What to look out for when buying a new van

Like with any vehicle, buying a new van is a big investment and one you’ll want to get right, especially if the van is being bought for commercial purposes.

Before taking the plunge and handing over your money to drive away a shiny new van, check out the following pointers on what do look out for when buying a van.

Diesel, petrol or electric: Which is the best fuel type for your next van?

One of the most fundamental questions you should ask is what type of fuel you need your van to be? Your decision should be influenced by a number of factors, such as the amount of mileage you intend to do in your van and how ‘corporately responsible’ you want your business to be, in terms of the amount of emissions it will emit into the atmosphere. 

New or second-hand?

When buying a van, you’ll need to decide whether you want to invest in a new van or buy a second-hand vehicle. Of course, there’s pros and cons to both, with new vans requiring a larger investment and second-hand models not promising as much reliability. 

Carry out thorough checks

If you opt to buy a second-hand van, it’s important to carry out thorough checks. 

This might include the following:

• Tyres – check all tyres for tread depth and potential damage

• Exhaust – have a look at the exhaust for rust and holes 

• Locks and windows – check the locks and windows are all working 

• Dashboard and lights – the dashboard and lights should also be checked so see that no warning lights come on and the lights are working properly 

• Wipers, milometers and heaters should also be checked to ensure they’re working as they should

If you’re thinking about purchasing a new van for your business, UK Vans Direct provide our customers with some of the cheapest vans in the UK, coupled with excellent customer service. Get in touch today to discuss your commercial van requirements with UK Vans Direct.  

The clocks have gone back, the temperature has dropped, and the trees have shed their leaves. Winter is here once more. 

From frozen water in the radiator to batteries ceasing up, vehicles don’t always like the plummeting temperatures. If you’ve not already done so, now’s the time to prepare your van for the cold and wet months ahead. 

Take a look at the following top van maintenance tips to help avoid breakdowns this winter. 

Check your van’s battery

Car batteries don’t like the winter as the cold temperatures can reduce the output, which places the battery under additional strain. 

Part of a comprehensive van maintenance schedule in the winter should include checking your battery, which will generally have an effective life of around five years. 

If your battery is past its sell-by date, now’s the time to change it. 

Get antifreeze checked 

Frozen water in your van’s radiator can create real problems in an engine. Make sure you get the antifreeze regularly checked to help avoid, what can be, expensive problems.

Check the condition of your van’s tyres

A van’s tyres have a direct impact on braking and steering, so it’s vital they are in good condition, particularly on wet and icy roads during the winter. Check that both the tread depth and pressure are appropriate for dealing with winter conditions and if the tyres aren’t up to scratch, now’s the time to change them. 

Regularly clean your van

During the winter, it’s important to clean your van regularly to remove dirt and corrosive road salt from the windscreen, windows, body and tyres. 

When cleaning the windscreen, give it a good clean inside and outside to ensure it is debris and smear free. 

Check that the lights, indicators and rear reflectors are also clean, so dirt doesn’t impede the reflection. 

If you are looking to purchase a new van this winter, then check out the range on offer at UK Vans Direct. We aim to provide our customers with the best-priced vans in the UK, delivered with fantastic customer service. 

Get in touch today, to discuss your van requirements with our friendly team. 

There are so many discounted vans and cheap vans out there, many of which are available with the latest automotive technology, environmentally friendly performance, and great fuel efficiency. 

With so much choice out there, it can be difficult to narrow down the options. Here we look at the different kinds of vans available to help you narrow down the best one for your specific business needs.

Vans For Storage: If you're looking for a spacious van with plenty of room for storage Panel vans are perfect for the transportation of all manner of goods. The Ford Transit is a very popular panel van, with most models coming in an array of variants and wheelbases, and with rear and side doors making loading simple.

Extended Cargo Area: The Luton van has a distinctive appearance, Luton vans - also known as box vans - provide an extended cargo area above the cab area of the van, as well as a box-shaped area to the rear. Most Luton vans are wider than a panel van, but offer only rear loading access.

Open Air Load Bed: Flatbeds and pickups have a load bed to the rear of the vehicle which is exposed to the open air. So if you don't require security or weather protection for your transported cargo, they are a great choice.

Compact Size: City vans represent the van of choice for those needing to transport goods of a smaller size throughout urban areas. Often little bigger than regular cars, these offer an affordable entry into commercial vehicle ownership.

FIND THE RIGHT VAN

In order to get the right van for your needs you must ask yourself these questions: What are you going to be using the van for? Do you require security measures installing? What capacity is required? Do you require a warranty or service plan?

We can then help to find the best van and the right price that will be suitable for your needs. Contact us to find out more.

Top tips to lower your fuel bill

If your business involves a lot of driving, you’ll know just how a large fuel bill can eat into your profits. Between purchase costs and repairs, insurance, tax and your fuel bill, it’s expensive to keep a van on the road.

You’ve chosen the van you like and that you can afford and pay the tax that’s demanded. But when it comes to fuel there are certain things you can do to keep down your consumption for the sake of your budget and for the planet. Here we look at other driving tactics that can save fuel: -

Avoid traffic jams

Sometimes unavoidable, but using Google Maps to plan ahead will show you in advance what parts of your journey are likely to be congested so you can plan an alternative route if possible.

Shed unnecessary weight

One great way to do this is to take a few extra minutes before each trip to unload any unnecessary extra burden. Every work vehicle becomes a repository for all sorts of forgotten cargoes, things that weren’t delivered when they were meant to be or which ‘might be useful’ someday. Take them out of the van and keep them safely in your business premises. The extra weight is burning up fuel and costing you money.

Drive slower on the motorway

According to the Energy Saving Trust, any speed faster than 65 mph will see your fuel efficiency drop. The optimum speed is 55 - 65 mph.

Avoid unnecessary overtaking

Accelerating past another vehicle just to get one place ahead at the next set of lights is pointless and you will burn through more fuel as you rev the engine.

Know when to turn on the AC

If you’re driving at more than 55mph in hot weather, air conditioning is a good idea: having the windows open will actually use more fuel. But when you’re travelling any slower than 55 mph, the air conditioning system itself will burn up energy at an astonishing rate. In these conditions, it’s best to go old-school and just keep your windows open with the A/C off.

Go easy on the throttle

The harder the acceleration pedal is pressed the more fuel is used. Try to press down gently, taking about 5 seconds to reach 15 mph after setting off from a complete stop.

Maintain a steady speed

Constant dips and spurts of acceleration can affect your fuel use by as much as 20%. If you have it, switch to cruise control on the motorway to maintain a constant speed.

Be gentle on the brakes

Slamming on the brakes will not only add more wear and tear to your van but will also affect fuel efficiency. Be alert, judge the road ahead and move slowly towards traffic lights and stop signs.

Use the right oil

Using the wrong oil can increase friction in the engine and decrease the mileage you get from the fuel. If you’re not sure which oil to use look for energy conserving oil containing friction-reducing additives.

Keep your tyres inflated

Having properly inflated tyres can increase the mileage by 3.3%.

Regularly service your vehicle

A well-maintained van is a fuel-efficient van. Air filters and brake pads can greatly affect your efficiency.

So bearing all this in mind the key message is to make sure you look after your van and drive well with no unnecessary braking and accelerating.

Van security tips

Light commercial vehicle ownership has increased recently because of the changing attitude towards home comforts and a soaring demand for same-day delivery in the home shopping market. If your van and its contents are your livelihood, then you must make sure your vehicle is secure.

The majority of new vehicles are equipped with an on-board diagnostics port that helps auto locksmith companies and specialists learn and understand the diagnostics of the vehicle. This port can also be used for key replacement by locksmiths. 

Here are few tips to improve the security of your van: -

Ensure the van is always locked
Always lock your vehicle before you leave, even if it’s a quick stop or delivery.

Safeguard the cargo area
The main target of any vehicle is the area where the valuables/cargo is stored. Make sure you use deadlocks and steel-clad locks to prevent any unwanted entries.

Keep the keys safe
Make sure your key is safe at all times and have an extra made and kept with an approved authority.

Visibility of goods in the vans
You need tinted shields if goods are always visible. If possible, always choose a dense inner bulkhead that limits admission to the cargo zone.

Parking in allocated spaces
Always park in safe and secure locations avoiding discreet and secluded areas. If possible, restrict access to the cargo doors by parking against walls or other vehicles. Low lit areas could also impose a huge threat without CCTV to monitor the van.

Storing valuable goods safely
If there is a chance to remove valuables and store in a safe place overnight, make sure this is routine or use high-security locks for the cargo entry area.

Top tips to help you stay alert during a long journey

Whether you’re a seasoned long distance driver or not, most of us have to get behind the wheel for long a long period of time at least once. So if you have to undertake a long journey for work or you’re driving far to go on holiday, with some careful preparation and planning, the stress involved can be minimised.

Before you go
Just the thought of a long distance journey can feel tiring for some, so don’t be caught out by a lack of sleep on the day. If you can make time, try to fit in a couple of extra hours of sleep a few nights before your journey.  This can improve alertness and decrease the chances of feeling groggy.

So you’ve prepared yourself in the days leading up to your long journey, it’s time to think about the vehicle. Undertake vehicle checks to ensure you are setting off in the safest possible way:

• Do you have reliable tyres, windscreen wash and other necessary equipment?

• Is your breakdown cover up to date?

• Do you have a fully charged phone, and a spare charger in your vehicle?

• Have you checked the weather forecast?

Plan your journey
Even if you have completed the journey before, it’s a good idea to know what alternative routes are available to you if you encounter road works or closures.

There’s no substitute for carefully planning your route beforehand, for stopping to check directions or alter your route halfway doesn’t merely cause holdups, it can also result in unnecessary stress.

Take your time

Rushing and feeling stressed may lead to feelings of agitation which could adversely affect your blood pressure levels and/or driving. Try to set off earlier than you need, to plan for unexpected delays.

Make sure you have a reliable sat nav if you don’t know the way, but take a paper map with you as a backup.

Plan your stops
Make sure you factor in regular stops along your route. Service stations are dotted about on all of the major motorways, and getting out of your vehicle to have something to eat and drink, as well as a quick walk around, will refresh you for the next part of your journey.

Everything in moderation
You might be tempted to load up on caffeine and sugar, but bear in mind that overdoing it could lead to a significant drop in your blood sugar levels, or an overall feeling of lethargy.

In order to avoid a lapse in your concentration and avoid dehydration, keep plenty of bottled water to hand. Other snacks that are not loaded with sugar and refined carbohydrates will keep your concentration levels high and help to avoid those slumps you can often feel later on in the day.

Eating big meals before a long journey may cause tiredness too; better to eat little and often where possible.

Better late than never
We’re sure that arriving late won't be part of your plan, but remember, better late than never. Even if you’ve followed all the given advice for staying alert and avoiding tiredness, if you still feel tired or sleepy, stop and take a break, don’t risk it.

Even a short stop for a quick stretch of your legs can work wonders when it comes to refreshing your mind and body and help keep you safe on your long journey. If stopping isn’t an immediate option, open the windows and allow some fresh air to circulate in the vehicle.

Check your posture and maintain a good position whilst driving, as sitting incorrectly at the wheel will leave you with aches and pains and feeling drained of energy quite quickly.

Good preparation will help keep you alert in the most adverse of conditions, and keep you safe on the road whatever the length of your journey.