5 of our top tips to help you get the most out of your large van

Even with the best van deals, a large van is no small investment – so it makes sense that you’ll always want to get the very best out of yours. When you’re relying on a large van day in, day out – whether for deliveries, trade work or long-haul transport – a few smart adjustments to how you operate your van can make a real difference to your business and your bottom line. And with all our decades of experience here at the Van Discount Company, we know that as well as anyone! In that spirit, here are five practical ways to maximise what your van can do for you.

Make the most of your load space

A properly packed van helps reduce strain on the van, improves road handling, and makes loading and unloading quicker. Always aim to load heavier items first, keeping them close to the van’s centre and evenly spread to avoid pulling to one side. Don’t forget to secure everything using straps, nets or internal shelving to prevent movement while driving. Loose cargo can damage both the goods and the interior, especially when braking hard. If you’re carrying mixed loads for multiple drops, make sure to think about the order of delivery so you’re not shifting half the load just to get to the next item.

If your van is regularly packed to capacity, you might want to consider modular racking or slide-out trays, which could save time and reduce risk of injury. This streamlines access and reduces the need to climb in and out of the van constantly – something that can take a toll over time. If you’re transporting tools or sensitive equipment on the other hand, it’s never a bad idea to use lockable compartments or reinforced storage to keep everything secure.

Check your tyre pressure regularly

Tyres are your only contact with the road, so quite simply, they need to be in good shape. Under-inflation increases rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and burns more fuel. It also affects braking performance and can cause uneven wear, which leads to earlier replacement. Over-inflated tyres on the other hand wear faster in the centre and provide less traction – especially on wet or uneven roads.

It’s a good habit to check tyre pressures when the tyres are cold, as readings can be inaccurate when they’ve been warmed up through driving. Don’t forget to inspect the spare if your van has one – you don’t want to find out it’s unusable when you actually need it! While you’re there, make sure to look for signs of damage or embedded debris in the treads, and check for uneven wear patterns, as these may point to alignment or suspension problems. Keeping your tyre pressure at the correct level improves safety and helps tyres last much longer.

Use technology to plan smarter routes

When you’re spending time spent stuck in traffic, diverting down narrow lanes or circling for access, it all costs more than just fuel – it eats into your schedule and wears down both driver and van. You can sidestep most of these issues with a reliable sat nav or app that supports commercial vans. These systems let you input your van’s height, weight and length, helping you steer clear of low bridges, tight corners or restricted areas, reducing the risk of damage to your van, and of course reducing unnecessary delays.

Many systems also now come with live traffic updates, rerouting options and fuel station locations along the way. If you’re managing multiple vans as part of a small fleet, you might want to consider fleet tracking software – it helps you monitor routes, driver behaviour and fuel use across the board. This information makes it easier to improve efficiency. If you’re often heading into unfamiliar areas, pairing your system with a dash cam or reverse camera can provide extra visibility and reduce risk.

Keep your service schedule on track

Vans build up mileage quickly, so it’s important to follow the service intervals listed in your handbook – whether based on mileage or time – and book ahead when possible to avoid last-minute stress. Regular servicing covers oil changes, brake inspections, fluid top-ups, air filters and suspension checks – all of which can help you avoid breakdowns that are much more expensive to fix.

It’s also a good idea to carry out simple checks each week as well. That means keeping fluids topped up, looking for leaks, and testing all your lights. Make sure to pay attention to windscreen wipers, washer fluid and battery condition – especially during colder spells. If more than one person drives the van, set up a shared logbook so issues can be reported early.

Drive with fuel economy in mind

Driving habits can affect your running costs more than you might expect. Hard acceleration, harsh braking and idling for too long are all good examples of the kinds of behaviours that can end up wasting a considerable amount of fuel. Instead, you’ll want to aim for smooth and consistent movement – use gears properly, and keep speed steady where possible. When approaching traffic or a junction, try and let the van slow naturally rather than relying heavily on the brakes. In built up urban areas, calmer driving reduces strain on parts like brakes, clutches and gears.

On longer trips, systems like cruise control help to maintain a steady speed, but be cautious when carrying a heavy load. Don’t keep tools or materials in the van unless they’re needed – they weigh the van down and reduce efficiency. (They can also be a security risk too, as we’ve covered recently.) Roof racks and accessories similarly could do with being removed when not in use, since they increase drag.

Those are the most crucial points – you may well be able to discover a couple of even more specific techniques yourself! And of course, if you’re ever in the market for a replacement van, or an upgrade, that’s exactly where we can help here at The Van Discount Company. We’re the top choice for the very best cheap van deals, and supply a range of models including Citroen, Ford, Fiat and Vauxhall. We’ve even been able to save some customers up to 30% off the RRP of selected models!