What Are The Most Common Van Issues And Repairs?

Electrical systems control lighting, windows and safety features in modern vans, as well as the cabin infotainment system. Faults with the electrics can cause these functions to fail and potentially cause safety risks, or at the very least cause you an unwanted inconvenience.

Look out for:

• Flickering or loss of function to lights
• Warning lights on the dashboard
• Issues with power operated features

If you think you may be experiencing any electrical faults, a routine check can make sure that your van’s battery is functioning properly and no fuses have blown. Here at Greenhous Professional Centre, our dedicated van servicing team can also use specialist vehicle diagnostic software to pinpoint and resolve any software or programming issues.

Essential for the smooth day to day operation of your van, your clutch and gearbox can experience greater strain if you frequently drive in stop-start traffic or over rougher terrain. These scenarios can cause excessive use that leads to increased wear on the clutch or additional gearbox issues.

Look out for:

• Difficulty, resistance, or a grinding noise when changing gears
• A slipping clutch (that feels like the engine is disconnected from the wheels)
• A burning smell when accelerating

If you’re experiencing any of the above issues, bring your van in for a clutch or gearbox repair. Ignoring the early signs listed above can lead to more costly and significant repairs in the future, that could lead to increased vehicle downtime.  

If your suspension system is failing, you’ll be feeling every bump in the road, often causing you discomfort and potentially throwing your important business equipment around the cabin. Your suspension is there to absorb shocks and maintain stability, but over time shock absorbers, springs and bushings can wear out.

Look out for:

• Excessive bouncing or swaying after driving over bumps
• Uneven wear on tyres
• A knocking noise during driving

You can help to avoid putting additional wear or increasing the likelihood of damage on your suspension by refraining from overloading your van beyond the recommended capacity. If you’re concerned about your suspension or frequently must carry heavy loads and often drive on rough or uneven roads, schedule regular suspension inspections to ensure you keep on top of early signs of wear before repairs become more significant and costly.

Strict rules and regulations govern the emissions for vans and other commercial vehicles. If your exhaust system is damaged, your van can fail its MOT. Common exhaust and emissions issues include leaks, damage to catalytic converters, and clogs in Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF).

Look out for:

• Excessive smoke coming from your exhaust
• A rattle or a hiss coming from underneath the van
• Reduced fuel efficiency

Using a higher quality fuel can help to reduce the build up of soot in the DPF, and undertaking regular van servicing ensures your exhaust system is checked and maintained proactively. If you do notice any of the warning signs listed above, or if any warning lights show up regarding exhaust or emissions, ensure you address them promptly to avoid a minor issue becoming a major one.

As vans tend to carry extra weight in comparison to cars, tyres on vans often wear faster. Common tyre damage includes wear to their tread, sidewall damage and punctures.

Look out for:

• Bald patches or uneven wear to tyre tread
• Cuts or bulges to the tyres’ sidewalls
• Reduced grip or handling when driving

It is best to check your tyre pressure regularly, to ensure they are maintained at the manufacturer’s recommended levels. Proactive behaviours such as this and regularly inspecting your tyres after longer journeys or trips on rougher roads, will help to ensure you don’t get an unexpected tyre blowout or breakdown.