Starting out as an owner-driver means there’s a lot to juggle, but keeping on top of your courier van maintenance is one thing you can’t afford to put off. Your van is your business partner. Without it, you don’t move loads, make deliveries, or get paid.
Properly maintaining your courier van helps prevent downtime, protects your reputation, and keeps every load moving smoothly, whether you’re heading up the M1 or navigating London for multi-drops.
In this guide, we’ll share our practical tips to keep your van road-ready, reliable, and working hard for your business.
What we’ll cover
Why maintenance matters for owner-drivers
Your van isn’t just your transport, it’s your livelihood. A breakdown could mean losing work or letting down your customers.
Staying on top of van maintenance helps:
- Reduce unexpected breakdowns.
- Stay compliant with operator standards.
- Keep fuel costs down.
- Build trust with repeat customers.
If you’re running your first van or working towards building a courier fleet, creating strong maintenance habits early can make a real difference.
Daily checks to keep your van roadworthy
Daily checks might feel like a chore, but a proper van driver checklist should only take you a few minutes, but could save you hours stuck at the roadside.
Tyres and pressures: a key part of your van driver checklist
Tyres are often the first thing traffic officers check. And rightly so—they’re your link to the road.
For courier work, tyre checks go beyond just pressure. Here’s what to look for each morning:
- Inspect all four tyres, including the spare, for visible damage like cuts, bulges, or embedded objects.
- Check the tread depth. The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but replacing at 3mm gives better grip in wet conditions.
- Look out for uneven wear, which might signal tracking or suspension problems.
- Confirm your courier van tyres are set to the manufacturer’s recommended pressures. Low pressures reduce fuel efficiency and can cause blowouts, especially when carrying heavier loads.
Remember, if you’re often running fully loaded, tyres will wear quicker than you expect. It’s worth scheduling tyre rotations every few months to keep wear even across all tyres.
For those who buy a second-hand courier van, tyre checks are even more important—used vans might have tyres that are close to replacement.
Security and fluids: don’t overlook the small things
- Make sure doors and locks are secure before every job. This not only protects your load but is also a van security measure against opportunistic theft.
- Top up washer fluid and check oil and coolant levels regularly.
- Test all lights, including indicators and brake lights. Don’t forget your number plate lights—they’re easy to overlook but are checked during DVSA roadside inspections.
Perform regular inspections and servicing
Preventative courier van maintenance keeps you ahead of problems and helps your van run more efficiently.
Don’t forget your load equipment
If you regularly offer specialist courier services, like ADR, fragile goods or high-value items, load security is part of your professional image.
- Inspect all ratchet straps for signs of wear or fraying.
- Check the condition of your load bed and side rails, especially in older vans.
- Replace worn tie-down points before they fail mid-job.
Mechanical servicing and record-keeping
Stick to your van’s service schedule, whether it’s time-based or mileage-based.
- Book regular oil and filter changes.
- Schedule brake inspections to catch worn pads or discs early.
- Keep paperwork organised. Whether you’re applying for new contracts or considering buying or leasing a van, having service records builds trust and shows you take maintenance seriously.
Prepare for different seasons
Weather impacts how your van performs—and how comfortable your day-to-day work feels.
Winter readiness
Colder months in the UK can add extra strain to your courier van.
- Switch to winter or all-season tyres for better grip in icy or wet conditions.
- Check the battery – cold weather can reduce its cranking power, leaving you stranded on early morning jobs.
- Treat door seals and locks with silicone spray to prevent them freezing shut.
Also, keep de-icer and a screen scraper handy for frosty starts.
Summer checks
On the other hand, British summers are usually brief and uneventful, but even short periods of hot weather can cause unexpected issues.
- Keep your coolant levels topped up to prevent overheating, especially in stop-start traffic.
- Make sure your air conditioning is working. Long hours in a hot cab without it can affect your concentration and comfort.
- If you offer frozen or chilled transport, make sure your refrigeration units are working correctly.
- In dry months, dust can clog air filters quicker, so check and replace them more often.
If you’re offering specialist services, where goods might be temperature-sensitive, these checks are even more important to protect your load.
Tips for electric and hybrid courier van maintenance
As low-emission zones and clean air policies expand, more owner-drivers are looking at electric and hybrid vans. If you’re considering adding one to your setup, your courier van maintenance checklist will need a few adjustments.
What’s different with EV and hybrid courier van maintenance
Electric vans and hybrids have fewer mechanical parts, but there are still important checks to make:
- Check charging cables and plugs for damage or wear.
- Inspect battery condition. Most EVs have a dashboard display showing battery health, but a periodic workshop check gives peace of mind.
- Monitor tyre wear closely. Electric vans are heavier due to battery packs, which can cause faster tyre wear—particularly on front-wheel-drive models.
Hybrids still require engine oil and filter changes, so don’t skip mechanical servicing. The regenerative braking system on both EVs and hybrids also needs checks to maintain performance.
Keep your EV or hybrid ready for courier work
- Route planning matters. Make sure charging stations are factored into your delivery routes, especially when working in rural areas.
- Keep the van’s software updated—many electric and hybrid vans get system improvements via software updates, which can improve range estimates or charging efficiency. The same goes for your vehicle tracking – make sure it’s up-to-date so you’re staying compliant.
And don’t forget—if you’re part of a fleet transitioning to electric vehicles, maintenance planning needs to adapt across all your vans, not just one.
Looking after your investment
A van is one of your biggest business costs. Whether you’re running a new model or a well-loved second-hand van, looking after it will reduce breakdown risks and prolong its working life.
If you’re still deciding between buying and leasing a courier van, remember to factor in ongoing maintenance costs alongside upfront prices.
By building maintenance into your weekly routine, you protect your vehicle, your cargo, and your business reputation.
