For many of us, a van is more than just a vehicle: it’s our livelihood.

We depend on it to get us, and our gear, to the next job. Put simply, no van could mean no work.

As such, keeping our number one means of transport in top condition should be a priority. Here are five essential maintenance hacks that, while some might seem obvious, every van driver should remember to keep their vehicle running smoothly.

1. Oil: the lifeblood of your van

Regular oil changes are vital for keeping your engine running smoothly.

Why? Well, oil lubricates the engine’s moving parts, reducing friction and preventing wear and tear. Over time it can break down and could do the opposite; if it becomes contaminated with debris, it can damage the engine.

Hack: If you’re doing a lot of miles, use high-mileage oil. It contains additives that can help reduce oil burn-off and keeps engines running cleaner for longer.

Tip: Set a reminder on your phone or computer’s calendar to check your oil level and schedule oil changes roughly every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when doing so.

2. Tyres: grip the road with confidence

Tyres are your van’s only contact with the road, and that means their maintenance is crucial for performance and safety, both yours and other road users.

Properly inflated and well-maintained tyres improve fuel efficiency and ensure better handling.

Hack: Check your tyre pressure monthly with a high-quality gauge to keep them at the recommended level. As a bonus, this can also enhance your fuel efficiency and extend the life of the tyres.

Tip: Do you rotate your tyres? To make sure they wear evenly, they should be rotated between every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.

3. Brakes: maintianing distance

One of the most important features of your van, and one of the most costly to repair, are the breaks.

Listen out for any tell-tale signs of an issue like squeaking or grinding noises, and don’t ignore them: brake failure can have dangerous consequences.

Hack: You might need some help you with this one at first, but if you learn how to inspect your brake pads you can replace them when worn - it's recommended you do so when they’re down to about 1/8 inch.

Tip: You should also schedule a professional brake inspection at least once a year, even if you don’t notice any issues. It’s always safer to fix potential problems before they develop, and it could prove to be a lot cheaper in the long run.

4. Battery: charged up and ready to go

A dead battery is every driver’s worst nightmare. Not only are you stranded, but it can seriously disrupt your schedule and even result in cancelling jobs.

You can keep on top of things with regular maintenance to keep your battery reliable, especially during very hot and cold weather conditions.

Hack: To prevent corrosion, the bane of batteries, clean the terminals and cables regularly with a mixture of baking soda and water. As always, check the user manual or consult an expert if you’re unsure of how to do this.

Tip: Batteries should be tested twice a year. You can check its charge yourself, or get it done during a service. It is recommended that you replace them every three to five years, or even sooner if you notice signs of trouble.

5. Fluids: Keep everything running smoothly

There are many fluids working overtime to keep your van running efficiently, such as: transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Regularly checking and topping them up can prevent some major mechanical headaches.

Hack: It can be easy to forget when you checked each one last, so keep a log to stay on top of maintenance schedules.

Tip: You can learn to spot leaks early by regularly checking your parking spot for any fluid stains left behind. It only takes a few seconds and could save you some hefty bills later on.