Vans are built to work hard. In fact, many modern models can easily exceed 200,000 miles. This is especially the case if they’re diesel-powered. However, as mileage climbs, components experience greater wear and tear, and the risk of breakdown increases. This is more the case with the increase in potholes in the UK. Regardless of what you use your van for, whether commercial or domestic purposes, taking the right steps to care for your high-mileage van will ensure its reliability, safety and fuel economy. Here’s how to look after your high-mileage van effectively:
Book it in for a van service regularly
Regular van servicing is essential for the smooth running of a high-mileage van. It becomes even more important if your van surpasses 100,000 miles. High-mileage vehicles will require more frequent checks. This is because many parts are approaching the end of their expected lifespan. Some of the things that a van service includes are as follows:
- Oil and filter changes – done every 5,000-8,000 miles (or as recommended by the van manufacturer)
- Air filter replacement – this maintains proper airflow to the engine
- Fuel filter replacement – this is especially important for diesel vans
- Cabin filter replacement – this improves air quality and heating efficiency
Closely monitor van engine health
Your van engine is the most critical part of the vehicle. If that fails, your van will need costly replacements. Depending on the severity of the damage, it could even write off your van altogether. This is why van engines need to be maintained properly. To make sure that you’re catching issues early, you should be paying attention to:
- Unusual noises, including rattling, knocking or ticking
- Excessive smoke from the exhaust
- Loss of power
- Poor fuel economy
- Warning lights on the dashboard
Part of good engine health also means checking that all fluid levels are topped up. This includes engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and even power steering fluid. This can all help to prevent serious mechanical damage that has the potential to completely kill your van engine if left unchecked and neglected. If you need van engine repairs, then look no further than VanServ.
Maintain the van air-con
If you use your van on a regular basis, then comfort can play a big role in how that drive goes. Part of being comfortable includes having a fully-functional van air-con system on hand. Not only is it perfect for cooling off after a long summer’s day, but it can also keep you warm when the weather turns cold. In addition, a practical van air-con system that performs well plays an important role in demisting of windscreens and windows.
This makes driving far safer for both yourself and other road users, as full visibility is restored as a result of functioning van air-con. If you’re having trouble with your high-mileage van air-con system, then look to VanServ today. We can repair and regas van air-con systems when you need it most, with work being completed within a reasonable timeframe to limit vehicle downtime.
Have van suspension & steering inspected professionally
Vans are often used for commercial purposes, carrying considerable loads for miles and hours at a time, week-in, week-out. As such, it’s important that you have your van suspension and steering checked regularly. From going over speed bumps to handling potholes in the roads, your van suspension and steering will take a knock every now and again.
But with consistent, regular use, your van suspension and steering may succumb to the consequences of repeated knocks and bumps. This could render your vehicle undrivable as time goes on. Not only could this make repairs and replacements expensive, but it could also result in vehicle downtime. This isn’t something you need if you need your van to ensure a regular monthly income.
Keep van brakes in good condition
It is paramount that your van brakes are performing well. This is essential for the safety of yourself, your passengers and other roadusers. If your van is clocking up the miles on a regular basis, then your brakes will likely wear more quickly than a van that does half the mileage.
To be safe, you should have your brakes inspected regularly by a professional, like us here at VanServ. You may, however, find that a brake system inspection is included as part of a full van service. Just ask your van mechanics for more information about what they include as part of their van service.
Look after the van electrical system
People often forget that any vehicle is highly driven by electricity. Unfortunately, the electrical components are most likely to break down and present issues as they age. Usually, electrical systems are as old as the vehicle itself, and they’re largely not covered by warranties (check yours to make sure). With this in mind, it’s best to ensure that your electrical systems are maintained and protected, where possible.
If you’re ever in doubt or don’t know what you’re looking for, then seek out the help of a professional van firm, like us here at VanServ. We can inspect your vehicle and carry out a health check, paying particular attention to electrical components, if this is something you’re concerned about. We will then give expert advice accordingly. While it’s not possible to completely protect wiring from damage, corrosion or breakdown, you should pay particular attention to ensuring the integrity of the following electronic components:
- Battery
- Alternator
- Starter motor
- Wiring connections
Protect van bodywork & underside
While this might not seem like a huge deal in comparison to more mechanical or electrical parts and components of your van, it is actually integral to preventing rust and corrosion. Not only can this make your van look old and unkempt, but it also creates holes and gaps where excess moisture can seep in, where it couldn’t before.
This can then begin to corrode the underside of the van, as well as the bodywork. As such, you should make sure that the bodywork is well-maintained, including keeping it clean, waxed and resprayed is paint falls away. In addition to protecting the van in its entirety, it also helps to retain its resale value if you ever need to sell or swap it for another vehicle.
Drive your van sensibly
Driving your van sensibly and safely, especially when fully laden, is absolutely paramount. Not only does it ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers, but it also protects other roadusers and pedestrians in the area. Secondly, sensible van driving will help to ensure the integrity of the van itself, from its bodywork to its suspension and everything in between. Essentially, you should refrain from placing additional, unnecessary strain on your van, including its engine and even consumables, like tyres. Not only can repairs be expensive, but any business downtime lost can also be detrimental and have dire consequences.
VanServ have a team of highly-qualified, fully-trained van experts who are on hand to deliver exceptional van maintenance services, including van servicing, van air-con, van key cutting, van suspension, van engine repairs, van clutch repairs, van remapping, van gearbox repairs and more. If you’d like further information about how we can help to maintain your high-mileage van, get in touch with a member of our friendly, knowledgeable team today – we’re always pleased to hear from you.