Routine Engine Checks – Don’t Wait Till You’re Stuck on Te Rapa Straight
Alright, let’s start at the coalface. Whether you’re cruising down Morrinsville Road to pick up supplies or heading out past Ngaruawahia for the weekend, engine maintenance is a must. Don’t wait for the check engine light to pop on halfway down Cambridge Road with a van full of the family. We see a mix of everything through the shop — from old Fiat Ducatos to newer Mercedes Sprinters and the odd Japanese Toyota Hiace. Servicing your campervan engine means keeping your oil fresh, changing your filters, and making sure spark plugs are up to scratch. A bit of love here saves you heaps of stress and downtime later. If you want the nitty gritty on tuning, check out our engine tuning guide.
Brakes – They Matter More Than You Think on Crawford Street!
Hamilton’s stop–start traffic around the Base can chew through brake pads and rotors quick smart. Doesn’t matter if you’re driving a little Citroen camper or a big ol’ Ford Transit from Matangi, when you let your brakes go, you’re gambling with safety. Common stuff we spot: spongy pedal, grinding noises, or brake warning lights. Flushing out that old brake fluid or slapping on fresh pads now and again will help keep you safe on the way through those surprising Pukete roundabouts. Good brakes mean fewer “close calls” and sudden heart-stoppers. Want to dig deeper? Here’s our ramble on brake system maintenance.
Electrics and Wiring – Lights, Fridges, the Lot!
With all the extra gear in a camper – those fancy USB chargers, lighting, even the coffee maker – it’s not rare for wires to go funny, or for the battery to call it quits on a cold foggy morning out in Taupiri. If you turn the key and she’s dead, or things flicker and fail, don’t muck about. Could be a dodgy alternator or a short somewhere. One of our techs is always keen to whip out the multimeter and sort it. Need a hand? Have a squiz at our auto electrical repairs service.
Tyres & Alignment – Hamilton Potholes Will Find Weakness!
Seen plenty of campers roll in on mismatched tyre tread or bald rubber, especially after a summer trip out by Raglan or Te Awamutu. There’s no substitute for a good pressure check, and getting your wheel alignment dialled in (especially after a run down Kahikatea Drive’s potholes). Even wear means less fuel burned and more comfort — handy for those longer Kaimai climbs. Don’t forget to check your spare, too.
Water System Gremlins – Nobody Likes a Leaky Tank Near Huntly
Water leaks, dodgy pumps, and gunky pipes crop up way more often than you’d think. Just last week, we had a lady with an Elddis Autoquest who’d lost pressure, turns out a tiny split in her hose was flooding her cupboard. Check for leaks and drains, especially before a longer trip — nothing worse than turning up in Tirau with no water for a cuppa. For tips, check out this campervan water system guide.
Seals Around Roofs and Windows – Keep the Waikato Rain Outside
Hamilton winters are brutal on seals – all those chilly nights and soggy mornings. We get a steady flow of both blokes and ladies popping by with everything from JUCY vans to European Bürstner campers, all leaking around a window or rooflight. If you spy any drips or spot signs of mould inside, time to get those seals sorted before you get rot or smell the classic “old van aroma”.
Heating & Air Con – Because Waikato Weather’s a Mixed Bag
One day you’re stuck in Hamilton heat on Anglesea Street, next week it’s foggy and freezing doing a Lake Road school run. Regularly checking the coolant and getting your HVAC system serviced will keep you comfy no matter what. No shame in wanting that air con pumping strong when your parked up in Tamahere in January! You can read more about keeping the climate under control over in this heating and cooling maintenance article.
Wrap-Up – Keep Your Camper Mean, Keen and Road-Ready
Regular repairs and checks mean less time stuck in Frankton waiting for a tow, and more time living the camper dream. At Grimmer Motors, we’ve got proper diagnostic gear, experienced technicians, and we’ll treat your van like it’s our own. Whether you’re running a German Hobby, a classic Maz Axela camper or something in between — just swing by if you want top service and honest advice.