Winter is the toughest time of year for vans on London’s roads. Cold mornings, heavy rain, darker evenings and constant stop-start traffic all put extra pressure on vehicles, and that’s when breakdowns tend to happen. For businesses that rely on their vans day in, day out, even one unexpected repair can mean missed jobs, unhappy customers and drivers left stuck at the roadside.
That’s why a bit of preparation now goes a long way. With the right checks in place, fleets can stay reliable, safe and cost-efficient throughout the colder months. At Pace, we’ve been running vans in London long enough to know exactly where things go wrong in winter, and what businesses can do to prevent it.
As Kieron, our COO, puts it:
Winter is the season when vans fail the most, and usually for preventable reasons. A quick check now can save a business thousands in downtime and repairs.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential winter maintenance steps every fleet should be taking, based on the same checklist we use on our own vehicles, and offer to our customers free of charge.
Why Winter Puts Extra Strain on Vans
Winter doesn’t just make driving less pleasant, it changes how your vans behave mechanically. Between freezing temperatures, damp weather, and tougher road conditions, components wear faster and small issues can quickly turn into big problems.
Cold weather affects batteries, fluids, tyres and electrical systems, making them more prone to failure. Add London’s potholes, congestion, and start-stop driving, and it’s no surprise that breakdowns spike between December and February.
Kieron explains it well:
Most winter breakdowns come down to two things – cold starts and neglected maintenance. Batteries struggle more, tyres lose pressure, fluids thicken...it all piles up. If a van is already a bit tired, winter will expose it.
For fleets, this pressure is multiplied across every vehicle. That’s why staying ahead of winter wear and tear isn’t just a safety measure, it reduces costs too. A van that’s properly prepped will start easier, run more efficiently, and avoid the expensive surprises that disrupt your drivers and your schedule.
Essential Winter Checks Every Fleet Should Prioritise
A solid winter routine doesn’t need to be complicated, it just needs to be consistent. These are the key checks we recommend for every van, whether you run a single vehicle or a full fleet. They’re the same steps our technicians follow to keep Pace vans reliable through the coldest months.
Battery & Electrical System
Cold weather reduces battery performance, and most winter breakdowns start here.
- Test battery health and charge
- Check for corrosion
- Make sure the alternator and starter are functioning properly
Kieron’s tip:
“In winter, a weak battery can fail without warning. Keep jumper cables in your van and make sure connections are clean and tight. It’s a simple step that can save a lot of hassle if a van struggles to start on a cold morning. If a battery is already weak, winter will finish it off. A quick test now can prevent a no-start situation on a freezing morning.”
Fluids
Fluids thicken in low temperatures, meaning engines and components work harder.
- Check engine oil and consider a winter-grade oil
- Test coolant/antifreeze mix
- Top up winter-ready screenwash
- Inspect brake, transmission and steering fluids
Kieron’s tip:
“Always top up winter screenwash before the first frost – a clean, antifreeze mix will keep windscreens clear and save precious time waiting for defrosting in the morning.”
Tyres
Grip and stopping distance become critical in wet, icy or gritty conditions.
- Check tread depth (we recommend 4mm in winter)
- Adjust pressures, they drop in cold weather
- Consider switching to winter tyres
- Don’t forget the spare
Kieron’s tip:
“Check tyre pressure when the tyres are cold. Underinflated tyres slip more on wet roads. A simple pump to the correct pressure can make a big difference to braking and handling.”
Lights & Visibility
Shorter days mean your vans spend more time in the dark.
- Test all exterior lights
- Replace weak or dim bulbs
- Clean headlight lenses for full brightness
- Check wipers and defrosters
Heating & Defrosting Systems
Fogged windows cost time and compromise safety.
- Test heaters
- Check front and rear defrosters
- Ensure blowers work properly
Belts & Hoses
Cold weather can cause older components to harden or crack.
- Look for wear, cracks or brittleness
- Check hoses for leaks or softness
- Clean headlight lenses for full brightness
- Check wipers and defrosters
Engine & Exhaust
Colder starts = more strain on the engine.
- Listen for unusual noises
- Check for exhaust leaks
- Inspect the air filter
Underbody & Exterior
Salt and grit accelerate corrosion.
- Inspect for rust or damage
- Apply underbody protection
- Check door and weather seals
Emergency Kit
Every van should carry a basic kit in winter.
- Ice scraper, shovel, jumper cables
- Warm clothing or blanket
- Flashlight and power bank
- First aid kit
- Sand or kitty litter for traction
Fuel & Range Prep
A simple habit that prevents so many callouts.
- Keep your tank at least half full
- For EVs: expect reduced range and plan routes accordingly
Kieron’s tip:
“Keeping your tank topped up not only avoids running out, it also helps prevent fuel lines freezing in extreme cold. For EVs, plan charging points – cold weather can reduce electric van’s range, so a bit of route prep and charging stop planning keeps you moving.”
Why Winter Maintenance Saves Money and Keeps Fleets Moving
Winter isn’t just tough on drivers, it’s tough on your vans too. Every breakdown, delay, or repair costs time and money, and for a business that relies on its fleet every day, those costs quickly add up. The good news is that most winter problems are preventable with a little preparation.
Regular winter maintenance helps your fleet in three key ways:
1. Reduce Breakdowns and Downtime
A van that’s properly prepped is far less likely to fail when you need it most. From batteries and tyres to fluids and brakes, small issues can escalate quickly in cold, wet conditions. By checking these before winter hits, you can avoid costly roadside callouts and lost productivity.
3. Improve Safety and Reliability
A well-maintained van isn’t just cheaper – it’s safer for your drivers and everyone on the road. Proper lighting, brakes, tyres, and heating systems reduce accidents and ensure drivers can complete jobs efficiently, even in the worst weather.
2. Lower Repair Costs
Ignoring winter wear and tear often leads to bigger repairs later. For example:
- Underinflated tyres wear unevenly, leading to premature replacement.
- Frozen or low fluids can damage engines.
- Rust and corrosion accelerate if the underbody isn’t checked.
Taking proactive steps now can save hundreds (or even thousands) in repairs over the season.
4. Longer Vehicle Lifespan
Regular winter checks help your vans last longer. Preventative care reduces strain on the engine, brakes, and bodywork, keeping vehicles reliable for years and lowering your overall fleet costs.
Kieron adds: “Vans are a big investment. Protect them through winter, and you extend their life. It’s that simple.”
Get Your Fleet Winter-Ready with Pace Van Hire
Preparing your vans for winter doesn’t have to be complicated, and you don’t have to do it alone. At Pace, we take the guesswork out of winter maintenance with our free winter health check for all customers.
Our technicians go through the same comprehensive checklist we’ve outlined here, covering everything from batteries and fluids to tyres, brakes, lights, and heating systems. A quick check now can save you time, money, and stress later in the season.
Kieron explains:
We offer the winter check for free because keeping your vans reliable isn’t just good for business, it’s good for your drivers’ safety and peace of mind. A little preparation goes a long way.
About the Author:
Louis Verrico
CEO of Pace Van Hire
Louis Verrico is the third-generation leader at Pace Van Hire, a trusted family-run business rooted in South London since the 1950s. Since joining the company in 2008, Louis has been instrumental in transforming the business from its car dealership origins into a premier provider of long-term and affordable van hire across New Cross, Croydon, and Eltham. Under his leadership, the company has expanded through three branches, focusing on quality service, innovation, and growth while staying true to its family values and customer-first ethos
Speak to our team.
If you are looking to hire a van long term and want to know more about our business contract hire packages, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You shouldn’t settle for second best when it comes to keeping your company operating efficiently. Give us a call on 020 7277 9853 or email info@pacevanhire.com for a swift response.
