[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”7232″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Van Service Crawley | Advice for Preparing Your Van For Winter!
“][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]At First4Vans, we are always looking for ways to add value for customers looking for Van Service Crawley.

That’s why we’ve written this educational blog offering advice for preparing your van for the winter weather!

If you are a van driver, or are thinking of hiring a van over the winter months, we hope the next few snippets will help you make the most of the experience without encountering issues.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”7233″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Without any further ado… here’s our tips of preparing your van for winter!”][vc_column_text]

#1 -Begin any journey under the bonnet

Proper planning prevents poor performance, so make the first step of any journey to check vital components.

Open the bonnet of your van and check that your battery is in good condition – their electrolyte level can be affected by low temperatures and they can be expensive to replace!

While you’re there, check you have enough engine coolant, and enough antifreeze to protect from damage. Windscreen wash is also important, and you should use a higher concentration than normal, as using too much water could encourage freezing.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_empty_space height=”60px”][vc_single_image image=”7237″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

#2 – Work on your wheels

Your tyres need extra attention in the winter as they have to deal with snowy and icy conditions.

Check their pressure – cold weather can cause tyres to lose pressure faster than usual, which leads to handling and grip issues on regular surfaces, and the effects are exaggerated in winter – where vehicle behaviour is less predictable!

Try your treads – Ideally, your tyre treads should be around 3mm deep to give you maximum grip – or switch to winter tyres if you live in wintery conditions all year round!

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#3 – Carry the correct kit

In winter there is more of a need to carry some items that could get you out of a sticky situation.

Here’s a quick little list for you:

  • An ice scraper
  • De-icer
  • A shovel – in case you need to dig your way out
  • Jump leads
  • A tow rope
  • A piece of old carpet or some rags – to place under your van wheels and prevent them from skidding
  • A torch – and batteries which work
  • A blanket – just in case you need to bed down in the van for the night whilst you wait for help
  • Boots or wellies – along with other cold weather gear in case you need to walk for help
  • A mobile phone and a charger
  • A first aid kit

N.B. To our minds, there’d be nothing worse than being stuck without a brew for a few hours – so fill a thermal flask full of tea or coffee before setting off. It would also help you keep warm should anything go wrong with your van![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_empty_space height=”60px”][vc_single_image image=”7239″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

#4 Don’t drive like a dingus!

In the winter, it really is a case of slow and steady wins the race – so undertake manoeuvres carefully as sudden wheel movements can cause skidding and the van to veer out of control.

Be careful of your brakes – stopping distances are larger in vans as it is, let alone in the winter ice.

If you do start to skid – always steer into it! You should also stop braking, giving more control to the tyres.

 

 

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Need Something else? Our other services include:

Van sales – we sell vans to use commercially.
Fleet Sales – Along with selling individual vans we can also sell entire fleets to commercial traders.
Long & Short term van hire – Need to hire a van? We do that too!
Daily hire – If you are in need of a larger vehicle to transport goods in a domestic capacity, we provide this.
Half Day Hire – We also provide spot hire on a half day basis.
Service, Repair and Maintenance – In addition to sales and hire we also maintain your vans.
MOT’s – We can take care of your MOT’s.
Fleet management – if you need someone to take charge of your fleet, we can provide this.
After Sales – we also provide after sales care.
Finance – If you need payment assistance we have a team in place ready to help.
Van accessories – We also provide a wide range of accessories to spruce up your van.

First4Vans is a van sales and hire dealership based in Horley and Crawley in the South East of England. They provide a range of services to both commercial and residential clients.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][/vc_column][/vc_row]