There are over 4 million vans on the roads of Britain which are vital to our economy, as they transport goods and provide services. They travel approximately 45 billion miles a year and carry 3000 tonnes of goods every minute. With such an important job to do, it makes sense to look after your van or fleet and keep it running smoothly.

A van that’s off the road will be losing you money so it pays to keep up the maintenance of your van or fleet. It’s a good rule to check over the van once a week or maybe more depending on how many people have been using it and the types of jobs it’s been on. This will give you the opportunity to spot any small issues and nip them in the bud before they turn into big issues. Vehicle tracking is another worthwhile addition to your van’s security as it can lessen down time and hopefully be recovered quickly in the event of theft. For Vehicle Tracking, visit http://www.vehicle-accessories.net/Vehicle-Tracking. Secure fencing and or CCTV outside your property will also deter any would-be thieves from entering your space and will further protect one of your greatest assets.

It might seem obvious to wash a vehicle but many van owners overlook this and over time this can cause problems with the van’s paintwork. Marks and stains will become permanent and salt from the roads in the winter months will start a process of corrosion which results in rust. You won’t make a very good impression on clients if you turn up in a dirty, rust-riddled van.

The same goes for the interior, don’t let it become a rubbish dump. Keep the carpets vacuumed regularly and wipe the upholstery and dashboard at least weekly to keep everything fresh and presentable. Your cabin is the your equivalent of an office if you’re a tradesman so don’t let clients any mess.

Anyone who has ever driven a van, whether small, medium or large, will know that can be difficult to manoeuvre at times, particularly when it comes to parking. Larger vans also have a larger blind spot area so to make life a little bit busier and to protect your van from any annoying dents or dings, get a blind spot eliminator, parking sensor or reversing sensor.

It is recommended that you get your van regularly serviced and engine checked by a van specialist as they will have the experience and tools to do the job properly. Tyres should also be checked weekly for signs of wear and tear as you might be carrying heavy loads. Damage, punctures, pressure and tread should all be monitored.

These steps are important as if you own your van outright then when you come to sell and replace, you want the van to fetch as high a price as possible and it will if it’s been well maintained. Also you want to project a positive image of your business and the better condition your van is in, the better and more professional your business looks.