10 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU GO ON HOLIDAY THIS SUMMER

1. Documents: all sorted?
Forgetting to renew your driving licence, your vehicle insurance and your MOT certificate is a very common mistake.

2. Check levels
If you’re planning to go on a long trip, it’s a good idea to have the engine and other parts of your vehicle checked by a mechanic. Remember that scheduled maintenance must be carried out within the required mileage limits: if you only drive a few kilometres a year, you still need to have your Ducato-based motorhome checked once a year. In any case, you can check some levels yourself: engine oil, coolant and windscreen washer fluid.

3. Replace wiper blades
The wiper blades have to be efficient: you don’t want to find they’re  not working when it’s pouring. Worn wiper blades reduce the driver’s field of view, compromising safety. In addition, dust and debris can damage the windscreen.

4. Check tyres
The tread level must not be below the legal limit (there are special tread wear indicators, which are small raised areas at the bottom of the grooves). In addition, there should be no bulging or other damage to the tyre sidewalls. In this case, you should contact a tyre specialist immediately. Before you set off, inflate the tyres to the pressure specified in the owner’s manual

5. Check the exterior lights of your vehicle
Your vehicle’s lights must be in good working order. So just before setting off, you should check all the front, rear and side lights: full beam headlights, dipped headlights, parking lights, brake lights, indicators and clearance lights.

6. Gas system
When did you last have your gas system checked? If it’s been a while, contact a professional mechanic: the pressure regulator, the high-pressure hoses (those from the cylinder) and other hoses in the passenger compartment must be checked regularly (or even immediately if you smell gas in the passenger compartment). One thing you can do yourself is check that the gas hob is working properly. Bear in mind that the safety thermocouples must prevent gas leakage if the flame goes out.

7. Fridge
You can’t go without a fridge on holiday, so if it hasn’t been used for a few months, check that it works efficiently, whatever the power source (12V, 230V or even gas).

8. Touring awning
If your motorhome has a touring awning, it is best to check in good time that the awning extends and retracts correctly. Check that the winch is in good working order, that the awning is not torn and that the arms (and any pegs for ground anchoring) are not damaged

9. Water system
As for the water system, check that all taps and drains are working properly. You may need to clean the small mesh filter on the tap by unscrewing it. If the water pump pressure switch is activated without the tap having been opened, there may be a leak in the system. If water has stagnated in the tanks for a long time, you should empty them. Next, unscrew the large inspection cover and clean the clear water tank manually using a cloth and appropriate cleaning products. It’s also a good idea to fill the tank with water, add some cleaning and anti-algae products, and then let the water run through the taps for a while. It’s also important to check that the cassette toilet is working properly: make sure the opening and flush levers are working, that the gaskets aren’t dried out, and if they are, lubricate them.

10. Electrical system
The electrical system needs to work as efficiently as possible, so make sure everything is in good working order. You don’t want to leave it until the last minute: while it’s relatively easy to replace a light in the passenger compartment, you may need to find spare parts for other equipment. You should also check the drop-down beds, fridge, TV and its aerial. Finally, make sure you check that the utility management system, which monitors the water tanks, battery and other functions, is working properly.