Larger than cars and smaller than trucks, vans are the perfect solution for those who need to carry bulky loads but still want to use a relatively inexpensive and compact vehicle. Whether you're using a rented van or one you own, knowing a few simple rules of the road will help ensure your safety and that of the people around you.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Drive
Step 1. Adjust the seat and mirrors
Move the seat until you can reach the pedals comfortably without losing sight of the mirrors. Adjust these so you can clearly see the road and a small part of the side of the van. Since vans are vehicles designed to transport loads, they often do not have a central rear-view mirror, so the side mirrors become even more important.
Some vans have extendable side mirrors, designed for those using trailers. When you've coupled a trailer, adjust the mirrors so that when the van and trailer are perfectly aligned, only a small portion of the trailer is visible
Step 2. Get familiar with the dashboard
Unlike trucks, many modern vans have car-like dashboards. However, the icons and indicators may be arranged differently or have an unusual appearance, so take a good look at them to get to know them. Pay attention to the special features of large vehicles, such as multiple tanks or modern ones, such as rear cameras.
If you cannot understand what the different hands indicate or what the icons represent, consult the user manual
Step 3. Arrange the load evenly and secure it with bungee cords
Many vans, especially commercial ones, are designed to hold large packages and bulky furniture. When transporting multiple items, distribute the weight as evenly as possible across the van's loading floor. To prevent them from moving during transport, secure them with elastic cords tied to the hooks inside the vehicle.
Step 4. Do not exceed the load limit
If you're carrying heavy items, make sure you don't exceed the van's load limit. This way you will avoid damaging the vehicle and you will be sure that it will not behave unexpectedly on the road. This value is usually indicated in the user manual. If you can't find it, search the internet for the model of the van or contact the dealer from which you rented or purchased the vehicle.
Step 5. If necessary, think about insurance or certifications
If you are borrowing or renting the van, be sure to take out temporary insurance for the period you will be using it. Depending on the area you live in and the size of the vehicle you may need to request specific certifications before you can drive it. To find out if special certifications are required, contact your local DMV.
Step 6. Practice driving the van in empty parking lots and low traffic streets
Driving a van isn't easy to get used to, so practice a little before you hit the road. Empty parking lots and traffic-free secondary roads are ideal for testing the acceleration, braking and curves of the vehicle without putting anyone's safety at risk.
Part 2 of 3: Drive safely
Step 1. Drive with both hands on the wheel at all times
Regardless of the vehicle you are using, always follow this advice. To have as much control as possible, imagine that the steering is a clock; keep your hands at 9 and 3 o'clock. This is especially important for vans, because if you don't hold the steering wheel well, you can lose control of the vehicle and cause a tip over.
Step 2. Leave a greater distance between you and other vehicles
Vans are heavier and stronger than regular cars, so they take longer to brake. To compensate for the problem, increase the safety distance from the vehicles in front of you. As a rule, leave at least 4 seconds of distance before the car in front of you.
To calculate the distance to the car in front of you, wait for the car to pass an object or road sign. As soon as it does, it counts how many seconds pass until you reach the same reference too
Step 3. Obey the specific speed limits for vans
Depending on the area you are in and the exact size, the van may be subject to special speed restrictions, different from those imposed on normal cars. In many cases the limits will be 15 km / h lower than those allowed. To find out if the area you live in has specific speed limits for vans, contact your local DMV or search the internet.
Step 4. Slow down more than usual when you need to turn
The vans are tall and narrow, so they can risk tipping over. You usually don't take any chances on straight roads, but you need to be more careful when cornering. To minimize the likelihood of an accident, slow down to 7-15km / h before making sharp turns.
Step 5. Make large turns
To avoid hitting sidewalks, road signs, and other vehicles, make sure the van is in the far right or left lane, depending on the direction of the turn. Check that the other vehicles are far enough apart so that you don't risk hitting them with your side when cornering. At that point he completes the curve, waiting to have passed the intersection long enough not to hit other cars with the rear of the van.
Step 6. Check your mirrors before reversing or changing lanes
Before changing lanes or driving backwards, activate the turn signal (or “arrow”) to communicate your intentions. Then check all the mirrors for other cars and pedestrians. If the van has a clear rear window, turn your head and look through the glass to make sure there are no cars in the blind spot.
If necessary, get out of the van to check your surroundings before reversing
Step 7. Be careful when walking under bridges and other low points
While vans aren't as tall as trucks, they are considerably larger than regular cars, so they might not go under particularly low bridges. Before proceeding under an overpass, check the signs indicating the maximum height of vehicles that can pass. Change route if you notice your van is too high.
Most major bridges are high enough for trucks to pass through, so pay particular attention to old bridges and bridges found in small towns, as well as gas station and fast-food covers
Part 3 of 3: Park Properly
Step 1. Park in large, clear and specific areas
Vans are usually longer than passenger cars and need more parking space. When entering a traditional car park, look for side areas where you can park in an S shape, free areas with more seats to occupy or areas specifically designated for large vehicles. If none of these options are available, use common sense and park carefully, wait for them to become vacant, or find another parking space.
Step 2. Reverse the parking spaces, so you can get out more easily
If possible you should park in reverse. To do this, stop in front of the parking space, brake and put it in the back. Watch the mirrors to make sure the area is clear, then turn the steering wheel to the vacant seat and gently release the brake. Slowly reverse, changing direction if necessary.
Ask a friend to help you or place a pin behind the vehicle to make reversing easier
Step 3. Parallel parking when normal parking spaces are not available
Find a space large enough for your van and stop next to the car that is after that space. Put your car in reverse and take your foot off the brake. When the window is aligned with the rear bumper of the car at your side, turn the steering wheel towards the parking space and continue to roll back. Once the van is at 45 °, turn the steering wheel towards the street and continue in reverse until it is fully occupied.
Step 4. Apply the parking brake
Vans are larger and heavier than passenger cars, so the risk of them moving while stationary is higher. To avoid this problem, be sure to apply the parking brake (also called the “handbrake”) every time you get out of the vehicle. You can usually control it with a pedal located under the steering wheel or with a lever next to the gearbox. If you can't find it, consult the user manual.
- To avoid damaging the vehicle, apply the brake only when the van is completely stopped.
- Remember to release the brake before starting to drive.
