If you rely on your van to keep your business running, it’s important to keep it in the best shape possible.

Regular maintenance checks that you can do yourself will help keep your van in tip-top condition and help it hold its value for longer.

We’ve put together some of our top tips to help you keep your van on the road.

See the light 

You should check your lights regularly to ensure they all work properly.

Turn the lights on and walk around your van to ensure you can see each one clearly, or ask a friend or colleague to check for you. 

If any of the bulbs are out, replace them straight away. If you can’t manage it yourself, your local motor retailer will do it for a small fee.

Your lights are also legally required to be in full working order.

Tread carefully

Probably the most important thing to check regularly is your tyres.

Vans tend to be heavier than cars, especially if you use yours to carry heavy tools and equipment around with you. With this in mind, you should give your tyres a once-over every month.

Check that the tread is at least 1.6mm, which is the legal limit in the UK. If it isn’t, you can face a heavy fine.

The tread on your tyres is designed to clear water when the roads are wet, so most experts recommend replacing them when they have a minimum of 3mm of tread depth to be on the safe side.

It’s also important to check the tyre pressure. Having the correct pressure can reduce running costs and extend the life of your tyres.

To find the correct tyre pressure for your van, check the manufacturer’s handbook.

Stay fluid

Checking your van’s fluids is another thing you need to do regularly if you want to keep it running smoothly.

The fluid you most want to keep an eye on is your oil. If you replace the oil regularly, it keeps your engine clean and running efficiently. Your van’s handbook will tell how often to change the oil.

Other things you should check and top up from time to time include the power steering and brake fluids, the engine coolant, and the screen wash.

Keep it clean

Last but not least – keep your van clean and tidy.

Keeping the outside clean helps prevent rusting and allows you to spot any scratches or dents that might need repairing.

A clean and tidy van also gives your customers a good first impression. If you turn up with a van covered in rust and takeaway boxes all over the dashboard, it’s harder to create the professional image you’re looking for!