Vehicle maintenance is an important part of staying on the road for the long haul! As a nomads, you rely on your vehicle for both housing and transportation, so keeping it operational is very important.
The owner should:
- read the owner's manual to understand the maintenance schedule and what the dash lights mean
- have the ability to change to a spare tire (or pay for a service)
- have the ability to check/add oil, wiper, coolant, and tire air levels (including the spare)
Working on your vehicle
If you live in your vehicle full time, you may need space to perform maintenance. In general, the most acceptable place to do this is in the parking lot of an auto parts store where you have just purchased something. Check local ordinances to see if there are any rules against working on your vehicle in places like city parks. Get permission from the owner of a private parking lot before beginning work. Be sure to clean up any spills.
Tools and equipment for the road
Tools and equipment you may need for the road:
For vehicle maintenance, you may want to pack:
- filters: air, fuel
- belts: serpentine or all belts as needed
- fluids: transmission fluid, brake fluid, motor oil
- hoses: radiator upper and lower hoses
- electric: bulbs, fuses
Borrowing and renting tools
Some tools are too big or too infrequently used to justify carrying them around with you in your vehicle. Temporary tool options:
- Some libraries have tools for rent.
- Search Google maps for "maker spaces near me".
- Rent tools from some hardware stores and from equipment/event rental places.
- Go to a Wanderlust Waypoints campground.
- Borrow tools from friends.
- Post a request to borrow tools on local Facebook groups, NextDoor, etc. and offer a collateral equal to the tool value so they know you'll return the tool.
Winterizing your vehicle
Winterizing your vehicle is important if it will not be occupied, or if it will be occupied but sometimes dip below freezing. Keep in mind that some portions of your vehicle interior can easily dip below freezing even if your main living space is a higher temperature. For example, closed cabinets, a closed garage, or spaces near the floor in a vehicle with minimal insulation.Continue reading …While Repairs are In Progress
While your vehicle is being repaired, you may still be able to live in it, depending on the nature of the problem. If you are getting your vehicle repaired by a mechanic, some shops will allow you to stay in your vehicle at night while they work on it during the day.
