Van Lights: Making the Right Choice For Your Commercial Van
When it comes to your business van, you need to make sure it is built to last. However, there will come a time when you need to upgrade or repair parts to keep them on the road for longer. One of the most neglected areas can be the headlights. Starting in 2021, motorists can be hit with a £100 on the spot if they are found to be driving with a defective headlight. That can be a cost that you don’t need to pay out as a business owner.
LED Headlights
On a lot of the older vans, the bulbs that are used are incandescent bulbs. If you are not familiar with these types of bulbs, they are the old fashioned style that have a habit of blowing when you least expect it. Changing your lights to LED bulbs can help you to save money as they use less energy and won’t blow as often. They even provide better lighting when you are driving which is great when you have to work late nights. Some people are concerned that changing the bulbs to LEDs will cause your van to fail the MOT. This isn’t true as long as they are fitted properly and fall under the requirements for the light patterns.
Van Interior Lights
Having interior lights in your van can help to make your van the ideal mobile workplace. Being able to use your van in any condition is essential, especially if you have to work outside in the elements. Having the back of your van kitted out as a mobile workshop is only as good as your lighting. Fitting out your van should not be a difficult job and can be easily installed as part of a refit. However, you don’t even need to wait for a refit as they can be easily added or upgraded. There is a huge variety of interior lights that can be fitted depending on your needs.
Van Light Bars
Lights bars are one of those items that you might not realise that you need until you have tried one for the first time. As we have said, your van is a mobile work space and it needs to be fitted out as such. The standard lights that come with your van will not be enough to light up a work area, especially if you have to work outside of your van, not just in the back. Having a light bar with multiple settings for flashing and colour changing is a great way to let other people know that you are there. This can be an excellent safety feature if you have to work at a roadside.
Strip Lights For Vans
If you are tight on space but still need some extra light, you may want to consider trying out strip lights. As the name suggests, these lights come in small strips that are easily affixed to the inside of your van and run using a low voltage. Strip lights are an excellent choice for interior lights, including in the cab for extra light when the little overhead bulb isn’t cutting it. The size of the strips means they can be fitted nearly anywhere and they come in a variety of sizes and bulb strengths.
Van Roof Lights
The roof lights we are talking about should not be confused with a small sunroof in your van, Although they can be very useful for ventilation and letting natural light in. Roof lights are any type of light that can be fitted to the inside or the outside of your van. If you are working outside a lot, one of the most popular choices is the external spotlight. Some of these spot lights can be adjusted to shine light in different directions, giving you more light in your work space. However, you can also use static lights which cannot be moved, such as a light bar. The type of light that you decide on for the exterior of your van will determine on the way that you will be using it.
Warning Lights
Flashing beacons and warning lights can be a lifesaver when you are working outside, and we mean this literally. One of the biggest issues about working outside is other people who are not looking for you. Having a warning light on your van can help show people that you and your team are working in the area, and hopefully they will be more mindful with their behaviour. This is particularly useful if you need to work at a road side, day or night. Orange lights are the standard go-to colour for flashing work lights as blue is reserved for the emergency services.
Work Lights
Work lights are an essential part of your tool kit when working outdoors. The difference between standard van lights and work lights is that work lights are designed to flood the area with light so that you and your team can work safely. They also need to be adjustable and be directed. LED lights are a great choice for a work light as they give a bright colourless light to work in. Work lights can be fitted to the inside or the outside of your van so you can work anywhere.
Kitting out your van with various lights can seem like a tough job but it is one of these things that is easier than it looks and is worth it when completed. Your work van should not just be a vehicle to get you from A to B, or a dumping place for your tools. Your van has the potential to become a fully fitted mobile workshop that allows you to work anywhere and at any time. Have a look at the range of LED lights for the interior and exterior of your van to see how you can take your van, and your business, to the next level. If you have any questions, our friendly staff is ready to help you with any questions.