When it comes to van maintenance, your tyres should be a top priority.
Vans experience a range of demanding driving conditions. Unlike cars, vans regularly carry heavy loads, drive long distances and travel on uneven or rough surfaces.
Checking your van tyres regularly will ensure your vehicle performs optimally under these unique conditions and can save you from a costly mishap down the road.
Why checking your van tyres matter
Routinely checking your van tyres is an essential part of caring for and maintaining your vehicle.
Properly maintained tyres will:
- Keep you safe on the road by reducing the risk of aquaplaning or skidding, preventing blowouts and ensuring shorter stopping distance.
- Improve the performance of your vehicle by providing a smoother drive with better handling and fuel efficiency.
- Prolong your van tyre lifespan by identifying issues like uneven wear quickly.
- Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and compliant with the legal requirements.
How to inspect your tyres
Van drivers and fleet managers can carry out some simple checks to make sure their tyres are safe and legal.
These are:
- Checking van tyre pressure
- Measuring van tread depth
- Looking for signs of wear & damage
Find out more about why these tasks are important and how to complete them below.
Check van tyre pressure
Start your maintenance checks by first checking the van tyre pressure.
As vans frequently carry loads, it’s essential that tyres are inflated to the correct pressure.
When a tyre is under-inflated (or overloaded), excess heat builds up, which greatly increases the tyre’s likelihood of rapidly deflating. Tyre failure of this nature is a major safety risk as it can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and can also put other road users at risk.
Van operators should ensure that their tyres are inflated to the correct pressure depending on whether the vehicle is laden or unladen. Details of the correct pressures can be found in the vehicle handbook.
When checking your van tyre pressure, you should:
- Use a reliable and accurate pressure gauge to check tyre pressure once a week and/or at the regular fleet inspection.
- Check the pressure in all tyres not forgetting to check any spare tyre(s) as well.
- Use the tyre manufacturer’s recommended operating pressures.
- Check the pressure when tyres are cold or when the vehicle has travelled less than two miles.
- Ensure that valve extensions are fitted and working for twin fitment tyres.
If you are unsure of any aspect of tyre pressure, take your vehicle to an approved fitting centre and speak to the experts.
Download our handy guide to Van tyre safety (PDF, 500k)