Maintenance and practical tips
Maintaining your motorhome is not only a necessity, it is also an excellent way to ensure that your vehicle is always ready for adventure, as well as providing significant savings on professional maintenance costs.
With the arrival of autumn, and the consequent drop in temperatures, it is a good idea to make sure your motorhome is ready to face the colder months: from taking care of the heating system to checking the tyres, here is a short autumn motorhome maintenance guide that can help us improve our travelling experience.
Maintenance of heating systems
The heating system is an essential component for coping with the colder months.
Here’s how to make sure it works effectively:
1- Check and clean: start with a complete check of the heating system and continue by cleaning the filters and ducts to ensure optimal distribution of warm air.
2- Check connections: make sure that all electrical and gas connections are secure and well insulated to prevent leaks and alleviate any risk of fire.
3- Function test: we activate the heater before we really need it to check that everything is working properly and to detect any malfunctions.
Checking your tyres
Properly prepared tyres are essential for safety, especially in the autumn and winter season when roads can be wet and slippery.
What are the steps to follow?
1- Checking tyre pressure: tyre compression should be checked and adjusted according to the manufacturer’s specifications but, in colder temperatures, further adjustment may be necessary.
2- Tread inspection: check the tread carefully to ensure that the tyres have adequate traction. When the tread is worn, it is time to replace the tyres!
3- Tyres suitable for the season: all-season or winter tyres, the important thing is to equip yourself with tyres suitable for the season and current regulations, especially if you plan to travel in areas with very low temperatures or snow.
Protection against moisture and condensation
Moisture and condensation can cause mould and damage the interior of a motorhome: a few simple steps can help us prevent these unpleasant problems.
1- Insulation and ventilation: make sure your motorhome is always well insulated but also ventilated, and use products that absorb moisture to help keep the interior dry.
2- Checking seals: check all door and window seals, making sure they are intact and do not allow moisture to enter.
3- Regular heating: maintaining a constant temperature inside your motorhome helps reduce condensation and humidity.
Checking thermal insulation
Checking the thermal insulation of your motorhome is essential to ensure thermal comfort during travel, especially in extreme weather conditions. Good thermal insulation during the cold season is crucial for keeping the heat inside and the cold outside.
A few tips for DIY motor home maintenance regarding thermal insulation:
1- Check the insulation: inspect all areas of the motorhome, including walls, roof, floor and doors looking for any signs of wear and tear, moisture damage or areas where the insulation may have come loose or deteriorated.
Particular attention should be paid to areas around windows and doors, which are often entry points for draughts.
2- Supplement with additional insulation materials: in areas where insulation is insufficient, materials such as spray foam, rigid insulation boards or insulating skirting boards can be added to improve the effectiveness of the insulation. For extra all-weather protection, we can opt for thermal reflective sheeting to help reflect external heat during the summer and retain internal heat in the winter.
More DIY motorhome maintenance tips
Taking care of our motorhome with regular DIY maintenance ensures that the vehicle is always ready for adventure. Here are the basic steps:
1- Check and maintain the engine
Check the oil level and replace it every 10,000 km (or according to the manufacturer’s instructions), change the oil filters to ensure optimal lubrication and check the coolant level, making sure there are no leaks.
2- Checking the electrical system
The motorhome’s battery must be checked regularly, especially before a long journey: the terminals must be clean and well secured to avoid starting problems. Also check all the motorhome’s exterior and interior lights, replacing burnt-out bulbs to ensure good visibility and safety.
3- Tyres and brakes
Examine tyres regularly for signs of irregular wear and to check that the pressure is as indicated by the manufacturer. Listen for any unusual noise from the braking system and check the brake response: if necessary, proceed with a more thorough check by hiring a professional.
4- Cleaning and caring for the exterior
Regular washing of the interior and exterior of your motorhome not only keeps it looking its best, it also helps to protect the paintwork and prevent rust. Pay attention to signs of corrosion, especially if you frequently travel in coastal areas or on roads treated with salt during the winter.
