Owning a mobile medical van can really help your organization. It allows you to bring healthcare to people who face barriers to healthcare, such as not being able to get to a hospital. But, if you’re thinking about getting one of these vans, you probably have a big question: What are the costs for mobile medical van maintenance every year?
You might have searched a lot and found different answers. This can be confusing and stressful. You’re not alone; many organizations worry about this, too. Maintenance costs are important because they affect your budget. Knowing these costs can help you decide if getting a mobile medical van is a good idea and feasible for your budget.
At AVAN Mobility, we get it. We’ve been making mobile medical vans for over 10 years. We’re experts in this field and are dedicated to making sure everyone has equal access to healthcare. We do that by working with organizations like yours that care about making a positive difference in people who require healthcare.
In this article, you will learn about the costs of maintaining a mobile medical van each year. We’ll explain everything, from regular maintenance to unexpected engine repairs, so you know what to expect. If you’re planning to buy a new mobile health van, this guide will help you make smart budgeting choices well into the future.
Keep in mind that all pricing mentioned in this article is just a rough estimate and is subject to change at any time.
Annual general maintenance expenses for mobile medical vans
Maintaining a mobile medical van involves several regular expenses to keep it running smoothly. Here are the main costs you need to plan for each year:
Fuel expenses
Fuel is a big part of the annual maintenance costs for a mobile medical van. On average, you can expect the following:
Cost: $125.00 per tank
Mileage: A full tank lasts approximately 300 miles
Factors: The mileage can vary based on:
- Highway driving
- City driving
- Amount of idling
How do you calculate fuel mileage expenses annually?
Let’s assume your mobile medical van drives approximately 15,000 miles per year. Divide that amount by 300 miles per tank, and you’ll have 50 tanks.
Now, take the number of tanks per year, which is 50, and times that by the cost per tank, which is $125.00. That calculation results in $6,250 per year on fuel.
Planning your routes efficiently and monitoring fuel usage can help manage these costs.
Oil changes
Regular oil changes are essential for keeping the engine of your mobile medical van in good condition. This includes:
Cost: Approximately $300 – $600 per year
Tasks included in these costs:
- Oil changes
- Filter replacements
- Fluid level checks
These maintenance tasks help ensure that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently, preventing more costly repairs down the line.
Windshield wipers and filters
Windshield wipers and cabin filters are important for maintaining a safe and comfortable vehicle. A cabin air filter is a part of a vehicle’s ventilation system that helps clean the air entering the car’s interior, removing dust, pollen, and other airborne particles to improve air quality for passengers.
Cost: $100 – $200 per year
Tasks included in these costs:
- Replacing windshield wipers
- Replacing cabin air filters
Tires
Tires are another maintenance expense to be mindful of. Regular tire maintenance ensures the safety and efficiency of your mobile medical van:
Cost: $300 – $800 annually
Tasks included in these costs:
- Regular tire rotations
- Tire replacements
Mileage: Tires typically need to be replaced every 50,000 – 80,000 miles
Well-maintained tires improve the vehicle’s handling and performance, ensuring a smoother and safer ride for your healthcare team and patients.
Brakes
Brakes are one of the most important safety components of your mobile medical van. Regular inspections and replacements are necessary to ensure they are in good working order:
Cost: $300 – $700 per year
Tasks included in these costs:
- Brake inspections
- Replacing brake pads, rotors, and other components, if necessary
Maintaining brakes on a mobile medical van is important for the safety of passengers and medical staff. It allows for reliable stops during transportation.
Is any specialized equipment maintenance required for mobile medical vans?
Maintaining your mobile medical van also involves paying attention to your equipment so everything runs smoothly.
Medical tools, like blood pressure monitors and EKG machines, need regular calibration and servicing to stay accurate. This typically costs between $1,000 to $2,000 per year.
Why is calibration important?
- Accuracy: Ensures reliable diagnostic results.
- Compliance: Keeps you in line with healthcare standards.
- Safety: Prevents equipment malfunctions.
Additionally, your van’s generator powers all the medical equipment. It requires regular tune-ups, which cost around $100 to $200 per year.
Are there other costs for repairs and unexpected maintenance with mobile medical vans?
While regular maintenance keeps your mobile medical van running smoothly, unexpected repairs can occur. Being prepared for these surprises can save you a lot of stress and money in the future.
During warranty period
If your van is still under warranty, most repairs should be covered. However, to ensure these repairs are taken care of without additional cost, you must go with a vendor certified by the vehicle’s manufacturer.
Engine and transmission repairs
Cost: $1,000 to $2,000 per year
Engine and transmission issues can be significant and costly. Budgeting around $1,000 to $2,000 annually for these unexpected repairs can make a huge difference if something goes wrong.
Electrical and plumbing system repairs
Cost: $500 to $1,000 per year
Your van’s electrical and plumbing systems are important for its functionality. These systems can sometimes fail, and repairs can add up. Planning an annual budget of $500 to $1,000 for these repairs is a smart move.
Should you create a repair fund?
One of the best practices is to set aside money each year in a repair fund. Think of it as a “rainy day” fund for your van. When you make deposits into this fund annually, you won’t be caught off guard when a costly repair comes up.
This fund is there so you can always afford necessary repairs without disrupting your operations. Being proactive about repair costs means you can handle unexpected maintenance surprises more easily.
What other annual fees should you account for?
Beyond just repairs and maintenance, here are a couple of final costs to consider.
Vehicle inspections and certifications
Cost: $100 to $300 per year
Your van needs regular state inspections and certifications to stay safe and legal. These checks help find and fix problems early, keeping everything running smoothly.
Cleaning and sanitization
Cost: $500 to $1,000 per year
Cleaning and sanitizing your mobile health unit keeps it safe and pleasant for patients and staff. It helps prevent the spread of infections and creates a more welcoming environment.
Curious about how to maintain your mobile clinic?
What is the total annual maintenance cost you can expect with mobile medical vans?
Based on the mobile medical van maintenance costs highlighted in this article, you can expect to pay between $3,000 and $8,000. Your specific annual costs will vary depending on what you use your mobile medical unit for and how often you use it.
When it comes to the annual maintenance costs of mobile medical units, a general rule of thumb is that the larger the unit, the larger the expenses. For example, a mobile medical RV or bus will cost much more to maintain than a mobile medical van.
Want to learn more about mobile medical van costs?
You came to this article to learn more about the annual costs of mobile medical van maintenance.
Now that you better understand some of the costs involved, you might be wondering what to do next. We encourage you to read our article on the cost of a mobile medical van. This article will give you a rough idea of how much your organization will be paying for one of these life-saving vehicles. Watch the video below if you prefer to learn about that in video format instead!
You should also read our article on mobile medical van customization. This article will give you an idea of what’s possible with your healthcare unit.
At AVAN Mobility, we try to provide as much information as possible so you can make a fully informed decision about your purchase. If you have any other specific questions related to the cost of a mobile medical unit, click the button below and talk to a mobility expert today.
