How do you maintain a double cab van?
You can maintain a double cab van by regularly checking critical parts such as tyres, brakes and suspension. These vehicles carry more weight due to extra seats, which puts more strain on the chassis and brakes. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule, watch out for early warning signs and have your van inspected regularly by a professional to avoid costly repairs.
Why does a double cabin require extra attention during maintenance?
A double-cab van weighs more than a standard model due to the extra seats and the stronger construction that goes with them. This higher weight ensures more strain on the chassis, suspension and brakes. When you regularly drive with a fully occupied cab and loaded cargo area, you are working at the maximum permitted weight. This means that all components have to work harder than in a lighter van.
This heavier load causes parts to wear out more quickly. Your suspension has to absorb more shocks, your brakes have to bring more mass to a halt and your tyres constantly carry more weight. This does not mean that a double cab will necessarily break down more often, but it does mean that your maintenance frequency will be different. Whereas with a light van you might be able to wait a little longer between certain checks, this is not a good idea with a double cab.
Weight distribution also plays a role. With a double cab, there is more weight at the front due to the extra seats and passengers. This affects the balance of your vehicle and requires different settings and points of attention during maintenance. For example, you need to check the tyre pressure more often and keep an eye on the alignment of your wheels.
Which parts should you check most often?
In a double cab van, there are five components that deserve extra attention. Your tyres are at the top of the list. Due to the higher weight, they wear out faster and the correct tyre pressure is even more important. Check the pressure at least once a month and inspect the treads for uneven wear. Do you see bald spots on the inside or outside? Then your alignment is not correct and you need to go to the garage.
Your brakes have a lot to endure in a double cab. With a fully occupied cab and loaded cargo area, your braking system has to bring much more mass to a standstill. Watch out for signs such as squeaking noises, vibrations in the brake pedal or a longer braking distance. Have your brake pads and discs checked annually, or sooner if you drive a lot of kilometres.
The shock absorbers and suspension of your van are constantly working against the extra weight. Have you noticed that your vehicle bounces more on bumps, vibrates longer or tilts to one side? Then your shock absorbers are probably due for replacement. Poor handling in corners can also indicate worn suspension.
Engine oil and filters also require regular attention. A heavier engine places greater demands on its lubrication system. Adhere to the prescribed replacement intervals and check the oil level regularly between services. Dark, thick oil or a low oil level are signs that you need to take action quickly.
Finally, coolant is important. An engine that has to work harder gets hotter. Check the coolant level regularly and keep an eye on the temperature gauge while driving. An engine that gets too hot can suffer serious damage.
How can you prevent costly repairs to your double cab?
Preventive maintenance is not a luxury but a necessity for a double cab van. The manufacturer's maintenance schedule has been drawn up with the load on your vehicle in mind. Follow this schedule strictly and do not skip any services, even if your vehicle still seems to be running well. Minor problems worsen more quickly in heavier vehicles than with lighter models.
Learn to recognise the early warning signs. Strange noises such as squeaking, tapping or rattling are not coincidental. Vibrations in the steering wheel or pedals indicate problems with your wheels, brakes or suspension. Loss of power, irregular idling or increased fuel consumption can indicate engine problems. Do not ignore these signs, because what starts as a minor problem can turn into an expensive repair.
With a double cab, everything works with less margin. A slightly worn brake pad on a light van is annoying, but on a heavily loaded double cab it can be dangerous. A small oil leak that you leave for a week can lead to engine damage with intensive use. The extra load means that components go from “almost worn out” to “broken” more quickly.
Have your van inspected regularly by a professional who has experience with commercial vehicles. A good mechanic will spot problems that you might overlook and can make minor adjustments before they become major issues. An annual thorough inspection, in addition to your regular servicing, can save you a lot of money and headaches.
What does it cost to maintain a double cab van?
The maintenance costs of a double cab van are higher than those of a standard model, but are easy to predict. A minor service usually costs between 150 and 300 euros and includes an oil change, filter replacement and a general check-up. A major service, which also includes a thorough check and maintenance of the brakes, suspension and other parts, costs between 400 and 800 euros.
For a double cab van, you can expect annual maintenance costs of between £800 and £1,500, depending on your mileage and usage. Do you drive a lot of kilometres or use your vehicle intensively? Then you will be at the upper end of this range. Do you mainly make short journeys and stay below 20,000 kilometres per year? Then you may end up at the lower end.
Various factors influence your maintenance costs. Your driving style makes a big difference: aggressive acceleration and hard braking accelerate wear and tear. The load also plays a role. Do you constantly drive with maximum weight? Then parts wear out faster. Your annual mileage is a third factor: more kilometres means more maintenance, but also more efficiency because you spread your fixed costs over more kilometres.
Preventive maintenance may seem more expensive, but in the long run it is much cheaper than repairs. A set of new brake pads may cost £300, but if you wait too long and damage your brake discs, you could easily end up paying £800 or more. An oil change costing £100 can prevent engine damage costing thousands of pounds. So invest in regular maintenance and save on major repairs.
You can control maintenance costs without compromising on quality. Follow the maintenance schedule consistently so that minor problems remain minor. Compare prices from different garages, but choose specialists in commercial vehicles. Cheap is not always better if the work is not done properly. Consider a maintenance contract if you lease: this will make your costs predictable and you will not be faced with any surprises.
How Van Den Hurk assists with the maintenance of your double cabin
We understand that maintaining your double cab van is important for your business operations. That is why we support you from the moment you purchase a vehicle from us. For every vehicle in our stock, we provide you with complete information about its maintenance history and current condition, so you know exactly what you are buying.
Our maintenance support includes:
- Transparent advice when purchasing about the maintenance history and technical condition of each vehicle
- Purchase inspection possible whereby we expertly assess your overall fitness level
- Delivery packages which gives you a fresh start and three months of security
- Lease options with maintenance contracts for predictable costs and worry-free use
- Information about reliable maintenance partners in the region who have experience with commercial vehicles
- Aftercare and service even after your purchase, because we are always there for you
With over 60 years of experience in commercial vehicles, we know exactly what to look for when maintaining a double cab. Whether you choose to purchase or lease, we will work with you to find the best way to keep your vehicle in top condition. View our current range of double cabs on our website or contact us for personalised advice on the maintenance and management of your commercial vehicle.
