What are the most important maintenance points for a double cabin?
A double cab van requires regular maintenance to remain safe and reliable. The most important maintenance points are engine oil, brake fluid, tyre pressure and tread depth, coolant, lighting, windscreen wipers and air filters. In addition, a double cab requires extra attention to brakes, suspension and clutch due to the heavier load. Preventive maintenance prevents costly downtime and maintains the value of your commercial vehicle.
Why is regular maintenance of a double cab so important?
A double cab has to endure more than a regular passenger car. You regularly transport an entire team and materials, which means that your vehicle often drives at maximum weight. This combination of passengers and cargo causes extra wear and tear on important parts such as brakes, suspension and drive train.
Preventive maintenance saves you money. A minor repair costing £150 will cost you less than a major breakdown on the road that disrupts your entire day. What's more, you are responsible for your employees who travel with you every day. A well-maintained vehicle is simply safer for everyone on board.
The value of your investment also remains higher. A company car with a complete maintenance history is easier to sell and fetches a better price. This is not only beneficial if you want to sell it yourself, but also if you lease it and have to return it later.
The business impact of unexpected downtime is often greater than you might think. A day without a vehicle means missed customer appointments, delayed projects and frustrated employees. With a good maintenance schedule, you can largely avoid these unpleasant surprises.
Which parts should you check most often in a double cab?
Engine oil Ideally, you should check this weekly, especially if you drive a lot of kilometres. Due to its higher weight and more intensive use, a double cab consumes oil faster than a lighter van. Check the level on level ground and top up if it falls below the minimum.
You tyre pressure and tread depth deserve monthly attention. Due to the heavier load, tyres wear out faster and the pressure can drop more quickly. Too low a pressure increases fuel consumption and impairs road holding, which is particularly dangerous with a full crew. The minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm by law, but it is better to replace them at 3 mm for optimum grip.
Check your brake fluid and coolant. Both fluids are important for safe driving and preventing engine damage. The level must be between minimum and maximum. Do you notice that the level is dropping quickly? Then have it checked, as this indicates a leak.
Lighting and windscreen wipers Check your car weekly. It sounds simple, but you don't always notice a broken rear light or worn wiper straight away. Walk around your car before setting off and test all the lights. Replace windscreen wipers as soon as they start leaving streaks, especially in autumn and winter.
You air filter deserves attention during every service. A clogged filter makes the engine work harder, which costs fuel and reduces performance. If used intensively in dusty environments, replace it more often than the manufacturer specifies.
For long journeys, it is advisable to carry out an extra check. Check your windscreen washer fluid, all tyre pressures including the spare wheel, and listen for any unusual noises during a short test drive. Those few minutes can prevent unpleasant situations on the road.
How often does a double cabin require major maintenance?
Most manufacturers recommend a major service every 15,000 to 20,000 kilometres, or at least once a year. For a double cab that is driven daily with heavy loads, that annual interval is often more realistic than waiting until you have reached those kilometres. Intensive use requires more frequent maintenance.
During a major service, your car will receive a thorough inspection during which the mechanic checks all important systems. This includes the brakes, suspension, exhaust, steering and wheel suspension. The engine oil and oil filter are also replaced, and the cooling system, gearbox and drive are checked.
The timing belt You usually replace it between 80,000 and 160,000 kilometres, depending on the make and model. Check this in your service booklet, because a broken timing belt will cause serious engine damage. Some modern engines have a chain that requires less maintenance, but you should still have it checked.
Please note that factory schedules are based on normal use. If you drive with a full load every day, often make short journeys with a lot of stop-start traffic, or regularly tow a trailer, parts will wear out more quickly. Discuss your driving behaviour with your mechanic, who can adjust the maintenance schedule to suit your situation.
A gearbox oil check This is part of the major service, including changing the gearbox oil in manual transmission vehicles. For automatic transmissions, follow the manufacturer's specific intervals, which can vary greatly depending on the type.
What are the most common maintenance issues with double cabins?
Accelerated brake wear is at the top of the list. Due to the increased weight of the crew and cargo, your brakes work harder than when the van is empty. This causes brake pads and discs to wear out faster. Do you hear squeaking when braking or feel vibrations? Have it checked immediately, because with a full crew you want optimal braking power.
The suspension and shock absorbers have a lot to endure. Uneven weight distribution, with the rear often carrying more weight than the front, causes uneven wear. Have you noticed that your car is swaying more, leaning to one side or steering poorly? Then the suspension probably needs to be replaced.
For manual transmission vehicles, clutch wear A common problem. Constant gear changes with a heavily loaded vehicle cause the clutch to wear out more quickly. You can recognise a slipping clutch by laborious acceleration, a burning smell or higher revs without any increase in speed. Do not ignore this, because a broken clutch will literally leave you stranded.
Uneven tyre wear This is often seen with double cabins. The heavier rear end wears faster, or you may see wear on the outside due to low pressure. Rotate your tyres regularly and maintain the correct pressure. Also check the alignment if tyres are wearing unevenly, as this wastes fuel and is dangerous.
Electrical problems often arise due to additional accessories such as work lights, cooling systems or flashing lights. These place an extra load on the electrical system. Check your battery and alternator regularly, especially if you use a lot of electrical equipment. A weak battery can lead to unpleasant surprises in the morning.
Rust in the cargo area is a creeping problem. Tools, building materials and dirt damage the protective coating, after which moisture does its work. Keep your load space clean and treat minor damage immediately with rust inhibitor. Rust spreads quickly and damages the structure.
How Van Den Hurk assists with the maintenance of double cabins
Here you will find used double cab vans that are well maintained. We ensure that every vehicle in our stock has a clear maintenance history, so you know exactly where you stand. No surprises afterwards, just clear information about the condition of your future commercial vehicle.
Our approach to maintenance:
- Documented service history for all vehicles, so that you can view the complete maintenance history
- Personal advice about maintenance schedules that suit your usage and mileage
- Purchase inspection whereby we fully assess the technical condition, including checking for wear and tear on the engine, brakes, suspension and electronics
- Transparent information about the condition of each vehicle, with attention to specific points of interest
- Contacts with reliable service partners in the region for all your maintenance work
- Help with finding the right vehicle that suits your maintenance capacity and budget
Visit our showroom in Helmond for personal advice on double cabins. We will discuss your specific requirements and help you find a commercial vehicle that suits your business. Would you prefer to explore your options online first? View our current range at www.vdhurk.nl and set up a stock alert for your ideal double cab van. Contact us via our website or call us to make an appointment. We are ready to help you with expert advice and more than 60 years of experience.
