5 key priorities for van owners in 2025

So, it’s finally time to say hello to 2025! It’s the start of a brand new year, which traditionally means it’s a great time to take stock of your business, and what plans you have for the coming 12 months. That stock-taking is naturally going to include a review of your most valuable tools and equipment – and let’s be honest, there are few assets more valuable than your van. As experts in the very best van deals here at The Van Discount Company, we know all about how to set useful priorities – so here’s what we’d suggest looking at first for 2025!

Stay up to speed on the latest news

First things first – it always helps to stay abreast of current events, even if you don’t consider yourself the kind of person who normally does so. That way, you can keep yourself updated on any wide-ranging policies or trends that might affect your business, like the government’s stance on electric vans, or changes to Low Emissions Zones, which could impact where you’re allowed to drive or increase costs if your vehicle doesn’t meet emission standards. Similarly, updates to road tax rules could make older vans more expensive to operate.

As well as legal changes, it can also help you stay ahead of new scams targeting van owners. Fraudsters have been known to exploit busy professionals with fake penalty notices or misleading offers of upgrades. Additionally, reports of car-related crimes, such as catalytic converter theft, have surged in recent years, and knowing these trends can help you take preventative measures. There are all sorts of ways you can keep yourself updated – you can follow industry news sites for example or, join trade forums, or subscribe to newsletters, or simply scan the headlines each morning before you start your day.

Take another review of your van security systems

Speaking of scams and vehicle crime, theft and vandalism are obviously persistent concerns for van owners, so it’s never a bad idea at this time of year to make sure that your van is properly protected. Installing robust locks on doors and windows is a great starting point, and GPS trackers can help recover stolen cars more effectively.

Dash cams have also become increasingly popular for providing visual evidence in case of theft or accidents, and many now offer smart features such as motion detection. Immobilisers and alarm systems, although not new, remain highly effective deterrents, and modern versions can often be controlled remotely via smartphone apps. Those are just a couple of general suggestions – we’ll leave you to look into specifics!

Are you maximising your fuel efficiency?

Fuel is one of the biggest ongoing expenses for van owners – as it is for so many people these days – and that makes efficiency a top priority. Happily, there are plenty of practical steps you can take to reduce fuel consumption. Regular servicing ensures your engine runs smoothly for example, while checking tyre pressure frequently helps improve mileage. Even relatively simple adjustments, like removing unnecessary items to reduce your van’s load, can also have a noticeable impact.

Another key factor is driving style. You’ll always want to avoid harsh acceleration and braking, and try to maintain a steady speed whenever possible. Route planning tools are another invaluable resource, as they can help you avoid traffic and unnecessary detours, saving both time and money. While fuel prices thankfully aren’t at the record highs they’ve hit in the last few years, they’re still unlikely to drop anytime soon, so these small changes can add up to significant savings over the year.

Keep spare parts and tools on hand

You’ve probably already got a comprehensive range of all the tools you need for your job – whether you’re a plumber, construction professional, electrician, or a similar kind of tradesperson or professional. Your existing toolkit might include anything from pliers, or screwdrivers, to pipe cutters and sealing tape, or wire strippers and circuit testers – just as a couple of examples!

If you’re finding any of them are starting to show the signs of age or frequent use, now is a good time to think about replacing them. And if there are any that appear particularly finicky, or might leave you in a bother if they fail or break when you’re out on a job, it’s always wise to have some spares on hand. You may also want to think about stocking essential materials, such as spare fittings, connectors, cables, or pipe sections, so you can handle unexpected challenges on-site without needing to make an extra trip for supplies.

Keep your van in peak condition

This is quite an obvious one, and we’ve touched on it already – but it’s worth saying anyway! A well-maintained van is more reliable and more efficient than one that’s not been serviced in a while. Routine checks should be part of your regular schedule to prevent small issues from becoming costly problems. Start with the basics: check your tyre tread depth and pressure, ensure your oil and coolant levels are adequate, and replace wiper blades and other consumables as needed.

If you notice warning lights on your dashboard or hear unusual noises, address them promptly. Ignoring minor problems can lead to breakdowns or expensive repairs down the line. Seasonal maintenance, such as preparing your van for winter driving conditions with antifreeze checks and battery testing, is also worth considering.

That’s all the universal advice in a nutshell – you might also have your own ideas for what you want to prioritise as we begin the New Year. We’ll leave the details up to you. As for us, we’ll stick to what we do best here at the Van Discount Company – giving you the very best cheap van deals. With over 20 years of experience, we’ll make sure you find the perfect van that fits your needs, including models from leading manufacturers like Ford, Vauxhall and Renault (just to name a few!).

What’s more, you can save up to 30% off the regular price on selected models! If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call today at 01282 872 530, and we’ll be happy to help in any way we can!