Are you about to take a van for a spin for the very first time?
There is no need to be nervous—driving a van is much easier than you think. In fact, most modern vans are near identical to the average car, right down to the ABS brakes, airbags and sound systems.
Still, it’s best to approach your van debut with some key pointers; that way, you know what to expect once you hit the road. From corners to controls to blind spots, Aspland Self Drive have got you covered!
1) Get familiar with your gears.
Before you begin your journey, take some time familiarising yourself with your controls and gearbox. Unlike the five gear system in most cars, many vans have six. However, this extra gear shouldn’t cause too many problems. It allows the engine to rev lower at the same speed, improving your fuel economy. Therefore, it should only be used when driving on the motorway.
2) Be aware of your size!
Of course, if you hire one of our smaller vehicles (such as our short wheel base) you shouldn’t need to worry about height. However, some of our Luton vans and minibuses may cause some problems with low bridges or overhanging hazards. It can be easy to forget the height of your load, so please take care when entering multi-storey car parks… We don’t want our vans returned without their roofs!
3) Consider your load.
There is a significant difference in performance between an empty or full van. The greater the load, the greater the stopping distance, so be sure to allow additional space for braking when transporting a heavy load. It’s also worth noting the dangers of overloading, including tipping and excessive wear and tear of the tyres and brakes. Therefore, ensure your materials are loaded evenly and securely, preferably as low as possible. Also, familiarise yourself with the maximum gross vehicle weight of your vehicle. This can be found in the driver’s handbook or on a plate next to the bulkhead or passenger door.
4) Frustrating blind spots!
Rear-ward blind spots are quite common in vans. Steel panels often replace rear side windows, while some vans choose to omit centre rear-view mirrors. In these situations, extra-large wing mirrors are your new best friend! Therefore, take extra care when merging into lanes; the larger the van, the more likely a car could be partially obscured behind you.
We hope our useful advice has made you feel more confident about taking the wheel!
If you need to hire a van, look no further than Aspland Self Drive. Click here to book using our online booking form. It’s quick and easy to fill out, and we will contact you with a confirmation as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you very soon!