do fluids do any harm when left in too long?
Our MH has not been used since covid. last service was 2016. 2019 changed oil and filter and some injection cleaner. Do any fluids etc do any harm if left too long? e.g. does brake fluid corrode an...
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"But was any harm done?"
Perhaps none other than normal component aging for stored vehicles. But in a sense irrelevant in that other than a thorough mechanic's inspection, all you can do is replace the fluids and then monitor for noise, leaks and performance issues. Otherwise whatever happens, happens. LACK of fluids, which have preserving/protective qualities for metals, plastics and especially elastomer rubbers, is an issue. But you simply have old fluids, although they haven't circulated through the various systems in a long time. If no issues arise afterwards, then don't sweat the storage time (although take steps to not repeat it). Replace all affected fluids per your owner's manual service schedule, replace belts and hoses if inspection reveals issues (personally I'd preventively replace them -- it would kill me to have a belt fail in a remote area knowing I could have installed a new $25 belt months earlier), and thoroughly inspect your tires including the inner sidewalls, your spare as well. Check the engine battery as well, preferably by pressing one's tongue against the terminals (recommended by my neighbor's German Shepherd), but there may be other methods as well.
Perhaps none other than normal component aging for stored vehicles. But in a sense irrelevant in that other than a thorough mechanic's inspection, all you can do is replace the fluids and then monitor for noise, leaks and performance issues. Otherwise whatever happens, happens. LACK of fluids, which have preserving/protective qualities for metals, plastics and especially elastomer rubbers, is an issue. But you simply have old fluids, although they haven't circulated through the various systems in a long time. If no issues arise afterwards, then don't sweat the storage time (although take steps to not repeat it). Replace all affected fluids per your owner's manual service schedule, replace belts and hoses if inspection reveals issues (personally I'd preventively replace them -- it would kill me to have a belt fail in a remote area knowing I could have installed a new $25 belt months earlier), and thoroughly inspect your tires including the inner sidewalls, your spare as well. Check the engine battery as well, preferably by pressing one's tongue against the terminals (recommended by my neighbor's German Shepherd), but there may be other methods as well.
