The Importance of Regular Van Maintenance With Checklist

What Is a Van Maintenance Checklist?

A van maintenance checklist is either a digital or paper form that consists of items that need to be inspected or tasks that need to be performed for the proper maintenance of a van. These tasks can be done by drivers, mechanics, and other relevant parties on a regular basis. With proper maintenance, the vehicle can function reliably for a long period of time.

The vehicle service inspection checklist might vary depending on the type of vehicle and how often it is used. These checklists allow fleet managers and transport businesses to schedule repairs and maintenance before the vans leave for transportation duties and also to avoid breakdowns.

By conducting regular maintenance and repairs, you save time, money, and effort. You also ensure the safety of your drivers.

In this article, the following points are explained:

1. The different types of van maintenance

2. Essential van maintenance checklist

3. Advantages of using digital checklist for van maintenance

The Different Types of Van Maintenance

Vehicle maintenance is critical to the health and safety of both vehicles and drivers. It is also an essential part of any business that heavily depends on commercial vehicles.

When creating or looking for a van inspection form, consider the following elements. These four types of vehicle maintenance checklists will determine whether your vehicle maintenance will be successful or not.

1. Preventive Maintenance

This type of vehicle maintenance program gives businesses the most value and service out of their vans. It foresees possible issues before they happen. Thus, van owners can create a plan for how to fix these issues before they become worse.

A preventive maintenance checklist should be included in the car’s manufacturer manual. It should consist of the tasks to be performed, when they should be done, and the people responsible for the task.

Some of the items included in preventive maintenance are:

• Oil and filter changes
• Engine tuning
• Lubrication
• Radiator maintenance
• Brake maintenance
• Tire rotation
• Components tightening

2. Demand Maintenance Checklist

This van maintenance type is done only when necessary. In other words, if there’s a need to fix or replace certain parts of the vehicle, then that’s the only time demand maintenance will be performed.

Some of the things included in this type of maintenance are:

• Replacing light bulbs, springs, and seat cushions
• Installing new windows
• Gauge re-tuning
• Replacing deteriorated and corroded parts
• Installing new engine and transmission
• Installing new batteries

3. Crisis Maintenance Checklist

It is performed when the van did not receive any preventive and demand maintenance. A technician usually conducts crisis maintenance when a vehicle breaks down on the road because one or some of its components suffered some immediate damage.

In such cases, a vehicle replacement is sent so the driver can continue his delivery without delay. Then, a mechanic will be dispatched on the spot to repair the vehicle.

Businesses should avoid going through crisis maintenance as much as possible because they incur more expenses on the company.

4. Van Maintenance Form Records

The three types of maintenance mentioned above need to have an updated record-keeping program. Maintenance form records should carry records of all the maintenance and repair work done on the vehicle. They should also contain information on any unsolved issues of the van.

Essential Van Maintenance Checklist for Regular Inspections

There are several van maintenance tasks that you can do by yourself. All you need is to read the manufacturer’s manual. The manual contains all the important information you need to take care of your van. Aside from these DIY tasks, there should be a thorough inspection as well. And here are some of them:

1. Engine oil
   Man-made synthetic oil is cleaner, more efficient, and lasts longer than regular oil. That means your car will have more mileage before you need to have an oil change. The manufacturer’s manual contains the engine’s viscosity and the recommended mileage to have an oil change. Compare that with the oil change mechanic’s estimate.
   You can also check the level of your oil by using a dipstick or electronic gauge. If the oil is darker or muddier, it’s time to change it.
2. Car fluids
   Aside from oil, vehicles run on other fluids, too. Coolants, steering, and antifreeze fluids can be checked with a dipstick or gauges. The owner’s manual might not specify when you should refill or check them but you can ask your local mechanic about this. Replacing and refilling fluids are two different tasks. If your fluids are running low, you can just refill them. If you need to drain the fluid, there is more work required to accomplish it.
3. Battery
   Car batteries play an integral part in running a healthy van, and when you follow the right steps, you’ll never get wrong.
4. Tires
   Tire pressure needs some inspection, so a simple walkaround can show you whether any of the tires have less air than they should have. Check if the treads are worn and if they need replacing already.
5. Air and Cabin filters
   These are the two filters that you shouldn’t ignore because they affect the air quality of the cabin and protect the engine. The engine air filter prevents debris, dirt, and other contaminants from getting in. Clogged filters will put too much stress on the engine, affecting its performance and fuel efficiency.
   The cabin filter, on the other hand, prevents pollutants from entering the HVAC system. To keep it in optimum performance, you need to replace or clean it.

What Are the Advantages of Using Digital Checklist for Van Maintenance?

It is important for companies that their vehicle fleet is in good condition so that transports can be ensured and employees are safe on the road. If a van is used frequently, not only the quarterly or annual general inspections should be carried out. In order to detect defects and deficiencies in need of repair at an early stage, it is worthwhile to have a weekly van check.

Lumiform's digital form helps you to go through all important inspection points accurately but in a time-saving way. In order to report problems immediately to the responsible employee and to follow up on the rectification of defects without any problems, it is best to use our app. This puts an end to annoying paperwork and long communication channels. Simply load the van maintenance template into the app and start the inspection immediately.

Lumiform is a digital tool for audits and inspections that makes it easy to monitor and manage the condition of individual vans or entire fleets. Take advantage of the following benefits of the digital solution for your van maintenance:

• Promote driver, customer, and product safety by using the checklist to identify van problems and immediately initiate corrective actions via the app.
• Conduct van maintenance conveniently via smartphone or tablet - even when you're not connected to the Internet.
• Schedule van maintenance and be notified when the next service is due, or maintenance appointments have not been met.
• Get real-time van maintenance updates to know when an inspection is complete.
• Analyze your van maintenance data to see which areas on vehicles need repair most frequently or when. Plan your resources better as a result.
• Store and document all inspections securely in the cloud to access them at any time and always have proof of van maintenance at your fingertips.