NL
A good service and valid MOT are not a luxury but basic preparation for anyone travelling with a motorhome or car. Many leisure vehicles stand still for long periods, drive heavily laden and cover many miles in changing conditions. That is precisely why it is wise to plan the annual service and MOT inspection properly. This helps you avoid breakdowns, unexpected costs and delays during your holiday.
Why motorhomes need extra attention
Motorhomes and camper vans need more maintenance than an ordinary passenger car. They are often more heavily loaded with luggage, water, bikes and the complete interior. That puts extra strain on brakes, tyres and suspension.
In addition, motorhomes regularly stand still for long periods between seasons. Standing idle causes ageing of rubber components, tyres and batteries. Damp damage, gas installations and electrical systems also deserve regular attention. For a motorhome check and maintenance it is sensible to assume an annual inspection, even if you have driven only a few kilometres.
If you maintain your motorhome properly, you travel more safely and more reliably. You also save money in the long run by spotting problems at an early stage.
‘ An MOT shows whether your motorhome is allowed on the road; a service ensures you can actually set off without worries. ’
The difference between MOT and service
The MOT is a statutory safety and emissions inspection. It checks whether your vehicle meets the minimum requirements for brakes, lights, steering, tyres and emissions. A service goes beyond the inspection.
During a service, the oil is changed, filters are replaced and fluids topped up. Wear parts are also checked and, where necessary, replaced as a precaution. An MOT shows whether your motorhome is allowed on the road; a service ensures you can actually set off without worries.
When an MOT is compulsory for your motorhome
The frequency of the MOT inspection depends on the type of engine and the age of your vehicle. For new petrol, hybrid or electric motorhomes, the first MOT is due after four years. After that, the inspection is every two years, and annually once the vehicle is older.
New diesel motorhomes must be inspected for the first time after three years, and then annually. For older motorhomes the MOT is generally compulsory every year. Check the expiry date well before departure, because without a valid MOT your vehicle is not allowed on the road.
Costs and tips for servicing a motorhome
The cost of a service varies by type of motorhome, make and garage. On average, a minor service costs a few hundred euros, while a major service including replacement of oil, filters, brakes and other wear parts can easily exceed a thousand euros.
It pays to compare prices and ask for a maintenance schedule that matches how you use your motorhome. Ideally, book your service outside the peak season, so you do not get stuck with long waiting times. Also bear in mind the following practical tips:
- Ask in advance for a clear overview of what will be checked and replaced
- Check whether the garage has experience with motorhomes or light commercial vehicles
- Have the gas installation, damp check and electrical systems included in the inspection
- Ask for an overview of what can wait and what is really necessary before your next trip
Where to have your motorhome serviced
Ideally choose a BOVAG-approved company with experience of motorhomes. BOVAG garages work to quality standards and give a guarantee on work carried out. That offers peace of mind, especially if you are travelling shortly after the service.
When making the appointment, ask whether the garage will pay particular attention to parts that are important for motorhomes. Think of the higher weight, the load, tyres with a higher load index, the bodywork and the living area. Checking the gas installation, signs of damp and seals is also essential for a proper motorhome inspection.
What to look out for when visiting a garage
A good garage does not just check the engine, but also looks at the bodywork and interior. Ask whether they also check the following:
- Extra weight and loading
- Tyres with a higher load index
- Gas installation and connections
- Living area, rooflights and seals
- Damp and rust marks
- Specific requirements of the chassis or subframe
At the end of the service, ask for a clear summary of what has been checked, what has been replaced and what may still need attention before your next trip.
Combine MOT and servicing smartly
Many motorhome owners choose to combine their MOT and service. This saves time and means your vehicle only needs to be in the workshop once. In addition, any defects found during the MOT can often be fixed straight away.
Bear in mind that a valid MOT certificate does not mean your motorhome is fully ready for travel. A vehicle may meet the legal requirements, while important wear parts are still due for replacement. Always schedule a full service, even if the MOT is in order.
What is included in a good motorhome service
A full service for a motorhome goes beyond just engine maintenance. The following parts are usually checked and, where necessary, replaced:
- Engine oil and oil filter
- Air and fuel filter
- Brakes and brake fluid
- Tyres, tyre pressure and tread depth
- Battery and charging system
- Lights and windscreen wipers
- Coolant
- Exhaust system
- Suspension and steering components
- Leaks, rust and signs of damp
- Gas installation and connections
- Water system and drainage
- Operation of electrics, inverter and solar panels
For motorhomes with a fixed interior, the living area is also important. Hinges, locks, windows, rooflights and seals deserve regular attention to prevent damp damage and leaks.
Practical checks before departure
Even after a service, it is wise to check a number of things shortly before departure. Tyres lose pressure while standing still, batteries can go flat and fluids can drop. So always take a moment for the following checks:
- Check the MOT expiry date
- Check tyre pressure and tread depth, including the spare wheel
- Test the battery, lights and windscreen wipers
- Check oil, coolant and brake fluid
- Look for damp or leaks inside the motorhome
- Test the gas installation for smells, leaks or damage
Ideally, schedule your service before the peak season, so there is still time for any repairs. During your trip, regularly check the tyre pressure, especially when fully loaded and after long drives.
Why damp checks and gas inspections are important
Damp damage is a common problem in motorhomes. It is often discovered too late, which can cause serious damage to the bodywork, insulation and interior. An annual damp check helps to detect leaks and weak spots at an early stage.
The gas installation also requires regular attention. Check for smells, leaks or damage to hoses, connections and the gas tank. If in doubt, always have a certified company check the installation. Safety comes first.
Experiences from practice
Experiences from travellers and motorhome owners often show the same thing. An MOT is no guarantee that everything is ready for travel. A vehicle may meet the legal requirements but still need maintenance before a long journey.
The age of the tyres also plays a role, not just the tread depth. Motorhomes that do not do many miles are more likely to suffer from rubber ageing. Battery problems often occur unexpectedly, especially after long periods of standing still or in cold weather. A major service shortly before departure gives peace of mind and prevents unpleasant surprises on the road.
Frequently asked questions
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An annual service for your motorhome is strongly recommended, preferably combined with the compulsory MOT inspection. The MOT mainly checks safety and emissions, while the service focuses on the preventive checking and replacement of wear parts and fluids. This is especially important for motorhomes because they are often heavily loaded, stand still for long periods and are used for long journeys. This way you reduce the risk of breakdowns, delays and unexpected costs during your trip.
Maintenance on a motorhome is not a luxury but an essential part of your basic preparation, especially because motorhomes are often heavily loaded, stand still for long periods and are used for long trips. The MOT is a statutory safety and emissions inspection, while a service is aimed at preventive checks and the replacement of wear parts. Annual maintenance – preferably combined with the MOT – is strongly recommended, even if you have driven only a few kilometres. This way you reduce the risk of breakdowns, delays and unexpected costs during your trip.
