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As a van driver, your safety on the road is essential for yourself and others on the road. Ensuring your well-being, as well as the security of your cargo, is fundamental. This article will provide you with a comprehensive pre-departure checklist, drawn from expert sources, on how to maximise safety when driving a commercial van.
Start with a visual inspection
Performing a visual inspection on your work van is an essential routine to ensure its optimal performance and safety. It’s a simple process that doesn’t require expert knowledge or specialised tools.
Start by checking the exterior of the van
Look for any signs of damage such as dents, scratches, or rust.
Pay particular attention to the tyres; they should be evenly worn and properly inflated.
Don’t forget to check the spare tyre as well.
Inspect the lights
Make sure that headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights are all functioning correctly.
Inspect the windscreen for damage and ensure the wipers are in good condition.
Interior inspection
Check the seat belts for any signs of wear and tear.
Inspect the dashboard for any warning lights that might indicate an issue.
Remember that to visually inspect your vehicle is a basic maintenance task. If you notice anything unusual or concerning during your inspection, it’s best to have a professional mechanic take a look. By performing regular visual checks on your work van, you can help prevent small problems from turning into major repairs.
Testing your van brakes
Ensuring that your work van’s brakes are working correctly is a critical aspect of vehicle maintenance. It not only ensures your safety, but it also plays a significant role in the van’s overall performance.
Brake fluid is responsible for transmitting the force of your foot pushing down on the brake pedal to the van’s wheels.
If the brake fluid is low or dirty, it can affect how your brakes function.
You should regularly check the brake fluid level and quality and top up or change it if necessary.
Another vital component to check is the brake lights. They are your primary communication tool with other drivers, alerting them when you’re slowing down or stopping. To ensure they’re working correctly, you can either ask someone to stand behind the van while you press the brakes or use a reflective surface like a glass window or a mirror.
If the lights aren’t illuminating as they should, it’s time to replace them.
Van tyres
Ensuring that the tyres on your work van are working correctly is another crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance that should never be overlooked. It’s not just about the longevity of the tyres, but also about your safety and the performance of your vehicle. When it comes to checking tyres, one of the first things to look at is tyre pressure.
Having the correct tyre pressure is essential.
Too low, and your van will consume more fuel and the tyre’s lifespan will be reduced.
Too high, and you’ll compromise on grip which can be particularly dangerous in wet conditions.
You can find the recommended tyre pressure for your van in the vehicle’s manual or on a sticker located on the driver’s side door jamb.
Check the pressure when the tyres are cold (before driving or at least three hours after driving) using a reliable tyre pressure gauge.
Also check for any wear and tear. Look for any cuts, punctures, or bulges on each tyre. The tyre tread depth should not be below 1.6mm. Lastly, ensure that all tyres are properly aligned to avoid uneven wear and tear. Regular checks and maintenance will help you ensure that your work van’s tyres are in top-notch condition for safe and efficient driving.
Van fluid levels
Maintaining the correct fluid levels in your van is vital for its overall performance and longevity. It’s like the lifeblood of your vehicle, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. The main fluids to monitor are engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid.
So, how do you ensure your van’s fluids are correct?
Firstly, always check your fluids when your van is cool.
Hot fluid can cause severe burns.
Open the engine compartment and locate the dipsticks for engine oil and transmission fluid. They should be clearly marked.
Pull them out, wipe them clean, reinsert them then pull them out again to check the level. The fluid should sit between the two marks on the dipstick.
Remember, maintaining correct fluid levels is not just about topping up when they’re low. It’s also about replacing fluids at recommended intervals. Over time, these fluids can become contaminated and lose their effectiveness.
Checking van oil level
Checking your van’s fluid oil level is a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance. It helps keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently. Firstly, park your van on a level surface and ensure the engine is cool. Open the hood of your van and locate the dipstick; it’s often labelled ‘oil’.
Pull it out, wipe it clean, then reinsert it fully.
Pull it out again and check the fluid oil level.
The oil should ideally be between the two marks on the dipstick. If it’s low, you may need to add more oil. This simple check goes a long way in prolonging your van’s lifespan.
Van lights
Checking your van’s lights is an integral part of vehicle maintenance. It’s not just about ensuring that you can see the road ahead, but also about making sure other motorists can see you. One set of lights that are particularly important are the hazard warning lights. These blinking lights are your best friend in emergency situations, helping you signal your presence to other drivers and prevent potential accidents. Regularly testing these and your tail lights in your van is a simple task, but it can significantly boost your safety on the road.
Van insurance check
Van insurance isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s a valuable safeguard for any vehicle owner. Whether you’re using your van for work, leisure, or family outings, it’s essential to know that you’re protected against unexpected costs that might arise from accidents or theft. This is where van insurance comes in, providing a financial safety net and peace of mind.
Van insurance considerations
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Van mirrors
Ensuring your work van’s mirrors are in impeccable condition is vital for your safety and that of other road users. Here is an easy step-by-step guide on how to check your mirrors.
Look out for cracks, chips, or any signs of damage that may distort your view.
If they’re damaged, you should replace them immediately.
Next, check the mirror alignment for both the side and rear-view mirrors.
You should have a clear view of the entire roadway behind and to the side of your van without having to turn your head drastically.
Remember, correctly positioned mirrors can help in eliminating blind spots.
Also, endeavour to verify the cleanliness of your mirrors. Dirty or smudged mirrors can significantly obstruct your view, increasing the risk of accidents. Therefore, ensure they are always clean and clear before embarking on any trip.
Ensuring comfort and organisation in Your vehicle
A comfortable and organised vehicle contributes significantly to safety. Adjust your seating and mirrors for optimal comfort and visibility. Organise your cargo efficiently to prevent it from shifting during transit, which can be a hazard.
Adjusting your seating
Adjusting your work van seat efficiently is essential for your comfort and safety while driving. Start by locating the adjustment controls, usually found on the side or bottom of the seat. Play around with the settings to find a comfortable position.
Ensure that you can reach the pedals without straining and that you have a clear view of all mirrors and windows.
Your back should be well-supported, and your arms should be slightly bent when holding the steering wheel.
Don’t forget to adjust the headrest as well, it should align with the middle of your head for optimal support. Happy driving!
Adhering to commercial vehicle best practices
There are some specific best practices associated with driving commercial vehicles. These include being aware of the weather forecast, adhering to regulations, keeping distance, and tracking locations and speed.
Knowing your route beforehand
Knowing your route before you head out is an important step in the safety process. It allows you to anticipate turns, merges, and stops, reducing the need for sudden manoeuvres. You can use GPS technology to plan your route, but always keep your eyes on the road and not on the device.
Keeping your head clear
Driving a large vehicle such as a commercial van when you are tired, stressed, or distracted is a serious risk. Ensure you are well-rested, calm, and focused before setting off. Regular breaks on long drives can help to maintain your alertness.