Common sense can stop van breakdowns

Date: Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Simple routine checks could prevent many of the van breakdowns that cost British businesses £150m annually says insurance company More Th>n Business. On average each one results in £114 of lost earnings, it says, while the repair bill could cost several thousand pounds.

Battery problems, flat tyres, and overheated engines are among the key reasons why light commercials are put out of action, it observes. Many of these incidents could be avoided, however, by looking at the battery every so often, inspecting the tyres regularly, and ensuring fluids are at the right level.

Drivers could help themselves by being more careful when they're out on the road, says More Th>n Business.

The number one reason why vans break down is that the lights have been left on, flattening the battery. Flicking down the top ten, reason number six is drivers filling their vans with petrol rather than diesel — or more rarely, vice versa — while van drivers manage to lock themselves out of their cabs with alarming regularity.

Part of Royal & SunAlliance, More Th>n Business has recently launched a roadside assistance and recovery service aimed at light commercial operators.

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