As November arrives and temperatures drop, many caravan owners are either preparing for winter camping adventures or getting their vehicles ready for storage. If your caravan has an Alde heating system, now is the perfect time to check your heating fluid – the last thing you want is to discover a problem when you’re on a cold campsite!
What is Alde Fluid?
Alde fluid is a glycol-based antifreeze solution that circulates through your Alde wet heating system. Unlike traditional blown-air heating, Alde systems work similarly to domestic central heating, with fluid flowing through radiators and underfloor pipes to provide gentle, even warmth throughout your caravan.
The fluid serves two critical purposes:
- Transfers heat efficiently around your caravan
- Protects the system from freezing in cold temperatures
When Does Alde Fluid Need Changing?
According to Alde, the heating fluid should be changed every 5 years under normal use. However, many caravan owners are unsure when their fluid was last changed, especially if they’ve purchased a used caravan.
Why Check Your Alde Fluid Before Winter?
Even if your fluid isn’t due for a complete change, it’s worth having it checked before winter camping season. Here’s why:
Freeze Protection Degrades Over Time Old or diluted fluid may not provide adequate protection against freezing. If temperatures drop below the fluid’s protection level, the system can freeze, causing expensive damage to pipes, radiators, and the boiler unit itself.
Performance Issues Degraded fluid doesn’t transfer heat as effectively, meaning:
- Your heating takes longer to warm up
- Radiators may heat unevenly
- You’ll use more gas/electricity to maintain comfortable temperatures
Corrosion and Contamination Over time, the anti-corrosion additives in the fluid break down, potentially leading to:
- Internal corrosion in pipes and radiators
- Sediment buildup that can block the system
- Reduced system lifespan
Signs Your Alde System Needs Attention
Keep an eye out for these warning signs:
- Heating system not reaching temperature as quickly as it used to
- Some radiators warm while others stay cold
- Strange gurgling or bubbling noises from the system
- Visible discolouration in the expansion tank (should be clear pink or blue)
- Frequent need to top up the system
- Error codes on the control panel
When Should You Definitely Get It Checked?
You should have your Alde fluid tested if:
- You’ve recently bought a used caravan and don’t know the service history
- It’s been more than 5 years since the last change
- You’re planning winter trips and want peace of mind
- You’ve noticed any of the warning signs above
- The fluid in the expansion tank looks dark or murky
- You’re winterising your caravan for storage
What Does an Alde Fluid Service Involve?
A proper Alde fluid service isn’t just a quick drain and refill. It requires:
- System Inspection – Checking for leaks and visible damage
- Fluid Testing – Measuring the antifreeze concentration and condition
- Complete Flush – Removing old fluid and any sediment
- Refilling – Adding fresh fluid at the correct concentration
- Air Bleeding – Removing air from the system for optimal performance
- Pressure Testing – Ensuring the system is sealed and working correctly
- Function Test – Running the system to confirm proper operation
DIY or Professional Service?
While some experienced caravan owners change their own Alde fluid, there are benefits to professional servicing:
- Proper disposal of old glycol fluid (it’s not environmentally friendly to pour down drains)
- Accurate concentration testing equipment
- Experience spotting potential issues before they become expensive problems
- Professional tools for bleeding air from the system
- Peace of mind that it’s done correctly
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
There’s nothing worse than settling down for a winter weekend away, only to find your heating isn’t working properly. A simple fluid check now could save you from:
- Emergency callouts during your trip
- Expensive repairs from freeze damage
- Uncomfortable cold nights
- Cancelled trips
Winter Caravan Preparation Checklist
While you’re thinking about winter preparation, don’t forget these other important tasks:
- Check your gas system and connections
- Test your water pump and drain taps
- Inspect window and door seals
- Check battery condition
- Test all lights and electrics
- Verify your caravan insurance covers winter use
Mobile Servicing for Your Convenience
At Blue Sky Caravans, we understand that transporting your caravan to a service centre isn’t always convenient. That’s why we bring our expertise directly to you, whether your caravan is on your driveway, in storage, or on a seasonal pitch.
We serve customers throughout Bristol, Somerset, Bath, and surrounding areas, providing comprehensive Alde heating services including fluid testing, changes, and system diagnostics.
Get your Alde system winter-ready with Blue Sky Caravans. Contact us today to book your heating system check and enjoy warm, worry-free winter adventures.
Contact us