When the summer arrives and the weather warms up, it’s a good time to do some essential maintenance on your van.

After the rigours of winter, your van could probably do with some much-needed TLC to help keep your business moving.

Check out our top tips for keeping your van on the road so you can enjoy the sun with one less thing to worry about.

Maintain the cooling systems

Pop the bonnet and check the radiator and coolant levels. Look for leaks and check that the coolant is at the correct level – if it isn’t, top it up.

Clean dirt, bugs and any other debris from the radiator to make sure the air can flow around it properly.

Test your van’s air conditioning system to ensure cool air blows out efficiently. If it doesn’t seem to work as well as it should, recharge the refrigerant or get it serviced at a garage.

Check your tyres

It’s important to get your tyres ready for summer because the hot weather can increase wear and the risk of blowouts. Look out for signs of cracks, or bulges and replace worn or damaged tyres.

Check the tyre pressure, including the spare, and inflate them to the recommended pressure – commonly called PSI. If you don’t know what pressure you should inflate your van’s tyres to, you can use this really handy guide.

If you use your van daily for work, you can extend the lifespan of your tyres by rotating them regularly.

Keep your engine ticking over

Change the oil and oil filter according to the manufacturer's recommendations. High temperatures can break down oil faster, so regular changes over the summer are a good idea.

Clean or replace the air filter to make sure it clears debris from around the engine parts effectively.

Inspect belts and hoses for signs of wear, cracks, or leaks. Replace any damaged parts to help keep your engine running smoothly.

Protect the battery

Check the battery fluid is at the right level - summer heat can cause it to evaporate more quickly. Look out for signs of corrosion, leaks, or loose connections.

Clean the battery terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water to remove rust and ensure a good electrical connection.

Another good way to protect your van’s battery life in the summer is to park in shaded areas to keep it cool.

Top up the fluids

While you’re under the bonnet, check and top up the other vital fluids – brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windscreen washer fluid.

Keeping these at the right level will help keep your van ticking over when you’re driving to jobs over the summer.