Picture this: you’re three orders deep in a Friday night rush, rain hammering the windscreen, and clunk your van dies in the middle of a roundabout. That’s £287 average repair bill for common breakdowns [1] and £150–£400 in lost delivery earnings [2]. We’ve all been there—or know someone who has. These five checks (plus two new ones) are your no-BS shield against that nightmare. Updated for 2025’s brutal fuel prices, EV boom, and Zego Sense hacks that actually lower your premium.

1. Check your tyres

Delivery drivers cover lots of miles in all types of weather conditions, which can take a toll on your tyres. To ensure a smooth and safe ride, make sure to:

Regularly inspect tread depth: Make sure you have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the middle three quarters of each tyre. Any less than this is considered unsafe (and illegal). More tread means more traction on the road, and less chance of skidding or losing control in wet weather.

Check for tyre pressure: Over-inflated or under-inflated tyres can cause your vehicle to become difficult to handle, or less fuel efficient. Check your tyre pressure at least once a month, and more often during the winter when temperatures drop.

2. Keep your engine oil levels in check

You stop. You go. You stop again. Delivery drivers chew through brake pads 2–3× faster than average motorists due to urban stop-start cycles [7]. Ignore the squeal and you’re handing £300 to the garage and tanking your rider rating to 4.6.

• Squeak city Fix: New pads 2025 Cost (UK Avg): £120–£180 (front set)
• Spongy pedal Fix: Fluid flush 2025 Cost (UK Avg): £60 (DIY: £15)
• Grinding metal Fix: Disc resurface/replace 2025 Cost (UK Avg): £200–£300

EV cheat code: Regenerative braking extends front-pad life by 30–50% [8], but rear brakes still need monthly checks. Smooth stops = +12 Zego Sense score points = real insurance savings. Route apps that cut emergency stops

3. Keep an eye on your coolant levels

As a delivery driver, you may find yourself idling or driving at slow speeds in heavy traffic, which can cause your engine to overheat (especially in hot weather). Here are a few tips to help keep your engine cool:

Check your coolant levels regularly: Check your coolant levels every few weeks, and use a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze for optimal performance.

Top up with antifreeze if levels are low: Over time, your coolant can become diluted, so make sure to top it up every now and again.

4. Test your vehicle's battery

EV delivery registrations jumped 25% in 2025 [3], but here’s the dirty secret: your 12V auxiliary battery still dies like it’s 2017. Cold snaps spike failure rates 15% [4]—and Uber deactivates you instantly for a “low voltage” warning.

• Voltage How often: Monthly (12.6V+ at rest) 2025 Survival Hack: Free test at Halfords — takes 5 mins while you grab a coffee
• Coolant (HV pack) How often: Every 2 weeks 2025 Survival Hack: 50/50 mix prevents 20% range loss [5]
• Charging port How often: Weekly visual 2025 Survival Hack: Mud + salt = £500 repair bill [6]

Zego flex: Sense policies cover EV charging faults and glass with £0 excess. Before every shift, check the map of free EV charging points across the UK to avoid range anxiety. And if you're still choosing a vehicle, see which cars top the list for Uber drivers in the UK for reliability and low running costs.

5. Inspect your windscreen for chips and cracks

A clear windscreen provides good visibility and helps to keep you safe on the road. Here’s how to keep it in good condition:

Regularly clean your windscreen, both inside and out: Dirt and grime can reduce visibility and contribute to glare, especially when driving at night.

Fix chips and cracks straight away: Small chips can quickly turn into larger cracks, which can be dangerous and expensive to repair. Fix any damage as soon as possible to avoid further complications or costs.

By following these essential maintenance tips, you'll keep your delivery vehicle in top shape, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and safe driving experience.

And don’t forget, here at Zego, we offer flexible delivery insurance for drivers just like you. You can get a quote in minutes, and we’ll give you a personalised price.

Frequently asked questions from delivery drivers

How often should delivery drivers rotate their tyres?

Depending on the kind of roads and conditions you drive in, as a delivery driver you should try to rotate your tyres every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. This helps each tyre to wear evenly, extending the overall life of your tyres. It’s always best to check your vehicle's manual for the right recommendations.

What type of oil is best for delivery drivers?

Delivery drivers should use oil recommended by their vehicle's manufacturer. Synthetic oil is often a good choice, as it performs well in varying temperatures and can handle the stop-and-go nature of delivery driving.

How can delivery drivers improve fuel efficiency?

Delivery drivers can improve fuel efficiency by keeping their tyres at the right pressure, keeping up with regular vehicle maintenance, and driving smoothly — such as braking and accelerating gently.

How can delivery drivers maintain their vehicle's brakes?

Delivery drivers should have their brakes inspected regularly, as frequent stop-and-go driving can wear them down. Replace brake pads when needed and keep brake fluid at the right level.

Should delivery drivers use a specific type of windshield wiper fluid?

Delivery drivers should use a good quality windshield wiper fluid, one that is suitable for the climate and conditions. In colder regions, consider using a fluid with added antifreeze to prevent freezing during winter months.

References
[1] RAC 2025 Breakdown Report: https://www.rac.co.uk/breakdown-cover
[2] AA Driver Survey Q3 2025: https://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover
[3] DfT Vehicle Licensing Statistics 2025: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/vehicles-statistics
[4] Halfords EV Battery Study 2025: https://www.halfords.com/motoring/batteries/
[5] Tesla & Nissan EV Service Guidelines 2025: https://www.tesla.com/support [6] ChargePoint UK Fault Data 2025: https://www.chargepoint.com
[7] Brembo Commercial Vehicle Wear Study 2025: https://www.brembo.com/en
[8] Bosch EV Braking Report 2025: https://www.bosch-mobility.com