6 Essential Maintenance Checks Every Used Van Owner Should Know

When you’ve bought a used van, it’s important to keep on top of maintenance to ensure you avoid costly repairs later down the line for major issues that could have been avoided. At AM Phillip Trucktech, we’ve pulled together our 5 top essential maintenance tips that every used van owner should know.

Regular Oil and Fluid Checks

Ensuring oil and fluid are at the right level keeps your van safe to drive, as well as keeping performance on point. Oil, coolant, and brake fluid help to keep components running and prevent overheating. Consistently driving your used van while these levels are low can cause major engine damage, costing you more in the long run.

Tyre Maintenance

It’s essential that your used van tyres have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm and are sufficiently inflated. If they are not, this isn’t just illegal, it’s unsafe for you and other drivers. An easy way to check the tread is by rolling a 20 pence piece in the grooves of each tyre. If you can still see the outer band of the coin, your tread depth may not be deep enough. Your tyres should also be free from cuts, have no visible cords, and have no loose or missing wheel nuts.

Check Your Brakes

Your vehicle's braking system ensures your safety on the road. Therefore, regular brake checks help you maintain their effectiveness and reliability. You should be aware of the warning signs with your brakes, which include:

• Squeaking or grinding noises when applying the brakes
• Vibrations or pulses in the pedal
• Reduced responsiveness
• Brake warning light on your dashboard

If you experience any of these signs, you must get your brakes checked by a professional.

Keep an Eye on Your Battery

A van’s battery provides power to start the engine, and battery failure is the leading cause of roadside emergencies. It’s therefore important to regularly check the battery to prevent breakdowns and keep your van running efficiently. Battery check-ups can also identify any issues in your car that can cause damage.

Check Lights for Visibility

You should check the lights on your van for safety, legal compliance, and to prevent accidents. You can easily check your lights by switching them on and walking around your car. This includes brake lights (although you may need a second party to help with this, or parking close to a reflective surface), headlights, fog lights, and indication lights. Lights that function properly help you see the road ahead and ensure other drivers can see you and your intentions.

Listen Out for Engine Changes

As you probably drive your van most days, you will likely notice when something sounds off. Noises can be warning signs of minor issues to serious damage, so it’s important not to ignore any unfamiliar sounds. Noises like knocking, rattling, or hissing can be signals of an issue in the engine, so getting it seen to ASAP could help avoid huge costs if left untreated.

By keeping up with these essential maintenance checks, you can extend the lifespan of your used van, keep it running efficiently, and reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns. You can save money and keep your van road-ready for every journey.