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  3. Van walkaround checklist

The webuyanyvan walkaround checklist

You should always check the van or pickup you are driving as part of your daily routine. VOSA (now called DVSA) have the power to stop and check your van at any time.

WeBuyAnyVan - Walk Around Checklist

Use the white tick boxes in each section to check off what you have confirmed.

WeBuyAnyVan - Check lights and indicators work properly

LIGHTS

CHECK FROM INSIDE

Check that:

  • all lights and indicators work correctly;
  • all lenses are present, clean and are the correct colour;
  • stop lamps come on when the service brake is applied and go out when released;
  • marker lights are present and work;
  • all dashboard warning lamps work correctly including:
    • ABS;
    • airbags (SRS);
    • EPS w full beam headlamp warning lamp;
    • parking brake warning lamp.
WeBuyAnyVan - Check horn and steering work properly

HORN AND STEERING

CHECK FROM INSIDE

Check that:

  • horn control is easily accessible from driver’s seat;
  • horn works when its control is operated;
  • steering has no excessive play.
WeBuyAnyVan - Check washers and wipers work properly

WASHERS AND WIPERS

CHECK FROM INSIDE

Check that:

  • wipers move continually when switched on
  • wiper blades are not so deteriorated that they don’t clear the windscreen effectively when used with washers;
  • washers point at the windscreen and are operational;
  • washer fluid is topped up.
WeBuyAnyVan - Check all mirrors are aligned and secure

MIRRORS AND GLASS

CHECK FROM INSIDE

Check that:

  • all mirrors that should be there are properly aligned and secure;
  • your view of the road in all directions isn’t obscured by damaged or discoloured glass or obstructions such as stickers.
WeBuyAnyVan - Check all Seatbelts are operating properly

SEATS AND SEATBELTS

CHECK FROM INSIDE

Check that:

  • seats are secure;
  • seatbelts operate correctly and are free from cuts and damage.
WeBuyAnyVan - Check hand and foot brakes operate properly

BRAKES

CHECK FROM INSIDE

Check that:

  • foot / service brake works correctly and does not have any excessive travel;
  • hand / parking brake works correctly and does not have any excessive travel.
WeBuyAnyVan - Check battery helds in place and doesnt leak

BATTERY

CHECK UNDER BONNET

Check that:

  • battery is held securely in place by the correct means and not cables;
  • battery is not leaking.
WeBuyAnyVan - Check all doors and bodywork

BODYWORK AND DOORS

CHECK FROM OUTSIDE

Check that:

  • all doors shut properly and are secure when closed;
  • there are no sharp edges or damage;
  • no body panels are loose or in danger of falling off.
WeBuyAnyVan - Check from outside as much as of all the tyres and wheels

TYRES AND WHEELS

CHECK FROM OUTSIDE

Check as much of your tyres and wheels as you can see. There must be:

  • a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm;
  • sufficient inflation of each tyre;
  • no deep cuts in the sidewall;
  • no cord visible anywhere on the tyre;
  • no missing or insecure wheel-nuts.

Failing to ensure a tyre is safe and legal can result in receiving 3 penalty points on your licence per tyre.

WeBuyAnyVan - Check any load

LOAD

CHECK FROM OUTSIDE

Check that:

  • any load is adequately secured;
  • van doors have an effective locking device.
  • you are not overloaded, you can be fined and / or given penalty points on your licence.
WeBuyAnyVan - Check that tow bars and tail lifts are secure

TOW BARS AND TAIL LIFTS

CHECK FROM OUTSIDE

Check that:

  • tow bar is secure and any trailer is correctly and securely attached with all electrical connections working correctly;
  • tail lift is secure and free from damage, functions correctly and the electrics are working correctly.
WeBuyAnyVan - Check exhaust doesn’t emit excessive smoke

EXHAUST

CHECK FROM OUTSIDE

Check that:

  • exhaust doesn’t emit excessive amounts of smoke.
WeBuyAnyVan - Check that fluids, fuel and oil levels are correct;

FLUIDS, FUEL AND OIL

CHECK UNDER BONNET

Check that:

  • brake fluid, engine coolant, engine oil, power steering fluid, windscreen washer fluid and water levels are correct;
  • fuel filler cap is securely fitted;
  • there are no brake fluid, power steering fluid and water leaks by looking for puddles on the ground - if leaks are detected trace the cause.
  • washer fluid is topped up.

With the engine on, check:

  • underneath the van for any fuel and oil leaks looking for puddles on the ground.