How to improve the efficiency of your van

By boosting the efficiency of an LCV you can cut fuel costs and ideally minimise the need for expensive repairs over time. Here are just a few tips that will help you squeeze more miles per gallon from your van.

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Check tyre pressure

Manufacturers provide recommended tyre pressures that should be maintained if you want to ensure that your van is both efficient and safe. This is all the more relevant if it is regularly under heavy load, so regular checkups are essential for these reasons and more.

Eliminate unnecessary weight

Thinking about the contents of your van will be a good step towards tackling the issue of fuel consumption. So rather than leaving lots of heavy tools and equipment onboard when they are not needed for that day’s work, take them out and leave them in a secure location. This will also make your van less of a target for thieves.

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With plylining sold by sites like vehicle-accessories.net, you can even convert the interior of your van’s cargo area to be a more effective place for the storage of equipment and goods. This will protect the body from damage during transit.

Drive efficiently

Eliminating bad habits when behind the wheel will up your MPG significantly, but requires a bit of work and practice. You should keep a constant awareness of the ebb and flow of the traffic around you, anticipate the stops you are going to have to make and react ahead of time, rather than slamming on the brakes or stamping on the accelerator at the last moment.

Van sales records have been surpassed regularly in recent months, with newer models offering better fuel economy than ever – http://www.parkers.co.uk/vans/news-and-advice/2016/december/uk-van-sales-figures-november-2016/. However, even a modern LCV can burn through diesel quickly unless you also optimise your gear shifts and lower your engine revs.

Other considerations

Most people know that turning on the air conditioning in any vehicle will have a negative impact on its MPG and this is certainly true in the case of vans. But opening a window will have a similar effect since it will increase drag and mean that the engine has to work harder to push the vehicle forwards.

Ultimately, it may be sensible to invest in a newer van which is more efficient and cheaper to run, with engine stop-start technology or an electric powertrain.