Seasonal
Van Maintenance: During Hot Weather
High temperatures can take their toll on vans. The hot weather can place extra strain on a vehicle’s parts, but there are ways to reduce the impact. Keep reading for hot weather van maintenance tips.
CHECK THE TIRE AIR PRESSURE
Hot weather can cause tire pressure to drop. When tires get underinflated, they can overheat and face a higher chance of a blowout. It’s important to regularly check your van’s tire pressure and adjust as needed.
CHECK THE COOLANT
A van’s coolant needs to be at the right concentration levels. It’s wise to inspect the coolant every three months, every 20,000 miles of driving, or every 500 hours of operation – whichever milestone happens first.
Simply open the van’s hood, find the coolant reservoir, undo the cap, and look at the coolant level (shown by the reservoir’s indicator lines). If the coolant is low, top it off and then reattach the cap.
Be sure to check the quality of the coolant as well. It should not be discolored, cloudy, or containing any debris.
MAINTAIN THE AIR CONDITIONING
A van’s air conditioning system becomes crucial during hot weather! Keep the air conditioning operating well with a few key steps.
First, flush the system regularly. This helps remove any debris that could interfere with its performance.
Second, look over the hoses for any leaks and cracks. Pay extra attention to bends and flex points.
Third, make sure that the host fittings and connections are tight.
Finally, check the filters for debris.
KEEP THE VAN COOL
There are a few ways to help keep the van’s interior from getting too hot.
First, be strategic when taking breaks. Try to park the van in shady areas whenever possible.
Second, consider getting a sunshade for the windshield and windows. This helps deflect some heat away from the van.
Third, consider keeping windows open while driving. This helps get fresh air inside the van and get it circulating throughout the vehicle.
KEEP THE VAN CLEAN
It’s easy for debris to build up inside the van. High temperatures can end up melting discarded plastics, food, and other debris, which can damage the van’s interior. Frequently check the van for items left behind and remove them before they can cause an issue.
WATCH FOR OVERHEATING
Vans can overheat in hot temperatures, especially when they are operating for hours on end. Keep your eye on the van’s temperature gauge. If it starts getting too high, pull over and let the engine cool down.
If you’re in the market for a van, check out the selection at Creative Bus Sales. Our inventory includes a wide range of vans to suit a wide range of needs. We proudly serve those throughout the United States.
