Van Life has become really popular in the UK in recent years. There was already a thriving community living on the road in their vehicles and enjoying everything the UK has to offer, but recently this number has grown, and thanks to changes in how people live and work, more people are able to spend more time living on the road or even go full-time.

However, like when you go on a long road trip in your car, your van needs some careful preparation for spending prolonged periods on the road, especially for those new to this type of life and driving. But even if you’re experienced, it’s never wasted to go over some pre-trip checks to make sure your van is safe on the road and can get you to where you want to go. Let’s take a look.

Check the Battery

First and foremost, check the battery life. A weak battery will give out subtle warnings it’s not at its best, but for the most part, knowing its predicted lifespan can give you an indication of whether it’s near the end of its life. But signs such as lights dimming, stop-start systems cutting out, or electrics resetting will all be indicators that the battery might need replacing.

If your battery is older than 3–5 years, it’s already on loan. Time. If you can’t check it manually yourself, take it to your mechanic for them to check; if it’s showing signs of wear or it’s coming up to its max life expectancy, look for van batteries suitable for your vehicle. Don’t guess, check the manufacturer’s guidebook or do a simple Google search for the right battery.

Tyres and Pressure

You should never hit the road without manually checking all of your tyres for any damage or signs of wear. Check the pressure cold, not after driving. Use the recommended manufacturer’s load weight rating when topping up air, and always know how to check for low tread and uneven wear visually yourself to avoid any issues. The last thing you want is to blow a tyre when you’re miles from help.

Legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but waiting until it gets here is just poor judgment, especially if driving in wet weather, as wet grip drops significantly.

Fluid Levels

Standard checks again, but worth repeating. Check your fluid levels — water, oil, coolant, etc.

Always check again when the engine is cold and before you’ve driven anywhere.

Oil level is really important — too low, and the components starve, too high, and seals suffer. Have the car on level ground, engine off and oil cold. Then top up if required with the correct oil — do not mix it.

Then check the coolant. It’s not just antifreeze; it regulates engine temperature and prevents corrosion in the system. Low coolant leads to overheating, and overheating can cause catastrophic damage.

Check water levels for the windscreen before you need to be able to clean the windscreen when driving, and then don’t forget to check brake levels. You’ll notice low levels on long downhill drives or when you’re stopping and starting heavily, as you’ll notice reduced stopping power. If the fluid is dark or hasn’t been changed in years, sort it.

This is a Take to the Road Collaborated Post