When your van is part of your working day, a flat battery or frozen windscreen can put you behind before you reach the first job.
As colder mornings arrive in Ireland, a little preparation can help you spot problems before they interrupt a delivery, a customer visit or a busy day on site.
To prepare your van for winter, check the battery, tyre condition and pressures, lights and visibility, and essential fluids. Keep a small winter kit on board and check the forecast before setting off.
Here are five checks to work into your winter routine.
1. Get a struggling battery checked early
Has your van become slower to start? Does the engine turn over more reluctantly than usual?
Cold weather can expose a weak battery, while lights, heaters and demisters place extra demands on the electrical system.
If starting has become unreliable, arrange a battery and charging-system check with a garage. A slow start can have more than one cause, so it is better to have it assessed than assume a new battery will solve everything.
Check that interior and load-area lights switch off when you leave the van, and disconnect accessories that could continue drawing power while it is parked.
2. Check tyre pressures for the load you carry
A van carrying equipment or deliveries may need different tyre pressures from the same van running lightly loaded.
Use the manufacturer’s recommendations for your vehicle and its load. You will usually find these in the handbook or on a vehicle label. Do not rely on a pressure figure remembered from a different van.
Check tread and look for cuts, bulges or uneven wear too. If anything looks wrong, have a tyre professional inspect it.
The RSA’s tyre safety booklet explains why correct inflation depends on both the vehicle and the weight it carries.
3. Make sure you can see clearly – and be seen
An early departure can mean darkness, mist or frost before you even leave the driveway.
Before moving off:
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Clear the windscreen, side windows and mirrors fully.
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Check that your demister works.
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Replace wiper blades that smear or leave uncleared areas.
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Check headlights, brake lights and indicators, and clean dirty lenses.
Do not settle for a small clear patch in a frozen windscreen. Use a suitable scraper and de-icer, following the product instructions, and allow time for the glass to clear properly.
Do not pour hot water over a frozen windscreen: the sudden temperature change can crack it.
The RSA’s winter preparation advice includes regular checks of wipers, lights, tyres and fluids.
4. Check screenwash, coolant and servicing
Winter road spray can mean using your washers more often. Keep screenwash topped up, using a product and dilution suitable for the expected temperatures.
For petrol and diesel vans, check engine oil and coolant in line with the handbook. Use the correct specifications; screenwash and engine coolant are different products and are not interchangeable.
Never remove a coolant reservoir cap while the engine is hot. If you are unsure about the coolant’s condition or antifreeze protection, ask your garage to check it.
Look at the next service date too. A dashboard warning, unusual braking behaviour or a recurring leak deserves attention before the next journey.
5. Keep a small winter kit ready
You may already carry everything needed for the job. Make sure you also have a few essentials for an unexpected delay:
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An ice scraper and de-icer.
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Warm, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear.
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A torch and high-visibility vest.
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A charged phone, charging cable and power bank.
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Drinking water and a small snack.
Keep loose items secured so they cannot move around the cab.
Before an early start or longer journey, check Met Éireann’s weather warnings for the areas you will travel through. Allow time to clear the van properly and reconsider non-essential journeys when conditions are severe.
Winter van maintenance: common questions
Why does my van struggle to start in cold weather?
A weak battery is one possible cause, because cold weather affects battery performance. Other electrical or mechanical faults can also cause starting problems. Arrange a garage check if starting becomes slow or unreliable.
What tyre pressure should I use in my van?
Use the manufacturer’s specified pressure for your van and the load being carried. There is no single pressure suitable for every van. Check the handbook or vehicle label, or ask a tyre professional.
Can I use hot water to defrost my van’s windscreen?
No. Hot water can crack frozen glass. Use a suitable scraper and de-icer, together with the van’s demisting system, and clear windows and mirrors fully before driving.
Here to help with your van this winter
For more advice when the weather turns wet, read our guide to five things to check before driving in heavy rain.
At Dolmen Insurance, we are here to help with questions about your existing van policy throughout the year. If your vehicle or the way you use it has changed, or you would simply like to speak to the team, visit our van insurance page or call 01 802 2300.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general information purposes only and should not be regarded as financial, legal or insurance advice. Every business has different circumstances and insurance requirements. Before making decisions about your commercial insurance, you should seek professional advice based on your individual business needs. Dolmen Insurance is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
