Heatwave could catch out motorhome batteries

Mark Sheppard, from motorhome insurance specialist Safeguard, explains that high temperatures speed up the chemical reactions inside a battery, making it drain faster and shortening its overall lifespan. 

If the battery does start to fail, the knock-on effects can be worse than a slow start on a Sunday morning. A struggling battery puts extra strain on the alternator, and if that gives out too, a motorhome can lose power completely.

So, what should owners be watching for? Sheppard says warning signs include dashboard lights coming on, flickering headlights, or the engine taking longer than usual to start. 

Catch these early and there's a simple fix: giving the battery an occasional overnight charge can help it last longer. Sheppard suggests three years as a rough marker for when batteries start to need closer attention.

With hot spells becoming a more regular feature of the British summer, a five-minute battery check before setting off could save owners a much longer wait at the roadside.