diesel van

Types of diesel vans

Businesses have various options when choosing a diesel van . The most common types are as follows:

• Panel vans

  This is the most common type of commercial diesel vans. They have a van with a roof, and the windows are either tinted or completely removed. Manufacturers design panel vans to transport goods, and they have large cargo areas for this purpose. They also feature cargo area accessories, such as cargo partitions and shelves.

• Passenger vans

  These vans are designed to accommodate people. They are fitted with rows of seats to provide passenger transport services. Common examples of passenger vans are converted versions of panel vans and purpose-built vehicles.

• Pick-up trucks

  They have an open cargo area in the back for loading goods. The cargo area is referred to as the bed. Some pick-up trucks have extended cabs with extra seating.

• Chassis cabs

  A chassis cab is a vehicle with a truck chassis and a cab without a superstructure. It is designed for commercial use and is customizable. The chassis cab can be fitted with various structures, such as a cargo area, a medical bed, or an elevated bucket for aerial work.

• Refrigerated vans

  Disease vans are equipped with refrigeration units. They are used to transport temperature-sensitive goods, such as pharmaceuticals and perishable food products. The refrigeration system can be installed in panel vans and cargo areas.

• 4x4 vans

  These are diesel vans with a four-wheel drive. They are designed for off-road driving in rural areas. The 4x4 vans have enhanced suspension systems, all-terrain tires, and other features that improve their off-road capabilities.

Specification and maintenance of diesel vans

• Regular oil changes

  Diesel vans have diesel engines. Compared to gasoline engines, diesel engines generate more power and are more fuel-efficient. The oil changes on diesel engines are more frequent than on gasoline engines. Typically, the schedule is every 7,500 miles on the diesel engine as opposed to 5,000 miles. The oil changes keep the engine lubricated and clean.

• Maintain the air filter

  The air filter is important for the diesel van because it prevents debris and dirt from getting into the engine. When the air filter is clean, the engine performs optimally. However, the air filter needs to be replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. A clogged air filter prevents airflow into the engine, which can cause it to work harder and use more fuel.

• Check tire pressure and rotation

  Maintaining the tires on a diesel van is important for safety and fuel efficiency. Diesel vans are heavier than gas-powered ones. The tires need to be in good condition and properly inflated to handle the weight. Proper inflation also extends the life of the tires. When the tire pressure is low, there is more wear and tear. Check the tire pressure at least once a month. The tires also need to be rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

• Coolant flushes

  The coolant prevents the diesel engine from overheating. As a general rule, the coolant needs to be flushed and replaced every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. The coolant also prevents the engine from freezing in cold temperatures. A frozen engine can cause damage.

• Fuel filter replacement

  The fuel filter is crucial for the diesel engine because it prevents debris and dirt from entering the fuel system. A clean fuel system ensures the van runs smoothly. The fuel filter needs to be replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 miles. A clogged fuel filter can cause the van to use more fuel or misfire.

• Brakes and wiper blades

  The brakes and wiper blades are essential for safety. The wiper blades should be checked regularly and replaced when they show signs of wear. The brakes need to be inspected for wear and tear. If the brake pads are worn down, they need to be replaced.

How to Choose Diesel Vans

There are many things to consider when choosing a diesel van for a business. Here are some of them:

• The Purpose

  It's imperative to know what the van will be needed for before choosing one. Will it be needed for delivering goods? If yes, what is the size and dimension of the goods? It is also important to consider the number of people that will be transported in the van, as well as the van's required equipment and special features.

• Size and Space

  When choosing a diesel van, consider the size of the van and its internal space. Diesel vans come in different sizes, from small to large. Choose one that is suitable for the business needs. For example, if the business requires a lot of cargo space, then choose a large diesel van with a spacious cargo area. Also, ensure there is enough space for passengers and cargo.

• Fuel Efficiency

  One of the major advantages of diesel vans over petrol vans is the fuel efficiency. When choosing a diesel van, consider the fuel efficiency and the distance it can cover. This will help businesses to save costs on fuel. Also, because of the diesel engine's high torque, the vans have a powerful and strong acceleration, which is an added advantage.

• Comfort and Safety Features

  When choosing a diesel van, consider the comfort and safety features. For long-distance travels, it's important to choose a van with good comfort features such as spacious seating, climate control, etc. The van should also be equipped with safety features such as airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), rear view camera, parking sensors, etc.

• Budget

  Another thing to consider when choosing a diesel van is the budget. Diesel vans are more expensive than petrol vans. However, the long-term savings on fuel and maintenance make it a better choice. When choosing a diesel van, consider the initial cost and also the operating cost (insurance, maintenance, fuel, etc.)

• Brand Reputation

  When choosing a diesel van, consider the brand and its reputation. Go for brands that are known for quality, durability, and reliability. Also, consider the after-sales service of the brand, the availability of spare parts, and the warranty offered.

• Load Capacity

  Before choosing a diesel van, consider the load capacity. The van should be able to carry the business's goods and cargo without any stress. Remember that overloading the van can cause damage to the vehicle and can also affect fuel efficiency and performance.

How to DIY and Replace Diesel Vans

Replacing diesel vans can be a simple process, as long as the right tools are available and the steps below are followed:

• Preparation

  Gather all the necessary tools for the job. This includes new parts that need to be replaced in the diesel van. Read the manufacturer's manual to understand how to replace the part that is being worked on.

• Safety Precautions

  Ensure that the van is parked on a flat surface. Use wheel chocks to ensure that the van does not roll. Put on safety glasses and gloves. Ensure that the van's electrical system is not being worked on and is disconnected so that accidents do not occur.

• Access to the Part

  Depending on the part that is being worked on, locate it by referring to the manual. Clear any obstacles that prevent accessing the part. This may include removing covers and using the right tools to remove bolts and screws.

• Removing the Old Part

  Use the right tools to remove the old part. Ensure that the tools that are being used are not damaging other parts of the vehicle. When removing the part, handle it with care, especially if it is fragile.

• Installing the New Part

  Before installing the new part, ensure that it is compatible with the diesel van. Follow the instructions given in the manual to install the new part. When tightening bolts, use the right torque so that they are not too tight or too loose.

• Final Checks

  Once the new part has been installed, check to see that everything else that was removed has been put back. Make sure there are no tools or extra parts left over. Start the diesel van to see that it is running properly and that there are no leaks.

• Dispose of Old Parts

  Old parts that have been removed should be disposed of according to local regulations. If unsure, find out from local authorities the right way to dispose of old vehicle parts.

Q&A

Q1: Are diesel vans being phased out?

A1: No, diesel vans are not being phased out. However, there are plans to phase out new diesel vans in some regions by 2035. Existing diesel vans will still be allowed on the roads.

Q2: Do people still buy diesel vans?

A2: Yes, people still buy diesel vans, especially for commercial purposes. They are known for their fuel efficiency, durability, and ability to carry heavy loads.

Q3: Are diesel vans being banned?

A3: There are no plans to ban diesel vans. However, some governments are planning to phase out new diesel vans by 2035. The plans aim to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.