Do you have a commercial vehicle problem? Honest John Vans has the answers you need.
Q: Can I retrofit air con to my Ford Transit van?
I have a 2017 Ford Transit van that came without air conditioning. In the summer months, it is a pretty hot and sticky ride. Do you know of any companies that can offer an aftermarket fitment?
A: It’s a big job, which will probably set you back £2,000+ before VAT. I’m unable to recommend a specific company, but your local Ford dealer may be able to help. However, the cheapest option will probably be an independent garage that specialises in air conditioning.
Q: Does my Volkswagen Caddy van use a cam belt or timing chain?
My 2018 Volkswagen Caddy 1.0-litre TSI is booked in for its service and MoT. A short while ago they phoned to say that the cam belt and water pump are due for a change. Does this van use a cam belt? And why do I need to have the belt and water pump changed at the same time?
A: The 1.0 TSI petrol Caddy van uses a cam belt. I’d suggest getting it changed every five years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first). It’s a good idea to change the water pump at the same time, as a pump failure can be just as catastrophic for the engine as a belt snapping.
Q: How can I upgrade my Euro5 Nissan Navara’s engine to meet the ULEZ standards?
I’m going to buy a 2016 Nissan Navara. How much would it cost for me to upgrade it for the London ULEZ?
A: It is not feasible to upgrade a Euro5 Navara to Euro6. These are two very different engine emission standards that are verified when the vehicle is first designed and built. And even if you could upgrade the engine, the costs would likely exceed the value of the pick-up. And it is unlikely Transport for London would recognise or approve sudh a modification for an exemption from the ULEZ.
Q: Are the engines in the Volkswagen Transporter T5 reliable?
I need a practical and dependable van but my budget will only stretch to a used Volkswagen Transporter T5 from 2004 to 2008. Are the engines in these vans any good?
A: The 1.9 and 2.5 diesels are good engines, but the van you buy will only be as reliable as its service history. As a minimum, the van should have a maintenance record that shows a yearly service and oil change. Mechanically the T5 is robust, but flywheel failures are common. Signs of failure include rattling from the engine, juddering or vibrations through the steering wheel.
Q: Should I buy a petrol or diesel van?
I need to buy a newish Euro6 van. Should I buy a diesel or petrol?
A: Petrol if you plan to use the van for trips of 15 miles or less on a daily basis. Diesel if you travel more than 15 miles.
It’s important to note that diesel vans are not suitable for lots of short journeys, as this will not allow the engine to reach its optimum operating temperature. It will also prevent the DPF (diesel particulate filter) from successfully completing its regeneration cycle – which is required to burn off the soot it collects and prevent a costly blockage.
