Low Cost Vans

Is your van more than just a tool to get you from point A to point B? Is it something that you want to show off to the world, to turn heads as you drive past like a glistening Ferrari winding its way through the streets of Monte Carlo? Then you need to accessorise. Or to put it another way – you need to pimp your van. But not with just any old accessories. There are plenty of add-ons out there which will not only make your ride look that much sharper, but also have plenty of practical uses, too. To begin with, try adding some alloy wheels, which will not only give you instant bling appeal, but will make your van easier to drive by reducing unsprung mass. Tinted windows are another way to achieve that “gangsta” look, but they also do a pretty good job of keeping the interior contents out of view from nosy neighbours. Nudge bars attached to the front will add a touch of attitude, but will also protect from potential damage. While at the back, window grilles can save you from flying stone...

We’ve all seen those stickers warning us that “no tools are left in this van overnight.” But while this might deter the odd opportunist from doing a quick smash and grab on your vehicle, after spending all that time and money picking out the perfect van, do you really want to risk leaving it to an adhesive label to defend against the cunning criminals in search of an easy target? For the more security minded, there are several ways to beef up your defences, ranging from the cheap and the cheerful to the latest in surveillance technology wizardry. At one end of the scale are the good old-fashioned physical deterrents. Along with stickers, you can easily pick up a steering wheel lock or a wheel clamp without breaking the bank. But for the ultimate peace of mind, you could splash out on a monthly subscription and install your van with its very own tracking device, which means stolen vehicles can be hunted down via GPS. When it comes to locks, the doors can be further bolstered with a few ...

It’s a good feeling when you set foot into a vehicle with that ‘new-car feel’, something about the smell and how clean it all is. So refreshing! But after more than a few journeys with crumbly food, other passengers, and general grime build up, cars can quickly lose that feel. Here are some top tips to ensure it stays that way for years and years rather than just that first couple of weeks. Prepare This must be one of the golden rules of any task and sure is necessary for a clean car. Give your car a nice look over to see which areas need extra attention and what materials are necessary. Check out the dashboard, air vents, headline, seats, carpets and floor mats Assemble a basket of materials: Luckily a lot of these house hold cleaners already exist in our homes so grab your favourites. Extras include bristled brushes, washcloths, sponges, and stain remover A good vacuum cleaner with an extension hose/handheld attachments is a must, and will properly get to all those nooks Time t...

Without debate, the relationship you have with your car is an important one. Who else is going to take you to work every day and listen to you sing at the top of your lungs? So it’s a no brainer that we would want to be spending all that time in a clean environment. But your beautiful new four wheeled friend won’t stay that way forever, at least not without regular maintenance from their beloved owner – aka you! So here are a few tips to keep your vehicle in tip top shape: After Purchase scrub: If you’re lucky to enough to be the owner of a brand new vehicle then treat it to a full exterior detail and a coat of wax. That’ll show everyone you’re already proving to be a trusty vehicle owner indeed. Evaluate the condition of your vehicle: Before any cleaning, check which areas of your vehicle are looking a bit shabby and only tend to those. Why take more time than you need? Scrub scrub scrub: Unfortunately the best thing for a car is a thorough hand wash, get a bucket of water, car ...

Technology – it can amaze but also terrify you. Particularly when it’s capable of knowing all about you, as the recent Facebook headlines have highlighted. So there’s likely some mixed feelings about the latest development for drivers in Dubai… Next month there’ll be a trial that will see number plates go digital in the UAE’s capital city. But along with digital screens they’ll also have GPS and transmitters. On the plus side, it means that if there’s an accident, the technology will make things easier for the emergency services as they’ll be able to identify the location easily. But for those on the more cautious side, it also means that not only will your online life be easily trackable, but your actual one too. And you don’t have to major in conspiracy theories to worry about why this could be a cause for concern. Then there’s the fact that it seems the digital number plates might be linked to bank accounts – apparently payments such as parking fees will be able to be deducted from ...

The motorway can be an intimidating place if you’re not used to it. So, this 4 June, spare a thought for learner drivers who from that date on, will be allowed on the motorway with an approved driving instructor. It’s hoped that this change in the law will help reduce the number of casualties with young drivers, says Transport Secretary Chris Grayling: “Younger drivers are up to seven times more likely to be killed or seriously injured compared with drivers over 25 and lack of experience is an important factor. “Allowing learners to drive on motorways in a supportive environment will help them develop a practical understanding of how to use motorways safely before driving independently.” If you’re one of the many drivers who was let loose onto the motorway without any prior training, we thought it might be handy to revise some of the tips to safe motorway driving… (apologies if we’re getting you to suck eggs here). Getting on to the motorway The first – and perhaps most intimidating - ...

It’s been said that in just two years’ time, by 2020, driverless cars could become the norm. Picture this - families hitting the motorway in the back of their driverless car, all facing each other and chatting as they read, play computer games and do whatever it is they want to do for entertainment. Basically, anything but drive. Sounds ideal until you remember that bout of motion sickness you had when you last read a book on a long bus journey - imagine an entire family feeling queasy in the back of a car! The theory is that motion sickness is caused by a confusion in your body’s sensory inputs. While you’re driving, you’re watching the road and can see that you’re moving, but when you’re sat in the back of a car looking at the seat in-front, or reading a book, motion sickness can strike. This could all spell a bit of a disaster for driverless cars. To combat this risk, researchers at the University of Michigan have been looking into eyewear that could reduce the risk of sickness. The...

When Beth joined Low Cost Vans in a data inputting role six years ago, she admits that she didn’t know the first thing about vans. But as the company has grown, so have Beth’s skills and experience - she is now the company’s Client Relations Manager and Complaints Officer. And she’s just been shortlisted as Employee for the Year for the Business Growth Awards, South Wales. [caption id="attachment_8773" align="alignnone" width="300"] Low Cost Vans supports its staff to excel.[/caption] As well as managing a team of seven people, Beth is responsible for ensuring that any complaints that come LCV’s way are dealt with as well as possible. Whether it’s a scratch on a new car that happened when a dealership was delivering it to a customer; or a query over a detail on a contract, Beth speaks to the person with the complaint and tries to come to a solution that works for both the individual and LCV. If the issue isn’t resolved, the complaint will go to the financ...

Love it or loath it, the drive home for Christmas is a necessary tradition for many. But amid the excitement of getting in the car and being able to legitimately sing Jingle Bells at the top of your voice for the next few hours, there’s a chance you might forget some things… So, here’s a few reminders before you leave your regular residence to travel home for Christmas: • Get a winter check on your car before you go, particularly if you’ve got a long dark journey ahead. You can then sort out any issues and head off knowing that your tyres are ok and your anti-freeze is topped up • Don’t forget to pack your presents! You know how you decided to be organised and buy some presents back in November? Well do remember to bring them with you • Before you leave your house do a quick check that you aren’t leaving any milk or other food to rot away until you return (never a nice homecoming) • And make sure you turn the lights off before you go so that you don’t waste electricity. You might howev...

Thinking of a van for a Christmas Present? Then it might help to know which vans came up trumps in the recent What Van Awards… After a nail biting wait, finalists were announced this week, and here are the headlines: It was a new kid on the block that took the spotlight, with the recently released VW Crafter being crowned the 2018 Light Commercial Vehicle of the Year as well as Large Van of the Year. The new model is said to have been created after consultation with 900 customers to find out exactly what they wanted from a van and the way it operated. Perhaps this is why is was described as ‘the most significant new model to arrive on the UK market during the past 12 months.’ If you’re looking for a smaller van then look no further than the Small Van of the Year, the Ford Transit Courier. Or it’s specifically a light van that you’re after, the Fiat Professional Doblo Cargo won in this category for the third year in a row with its key points being that it has “enduring appeal, quality a...

As any dog owner will know, taking your four legged friend on a long walk is one of the greatest pleasures in life. But next time you take Bouncer to explore a hidden beach or forest miles from your home, make sure you’re aware of a lesser known part of the Highway Code. Or you could end up with a £5,000 fine. Rule 57 of the highway code states: “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.” So if a police officer happens to see you driving along with your furry friend unrestrained and sticking his head out the window in true dog fashion… Instead of thinking it’s cute, they might land you with a fine on the spot, which could be anything from £100 to £5,000. This could all end up quite expensive as research from uSwitch.com found that nearly 70% of drivers travel ...

We’ve all been there. You don’t know how to get somewhere so your friend suggests you follow them in their car. It seems almost cosy, that link with another vehicle on the road, but be careful because a study has shown that following another vehicle in the car can actually be quite dangerous. The study was carried out in Arizona, USA by undergraduate students. Sixteen participants drove through a stimulated city under three different scenarios: One in which they could choose their own route to a destination A second where they had GPS and could listen to directions A third scenario where they had to follow a vehicle as if it was a friend giving them directions And it turned out that the third scenario carried the most risks. As part of the experiment, the driver following the other car was given a number of decision making scenarios such as lights on the verge of changing. It turned out that the pressure of having to keep up with a car and worry about not getting lost was to blam...

If you’re feeling a bit short changed this month, you’re likely not the only one. According to insurance market experts Consumer Intelligence, van insurance premiums have risen by 29.5% on average, with the average annual renewal price now being more than £1,600 for van owners! It’s pretty much all down to something called the Odgen rate – it’s complex to explain – but all related to how much insurers will need to pay when someone suffers a life changing injury. This March the rate went from 2.5% to -0.75% which means that insurers will have to pay out more if someone has life changing injuries. However, insurance for all van drivers have not increased by the same rate. Depending on your age you could have seen a different price rise - drivers aged over the age of 50 have seen premium rises of 38%, whilst drivers aged 25-49 have seen a slightly better (if you can call it that) rate of 27.5%. And what you use your van for has also had an effect on the rise in price you may have seen for...

Brace yourselves… This last week or so may have been a poor attempt at summer but this weekend promises to make up for it (well it’s not scheduled to rain at least). And there’s nothing I love more on sunny days than driving with my windows wide open and feeling the cool, refreshing breeze on me. But there’s one thing that makes driving with the sun on your skin and the wind in your hair even more amazing, and that’s music. Perfect driving music to be specific. But you can’t just put on any music in the car, it’s got to be the right music. Some studies have found that listening to music when driving can cause you to get distracted and lose concentration. However, certain types of music have been said to improve your concentration and actually cause you to drive better. Voila! Music which is too loud or too fast paced can negatively affect your driving but slow rock has been found to increase driver awareness. With that said, power ballads are sure to be the best option and coincidental...

If you’re looking for something a little different to do this summer than look no further… There’s an event that could see you camping out under the stars and nosing around ice cream vans and campers – yes it’s the Classic Van and Pick Up Show! Taking place for the fourth year running, the event will be held at the British Motor Museum in Warwickshire on Sunday, 6 August. It will showcase around 400 vehicles, all light commercial vehicles from years gone by… There’ll be more classics that you can think of but highlights will include pick-ups, campers and police vehicles! It’ll be a great time for all the family with children under 5 getting to go in for free. It’s pretty good value too, look at the prices below: Ticket Prices Adults - £14 Entry or £10 Advanced Children (over 5) - £9 Entry or £6 Advanced Concession - £12 Entry or £10 Advanced Family Package - £39 Now, back to sleeping under the stars… here are the ticket details for camping! Camping Prices 1-2 People - £15pp or £10pp Ad...

Change doesn’t usually spend a long time in my purse, but for the last few months I’ve been clinging on to my old one pound coins for as long as I can. And I’m probably not the only one as it’s been revealed that one in five councils are yet to change their parking metres to accept the new £1 coin. So just like me, drivers up and down the country have been flailing about at car parks in a panic… Should I leave a note to explain why I haven’t paid? Bugger, where’s a pen?! Apparently, some drivers have been sticking their new one pound coins to their dashboards to show that they would have paid if only they could. It’s not surprising when you consider the parking tickets that could merrily be plonked under your windscreen wiper when you return. It’s clearly unfair and thankfully the industry is speaking out against it with the AA asking people to write to their MPs and complain on Facebook, Twitter etc. President of the AA, Edmund King, puts the blame firmly in the council’s hands saying...

It’s summer time. When the skies are blue, there are seas to swim in and fields to skip through, the day to day grind starts to lose its point - why exactly do we spend more time commuting, working and paying bills then enjoying the fresh air? If you’re not rolling your eyes and muttering about responsibilities, then you might want to investigate a phenomenon called #vanlife. It’s one of those recent social media/lifestyle hybrids that twinkles with a whole new approach to living. With its roots in the US, it is essentially about people who have chosen not to pay today’s extortionate rent and instead, kitted out a van with a bed, mini kitchen and then either simply swapped it for their home, or taken to life on the road. Although the concept of living in a van is bigger in the US, it’s taking off here too. Van Monster did some research into that great desk job escapism tool – google – and found that searches for ‘living in a van’ between January 2015 and January 2016 was 480. That was ...

Many a weekday morning and the air around London is filled with the enticing smell of coffee. Normally it’s from commuters having a quick pick-me up on the way into work, but soon it could be coming from the exhaust pipes of London buses… Why you may ask? Well it’s another option in the battle to find more eco friendly bio-fuel. The fuel comes from oil that’s extracted from ground coffee, of which there is increasingly a lot.  Just in the UK for example, we consume half a million tonnes of coffee each year! It’s a volume which could power a city like Manchester says Arthur Kay, the green entrepreneur driving the coffee in buses agenda. He’ll be introducing a coffee run bus to London this summer - keep a nose out for it.  When you’re used to fuelling up at the pump it sounds a little hard to imagine, but unpredictable bio-fuels have been doing the rounds for a while - Sweden at one point used the carcasses of rabbits that had been culled to make fuel. That didn’t go down to well.  Howev...

If you haven’t noticed it’s hot. Very hot. Ideally I’d be lying by a pool somewhere soaking up the rays and drinking a nice cool beer. Instead I find myself in the middle of a very busy week driving around to meet clients in my non-air conditioned car. So over the last couple of days I’ve done some extensive practical research into the best ways to keep cool in transit when you’ve no air con… Here’s my best and most practical findings so far: Get in the car as soon as you’ve had a cold shower in the morning. Wet hair really helps keep you cool. Figure out how your fans work properly! They are the best way to keep the temperature down. But remember that they are most effective when combined with a source of fresh air; it’s best not to open your window all the way though as warm air may flood in - just open it a crack. Ice, ice baby. Back in the 40s and 50s before air con was ever an option, the residents of steamy Arizona invented their own air conditioning – ice. You need to stor...

Just in case it’s gone over your head, there’s been a fair bit of news recently about flying cars and the fact that they’re about to take off. As this could, in years to come, seem like a ludicrous prediction (in 1992, it was predicted that by now we’d have smellovisions - tvs that give off smells…), I won’t give too much opinion on the likelihood or not of flying cars. I don’t want to look ludicrous after all. Instead, here’s an overview of recent news on the subject. According to UK company, Gilo Industries Group, “the world’s first practical flying car” was created by them in 2009. This is the company that helped Bear Grylls fly over Mount Everest by strapping him to a paramotor – a fairly good credential. And as a further vote of confidence for this company, it has just received a £24 million investment from Chinese technology group, Kuang-Chi to double its workforce of 60. Dubbed ‘the Disneyland of engineering’, Gilo Industries Group also sounds a fun place to work. Forget the tir...