Britain's van fleet operators are losing £150 million every year in earnings by failing to carry out simple routine checks on their vehicles, according to a survey by More Th>n Business.

More than 1.3 million vans need breakdown assistance per year, with each incident eating into valuable working hours.

On average, each breakdown results in £114 of lost earnings alone, while the associated repairs can cost thousands more.

But the survey discovered that half of the most common causes of commercial vehicle breakdown could be easily avoided – simply by businesses taking greater care of their vehicles, performing routine checks and understanding basic vehicle maintenance.

By far the most prolific cause of vans breaking down is batteries, while thousands more are put out of action by punctured tyres and overheating engines.

While many may consider these disruptions unavoidable, simple routine checks to the integrity of the tyres, levels of engine fluids and condition of the battery can all dramatically reduce the likelihood of failure.

The top 10 causes of breakdown also include an avoidable mix of driver errors.

Leaving battery-draining lights switched on topped the poll, while motorists locking themselves out of their vehicles caused the third highest volume of calls.

Drivers filling their vans with diesel rather than petrol or vice-versa ranked sixth.

Mike Bowman, head of More Th>n Business, said: “A great deal of time and money could be saved by making simple, routine checks to the vehicle as well as ensuring that motorists are aware of basic vehicle maintenance, such as how to change a wheel or check coolant levels.”

To comicide with the survey, More Th>n Business has launched a van breakdown service costing from £64.75.

‘Roadside Assistance & Recovery’ provides cover anywhere in the UK, and the addition of ‘Doorstep’ increases the service to include home callout.

For details, call 0800 197 5876 or log on to www.morethanbusiness.com.