8 Essential Tips to Keep Your Van in Pristine Condition

Vehicles are major investments. Keeping them in top-notch condition can ensure you get as much use out of them as possible. That’s particularly important for commercial vehicles. They often cost more than standard passenger vehicles, and businesses rely on them to make a profit. Whether you’re using a van to deliver products or to haul the tools your employees need to provide services for customers, keeping that vehicle in pristine condition is the key to your livelihood. 

Taking care of your van will help keep your entire business up and running. It’ll guarantee your drivers and other employees are always able do their jobs, and it’ll ensure you’re able to meet your customers’ needs and expectations. In doing so, it’ll aid in maintaining a solid business reputation, fostering customer retention, and keeping new customers coming in. Several measures can help you keep your van in optimal shape. 

1) Routine Maintenance

Maintenance is one of the most effective steps in taking care of a commercial vehicle. During routine maintenance, mechanics cover an array of points to help ensure your van will continue to run properly. Those include checking hoses for damage and checking fluid levels. Checking the brakes is an important part of the process as well. Oil changes also take place during routine maintenance. Technicians will change the oil and air filter and replace belts, spark plugs, and other components if need be.

Those are only a few of the services a company like northside service center may include in a maintenance appointment. They’re all designed to keep vehicles running properly and efficiently. They help to reduce breakdowns, repair costs, and fuel consumption. They also ensure your van is safe to drive, which reduces the risks of accidents, exorbitant insurance costs, and potential legal issues. Routine maintenance can minimize unnecessary expenses and make your van last longer. 

2) Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Inspections

With routine maintenance, mechanics can stay on top of small problems and resolve them before they get out of hand. That being said, commercial vehicles are in constant use, and they sustain a great deal of wear and tear. Any number of issues could develop between service appointments. Honestly, something could go wrong overnight or while your van is on the road. 

Because of that, pre-trip and post-trip inspections are essential. During those inspections, your drivers can spot problems before going out on a service call or delivery. That’ll give you a chance to take care of them before they cause an accident, extensive damage, or other major issues. It’s always a good idea to have your employees perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections on your vehicles, and in many cases, they’re required by law. They take time to complete, but the time, money, and grief they save you in the long run is well worth a few minutes at the beginning and end of each business day. 

3) Tire Changes

Technicians generally check vehicles’ tires to ensure they’re in good condition and properly inflated. Those factors are also part of pre-trip and post-trip inspections. Still, tires tend to wear out quickly on commercial vehicles. As such, having them changed at the right times is crucial. Never run the tires on your van until they’re bald, and don’t allow your employees to drive on tires with bulges or other types of damage. Those are safety hazards. Besides that, if damaged or overly worn tires fail, it could result in serious damage to your van and injuries to your drivers. Tires are expensive, but the cost of having them changed before they wear out is well worth the rewards. 

4) Use Telematics

Another way to keep your van in optimal condition is to use telematics. This technology allows businesses to track vehicles while they’re on the road, so they always know where their fleet vehicles are. They do much more than that, though.

With telematics, you can monitor an array of factors, including hard braking and acceleration, erratic driving, idle time, and other important aspects. These devices can also keep track of mileage, monitor fuel consumption, keep up with maintenance requirements, and alert you of minor malfunctions that could ultimately lead to major breakdowns. By incorporating telematics into your van, you can protect it in several ways. 

5) Prompt Auto Body Repairs

Auto body damage is often little more than a cosmetic issue, so many businesses aren’t overly concerned with repairing it. Ignoring it isn’t necessarily a good idea, though. While it may not interfere with the way the vehicle runs or drives, it certainly affects its appearance. When customers see your company’s name emblazoned on a van with dented doors and creased quarter panels, it may affect their opinion of you. Keeping your van in good visual condition is just as important as keeping it running properly, and it’ll make your business appear more professional. 

6) Repair or Replace Damaged Glass

Having damaged glass repaired or replaced as soon as possible is equally important. On one hand, it’ll help you keep up appearances in the same way repairing body damage does. Secondly, it’ll make your van safer. Auto glass, especially the windshield and side windows,  is a significant aspect of a vehicle’s structural integrity. Cracked glass makes a vehicle, and its occupants and cargo, more vulnerable during an accident. 

7) Keep Your Van Clean

Another way to protect your van and keep it in good condition is to keep it clean. Regular washes and detailing will protect the vehicle’s exterior from the elements, road grime, and other hazards. Keeping the interior clean will keep the upholstery, carpet, console, dashboard, and other internal components looking like new. Again, all that will speak to your company’s professionalism. 

8) Driver Awareness

Finally, making sure your drivers are committed to protecting your vehicles is crucial. Be sure they understand the importance of driving safely and conserving fuel. Hold them accountable for pre-trip and post-trip inspections, conscientious driving, and vehicle cleanliness. That will go a long way toward preserving your van’s appearance and efficiency while also keeping it running great and making it last as long as possible. 

Protecting Your Commercial Vehicles

No doubt, your fleet vehicles are among your most important assets. Without them, you can’t properly meet your customers’ needs. With that being the case, keeping them in pristine condition is essential. Keep the points listed here in mind to keep your commercial van looking great and ensure it serves you well for years to come.