Summer Car Care for RVs and Campers: Essential Maintenance Steps

Before you embark on new adventures this summer, it’s important to prepare your RV for the road. This means keeping up with regular RV maintenance to be sure you’ll reach your destination safely. Follow these essential maintenance steps to get your RV travel-ready.

Check Your Tires

You don’t want to miss out on vacation time because your tires leave you stranded. Check your tire pressure and look at your rims to make sure they’re not broken or bent before you leave. 

It’s also a good practice to make sure your lug nuts are all accounted for and attached tightly!

Service Your Air Conditioning

No one wants to travel in a hot RV! Test your RV’s air conditioning system to be sure it’s working properly. It’s also a good idea to vacuum and clean out the vents to maintain cool airflow. 

Plus, if dust and debris build up in the air ducts, the system could fail, resulting in uncomfortable temperatures all summer long.

Inspect Your Slide-Outs

It’s also a good idea to regularly clean your slide-outs because dirt can build up around the seals resulting in damage to the sliding mechanism. It’s also important to regularly lubricate the seals to keep your slide-outs moving as smoothly as possible. 

Finally, be sure to check on areas that have incurred weathering or wear. Be sure to fix or seal any areas that are in need of repair before you hit the road!

Deep Clean Inside And Out

Out of season, your RV can build up dirt and grime, so it’s important to take the time to deep clean your RV inside and out prior to the first use of the season. This includes wiping everything down, taking the trash out, and inspecting the nooks and crannies for pests or potential damage. 

On the outside, be sure to clean the RV itself, including the wheels and windshield. Try to use cleaning products that include UV protection to keep your RV safe from the harsh summer sun. Maintaining a clean RV will allow it to run as long as possible.

Flush And Clean The Holding Tanks

One of the least exciting but most important parts of RV maintenance is cleaning the holding tanks. This means taking time to flush and clean each holding tank if your RV has more than one.

Although this task can be time-consuming, it’s important for RV maintenance. Otherwise, your RV could start to smell bad and your drinking water might start to look…less like drinking water.

Test Your Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Even if you took the time to test your detectors in the winter, it’s important to make sure they’re working well when your RV is in use. Make sure both systems work and change the batteries if needed. It’s also good practice to make sure your fire extinguisher hasn’t expired, is still full, and is ready for use.

Your Local Napa Auto Parts Store Is Here To Help

You can always trust your local NAPA Auto Parts Store to have what you need when it comes to RV maintenance. 

Our staff members have a wealth of knowledge and expertise and are always ready to offer their recommendations and advice to ensure you find the perfect replacement part for your vehicle or RV.