Source: wikiHow
Larger than cars and smaller than semi trucks, vans are a perfect solution for people who need to transport a lot of things but still want to use a relatively cheap and compact vehicle. Whether you’re renting a van or using your own, knowing some simple rules of the road will help keep you and everyone around you safe.
Before driving your van, make sure to move the seat so you can comfortably reach the pedals. Then, adjust the side mirrors so you can see the adjacent roads and only a small amount of the van. When driving, leave at least 4 seconds of distance between you and other vehicles. Be sure to slow down before making turns, and remember to turn wide to avoid collisions. Before passing under low ledges, check the posted clearance sign to make sure your van can fit underneath. To learn tips about parking your van, read on!
- 1 Adjust your seat and mirrors. Move your seat until you can reach the pedals comfortably while still seeing all your mirrors. Adjust your mirrors so that you can clearly view the adjacent roads and just a small amount of the van’s edge. Since they’re designed to hold cargo, many vans do not include a rear-view mirror, making your side mirrors more important.[1]
- Some vans have extendable side mirrors designed for people carrying trailers. When using this feature, adjust the mirrors so that when the van and trailer are perfectly aligned, you can see a tiny bit of the trailer.
- 2 Familiarize yourself with the dashboard. Unlike semi trucks, most modern vans have similar dashboards to cars.
However, the gauges and icons may look or be arranged differently, so take some time to learn their design and placement. Keep an eye out for features specific to larger vehicles, like multiple gas tanks, or modern vehicles, like dashboard cameras.
- If you have trouble figuring out what different gauges or icons represent, consult your user manual.
- 3 Load your cargo evenly and secure it with bungee cords. Many vans, especially cargo vans, are built to accommodate large packages and bulky furniture. When packing multiple items, distribute weight as evenly as possible between the front, rear, left, and right sides of the van. To keep items from shifting during transit, hold them in place with bungee cords strapped to the van’s interior hook holes.
- 4 Stay under the weight limit. If you’re hauling cargo, make sure whatever you pack stays within your van’s hauling limit. This will prevent potential auto damage and ensure the van drives correctly. This number is typically listed in your van’s user manual. If you cannot find the number, search the van’s model online or contact the dealership you purchased or rented it from.[2]
- 5 Acquire van insurance or certification if necessary. If you are borrowing or renting a van, make sure you purchase temporary insurance for the time you intend to use it. Depending on your area and the size of the van, you may need to apply for local or state certification before legally driving the vehicle. To check if your area requires such certification, contact your local branch of the Department of Motor Vehicles.[3]
- 6 Practice driving the van in empty parking lots and small streets. Vans can be difficult to adjust to, so take some time to practice your driving skills before actually heading out on the road. Empty parking lots and small, unoccupied streets are perfect places to test how the van accelerates, brakes, and turns without putting yourself and others in unnecessary danger.[4]
- 1 Drive with 2 hands firmly on the wheel. No matter what vehicle you’re using, it’s important to keep 2 hands on the wheel at all times. To give yourself maximum control, imagine that your steering wheel is a clock and keep your hands at the 9-o’clock and 3-o’clock positions. This is particularly important for vans because, if you don’t keep a firm grasp…
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