We have long track record of success with supplying the very best fridge vans for sale here at CoolVan, but you don’t need to be an expert to know that regular servicing is hugely important – just as much as with regular vans, if not more so. It keeps your operations running smoothly by keeping your refrigerated vans on the road, and your cargo at the exact temperature it’s supposed to be. After all, downtime due to breakdowns can be a big problem for any business, but when it risks the integrity of your shipment too… well, all the more reason why regular servicing is so essential!
So then, let’s take a quick look at five of the most crucial factors in a bit more detail.
Regular servicing prevents costly breakdowns
A fridge van is a complex machine, with its refrigeration system working alongside the vehicle’s engine and electrical components. If any part of this system fails, the consequences can be expensive and disruptive. Regular servicing ensures all components function properly, from checking coolant levels to inspecting compressor efficiency.
Crucially, it’s important to do this on a regular basis, whether or not you think there are any problems to find. This is what’s called “preventative maintenance”. It’s all about catching the issues before they turn into major problems. In turn, this helps you avoid unexpected repairs, keeps fuel costs down, and ensures your refrigeration system is always performing at its best.
That’s in contrast to “reactive maintenance”, is the term used to refer to only tackling issues as and when they arise. While that’s the more tempting option, as it saves money in the meantime, it does also open up the risk of costly repairs, unexpected downtime, and disrupted deliveries. It’s why we’d always advice preventative maintenance over reactive maintenance – it keeps you in control, reduces long-term costs, and ensures your van remains reliable day in and day out.
A well-maintained fridge van keeps temperatures stable
Temperature consistency is the most critical aspect of a fridge van’s performance. If a vehicle’s cooling system is not functioning correctly, it could lead to temperature fluctuations that compromise the quality and safety of the cargo. Regular servicing ensures that all components, including the thermostat, condenser, and evaporator, are working efficiently and can maintain the correct temperature even in extreme weather conditions.
Even a small drop in efficiency can make a significant difference, particularly in warmer months, or with particularly sensitive cargo. Refrigerant levels must be checked, and insulation should be inspected to prevent air leaks. Airflow obstructions in the refrigeration unit can also cause uneven cooling, which may result in some parts of the cargo spoiling before others. By keeping on top of servicing, you can ensure you’re your products remain in perfect condition during transit, avoiding costly losses or regulatory issues.
Keeping on top of servicing means your products stay in perfect condition during transit, giving you peace of mind that your van is doing its job properly.
Safety and compliance
Now, this one is directly linked to our last point about maintaining temperatures. As you’ll already know, transporting perishable goods means handling temperature-sensitive cargo that must meet strict safety and hygiene standards. A fridge van that fails to maintain the correct temperature can lead to spoiled food or compromised pharmaceuticals, affecting the quality of the products you deliver – and in some cases, it might compromise the shipment completely. Regular servicing ensures that your van is always operating within the necessary temperature range, reducing the risk of stock going to waste.
One factor that’s sometimes underestimated is that a reliable cooling system is also important for driver safety. Electrical faults or refrigerant leaks can create hazards that compromise both performance and personal safety. If a refrigeration unit fails mid-journey, you or your drivers may have to make emergency stops or attempt to transfer goods to another van, increasing the risk of accidents. Servicing helps to eliminate these risks, enabling you to operate with confidence, knowing that your van is safe and compliant with industry regulations.
Proper maintenance can improve your fuel efficiency
A fridge van that is not running efficiently will consume more fuel than necessary. Whether it’s due to a clogged air filter, a struggling compressor, or underperforming insulation, inefficiencies in the refrigeration system make the engine work harder. Over time, this increases fuel consumption, leading to higher operational costs and unnecessary environmental impact. Given rising fuel prices, keeping your van in top condition is one of the easiest ways to manage running costs.
Regular servicing ensures the engine, cooling system, and tyres are in optimal condition. The process can identify worn components that could be affecting efficiency and replace them before start to have an impact on your fuel consumption. As an extra bonus, keeping your van fuel-efficient also reduces your carbon footprint, alongside optimising your costs, making your operations more sustainable. That can be particularly useful for demonstrating your ESG credentials, potentially giving you a useful edge over your competitors.
Proper servicing can increase the lifespan of your van
As you’ve no doubt surmised, a well-maintained fridge van can often last significantly longer than one that’s subject to reactive maintenance. From a purely mechanical perspective, frequent checks on the engine and brakes can all help to prevent or minimise premature wear and tear. Similarly, a well-looked-after cooling system maintains its ability to hold temperatures precisely, reducing the strain on the refrigeration unit and other components.
Engine efficiency, tyre condition, and suspension all play a part in keeping a van running smoothly, so regular servicing ensures that no single issue builds up to affect the overall performance – ensuring the van remains roadworthy for years to come.
And of course, if ever there does come a time when you need a replacement refrigerated van – or you’re looking at expanding your fleet – that’s exactly where we can help here at CoolVan. We have an extensive track record of helping customers across a wide variety of industries get their perfect van – and all at the very best prices. Amongst our range you’ll find Volkswagen Crafters, Ford Transits and Mercedes Sprinters, just to name a few! And of course, if you ever have any questions, or need any advice, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0161 751 7140, or email us on sales@coolvan.co.uk, and we’ll be happy to help however we can!
