Pedata RV Center recommends that RVers who plan to complete “do it yourself” (DIY) maintenance on their recreational vehicle carefully consider the environment’s needs while providing for the needs of their vehicle. In the course of standard vehicle maintenance RVers have numerous opportunities to take into account the needs of the environment. As most in the RV industry have a great love and appreciation for the outdoors, preserving the natural landscape is often a priority. The problem comes when RVers performing DIY aren’t aware of specific aspects of their maintenance that require special handling in order to avoid harmful effects.

For instance, air conditioners contain CFCs (gases that have been implicated in the depletion of the ozone layer). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), almost one third of the CFCs released into the atmosphere come from mobile air conditioners. Some leak out, but most escape during service or repair. Because of this, it is very important that air conditioner service and repair is performed by a qualified technician certified to handle/recycle refrigerants. In addition to CFCs, there are other harmful products that require proper disposal during recreational vehicle maintenance.

DIYers should be aware of the proper disposal methods for: motor oil, anti-freeze/coolant, tires, old batteries, etc. Pedata RV Center recommends checking with nearby repair facilities, as many will accept these items. RVers can also call local municipal or country government for recycling sites. These products should never be disposed of on the ground, in open water sources, etc.

Gerard Pedata of Pedata RV Center said, “According to the Automotive Information Council American DIYers are responsible for improperly ‘dumping’ twenty times more oil than the amount that was spilled by the tanker Exxon Valdez in Alaska. The only way to decrease the damage that is being done is by increasing consumer knowledge.”

As a great lover of all things outdoors, Pedata RV Center urges all RVers to ask questions and know the basics when it comes to proper DIY maintenance and product disposal.