Regularly cleaning and maintaining your van isn’t just about looking good, it can help to reduce repair bills and increase re-sale value, a commercial vehicle hypermarket has warned.
The UK car wash industry is worth an estimated £1 billion a year, but that doesn’t mean that everyone cleans their vehicle regularly enough. Anchor Vans’ managing director, Simon Joyce, said it pays to keep your vehicle in the best shape possible.
“In the busy lives of modern civilisation, managing our vehicles has become another inconvenient task relegated to the bottom of the to do list. Juggling long working hours, distant commutes and hectic social schedules it seems the UK population is just far too busy to spend time taking care of their vehicles.”
Anchor Vans’ team advises van owners to clean their vehicles regularly as rust, scratches and dull paint are all common issues that arise from built up dirt, which affect the look of a vehicle and its resale value.
Mud, bird droppings and salt sprinkled on icy roads stick to the surfaces of your vehicle. Over time these harmful substances eat away at paint work and cause damage underneath, which can leave permanent scars on the bodywork.
Therefore, regular washing is important – to blast away impurities as quickly as possible before they have time to do damage – whether you do it yourself or go to a car wash service. If you do it yourself, its best to do it in overcast or cloudy weather, rather than in rain or direct sun.
While regular maintenance may cost time and money, it should viewed as an investment that saves more in the long run as it can lead to a higher resale value when you come to sell/part exchange, less chance of it requiring expensive work and less chance of lost working hours due to time in the garage.
VOSA recommends daily checks on brakes, lights, horn and steering, washers and wipers, seatbelts, mirrors and glass, fluid levels, bodywork and doors, exhaust, wheels and tyres and where applicable load, tow bars and tail lift.
Likewise, regular servicing of your vehicle at a trusted service centre is important, including sticking to the manufacturer’s service schedule.
Anchor Vans’ team say that following these tips means owners can ensure their van always looks in good condition and runs at peak performance.
