrol or diesel), extensive brake inspection, wheel bearings and chock absorbers inspection, testing of electrical components, air conditioning inspection and a radiator and coolant hose inspection, among other things
- Major van service – this is recommended every 2 years or 24,000 miles. It’s the most comprehensive van service available. It includes everything that the interim and full van service includes, as well as the changing of things like brake fluid and cabin filters, which are recommended for replacement every 2 years
How does regular van servicing keep your van running smoothly all year round?
Van servicing offers more benefits than you might have otherwise thought. It enables the smooth and safe running of your vehicle, essentially. Here at VanServ, we have a team of highly qualified, skilled technicians at the helm of everything we do.
This means that your van service will be carried out with the utmost care and precision every single time. But why is van servicing so advantageous when done by a competent firm, like VanServ? Let’s take a closer look:
It prevents unexpected van breakdowns
Regular van servicing identifies wear and tear before it turns into a major issue. A team of trained technicians, like the ones here at VanServ, will check the essential components. This includes the brakes, suspension, belts, hoses and the electrical system. But this can depend on the level of van service you choose.
If issues are identified and rectified early, then they prevent further, more serious damage in the future. It could also mean the mitigation of vehicle downtime, which is something that you do not want if you run a business and need your van to get the job done. In addition, it ensures the safety of yourself and your passengers while out on the road.
Fuel efficiency is improved
A van that is well-maintained will burn fuel far more efficiently. Over time, dirty filters, low-quality oil and worn spark plugs can cause your van engine to work harder, therefore leading to increased fuel consumption. If you undergo regular van servicing, then these parts will remain clean, optimised and functional all year round.
The life of the engine is elongated
At least an interim van service will include an oil and filter change, which is essential to maintain the integrity of your van engine. This is because, over time, engine oil degrades and loses its ability to lubricate and protect vital engine components. Regular oil changes will help to prevent friction damage, premature engine wear and overheating. If your van engine fails, then you risk losing the vehicle altogether as a result of the costs associated with engine replacements.
Year-round van safety is enabled
Van services are an important part of any vehicle maintenance plan, and while it’s an essential requirement all year round, it’s even more paramount over the winter period. Cold winters and wet weather can impact everything, from the tyres and battery to the braking and the exterior lights.
So it’s imperative that your van undergoes regular servicing at least once every six months. This way, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that all parts and components are in ship shape, whether they’ve been replaced or identified as working correctly at the time of service.
Protection of resale value & potential warranties
If you lease or PCP a van, then it may well be a requirement that you have the vehicle serviced while it’s in your possession. This helps to ensure resale value at the end of your term as well as protect any warranties you might have on parts, components or the car in general.
This is much the same if you own the vehicle outright. It helps to protect the resale value of your van should you want to sell it or swap it for a more state-of-the-art vehicle. Much like having a new boiler serviced, servicing your van is required if you wish to keep up any warranties that might have been included in it.
Money is saved in the long run
We’ve already touched upon the importance of van servicing and what happens during even the most basic of van services. Seeing as a group of competent professionals is inspecting every inch of your vehicle for damage, wear and tear, problems can be addressed and sorted before they turn into anything worse. While it will cost money to replace damaged parts and components, it will still be less than having to buy a new vehicle or pay for extensive damage later down the line. IN the long run, you’ll be able to save money with regular van servicing.
VanServ is a specialist company focused on servicing and repairing vans, motorhomes and other large vehicles. From van servicing and clutch replacements to gearbox repairs, key services and more, we provide comprehensive support for all your van-related needs. If you’d like to learn more about our local van servicing or any of our expert services, simply contact our friendly, professional team – we’re always happy to help.