Nationwide Vehicle Contracts provide top tips for test driving a van in the UK.
Test driving a van is an essential part of the purchasing process, as it allows you to assess the van's performance and practicality to ensure it fits the bill.
Vans are crucial in the day-to-day running of a business. Therefore, it's essential you know what you're getting before you sign up to a large financial commitment.
In this blog, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts takes you through why you should test drive a van and provides some top tips when test driving.
Preparation
Preparing to test drive a van is crucial as it lets you get a first-hand experience of the vehicle and its features. Before you take the test drive, it's important to research the van's features and specifications so you know what to test and try out when behind the wheel.
Also, if the van has advanced safety systems you haven't used before, such as lane-keep assist or lane departure warning, ensure you switch them on to see how they work.
Finally, make sure you have the appropriate driving license and insurance before the test drive. Depending on the van's weight and size, you may require a specific category of driving license, such as category C1 for medium-sized vehicles or category C for large commercial vehicles.
If caught without the correct license and insurance, you could face a fine, penalty points on your license, or even disqualification.
Safety Checks
Before test-driving a van, you should conduct your own safety checks to ensure the vehicle is in good condition. Make sure you check the following:
- Brakes – The brakes are one of the most important components of any vehicle, so you must check they're working correctly before test driving. To check the brakes, press down on the brake pedal and ensure it feels firm and responsive. Also, listen for any unusual noise when braking and ensure the van doesn't pull to one side.
- Tyres – Check the tyre pressure to ensure it's at the recommended level in the handbook and that the tread depth is above the legal limit of 1.6mm.
- Mirrors – Adjust the mirrors to give you a clear view of the road and check that they are all in good condition.
- Seatbelts – Ensure that all seatbelts are in working condition. Check that they retract and lock correctly.
- Suspension – The suspension system is crucial for passenger safety as it can significantly impact handling and stability. To check the suspension, push down on each corner of the van and release. The van should rebound and settle. If it doesn't, the suspension may be damaged.
- Lights – Check all the lights are working correctly, including the headlights, brake lights, indicators, reverse lights, and hazard lights.
Another good step to ensure the van's safety is to take it on a pre-test drive inspection by a qualified mechanic. The mechanic will be able to identify any hidden issues you might not be able to spot, saving you money on costly repairs.
If any issues arrive, you can use them as negotiating power when discussing the price of the vehicle. If the mechanic identifies significant repairs, the seller might reduce the price to compensate.
Test Driving Tips
You must make the most of your test drive to ensure the van meets your needs and expectations. Here are some tips:
- Start slow – Start the test drive with a slow and controlled drive, allowing you to get a feel of the van's handling. This can help you identify potential issues such as difficulty or unresponsive steering.
- Test acceleration and braking – When in a controlled environment, test the van's acceleration and braking by speeding up quickly and then suddenly braking. This ensures the van shifts through the gears smoothly and the brakes respond quickly.
- Try a range of conditions – Plan a few different road conditions on your test drive route to see how the van responds. From smooth surfaces to roads littered with potholes and motorways to country lanes, put the car through its paces to ensure it's suitable to all conditions.
- Use the van's features – During the drive, test the van's features, such as the air conditioning, infotainment system, and electrical features, to ensure they're working correctly.
- Listen – Listen for any unusual noises from the van while driving. This can help you identify potential issues, such as problems with the engine, brakes, or suspension.
- Take your time – Don't rush your test drive and assume everything is okay with the van. Take your time to get a feel for the van and ensure it meets your needs and expectations.
Ensure you also do some manoeuvres on your test drive, such as testing the vans turning radius, parking, and reversing capabilities. This will help identify how good the van's visibility is and whether it will suit your home or work site.
After the test drive
Once you've returned from your test drive, it's worth reviewing the drive and making notes of any issues. This will help you decide whether to get the van, help prioritize repairs and maintenance, and communicate with the seller.
Ultimately, reviewing the drive can help you make safe and assured decisions.
If you're in two minds after, seek the help of a salesperson or qualified mechanic. They can provide expert advice, help you identify hidden issues, and provide peace of mind that you've made an assured decision.
Conclusion
You must test drive a van if you're considering using it for your business. Small businesses rely on reliable and practical vans, so it's essential you make a well-informed decision about what van to choose.
Several factors contribute to a successful test drive, including preparation, safety checks, and a post-test drive review.
Remember not to limit yourself to a certain type of van or manufacturer. Whether you're looking for a city van or a large one, test drive a range of vans to ensure you find the right one.
Looking for more motoring advice? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts produce regular blogs on a range of topics, from How to Deal with Stress when Driving and the Best Vans for Gardeners.
We also offer various leasing deals on a range of vans. Check out our van leasing deals or ring one of our experts on 0345 811 9595 for more information.
