1. Keep an Eye on Your Engine
If there’s one thing we see all the time, it’s engines suffering because of missed basic checks. Running up and down Te Rapa Straight or hitting those back roads out toward Cambridge, your campervan’s engine is working overtime — whether you’re in a trusty Toyota Hiace or a big ol’ Fiat Ducato. Check oil levels often and listen for any new noises. If you’re ever stuck in Hamilton’s stop-start traffic on Victoria Street and spot an oil warning light or notice it getting sluggish going up Dinsdale Hill, don’t ignore it. Maintenance now is way cheaper than an engine rebuild later.
2. Tyres — Pressures and Rotations
Cracking, uneven wear and low pressure are classic Kiwi tyre problems, especially after hitting potholes in places like Morrinsville or bouncing over Fairfield’s speed bumps. Keep your pressures right and rotate your tyres every 10,000km or so. It’s safer and gives you better fuel economy. Not sure how? Here’s a handy guide on how to rotate your tyres.
3. Brakes — Don’t Skip the Check
Brakes cop a hiding with all the sudden stops around Hamilton East or stopping short at a green light on Ulster Street. Noisy or spongy brakes, or brake warning lights, mean it’s time for a check-up. We see plenty of Subaru Outbacks and older Kia Carnivals where only one pad’s worn right out. Watch for leaks or a soft pedal — here’s more on common brake issues.
4. Electrical Bits — Batteries and Lights
Modern hybrids like Nissan e-NV200s and even older Mazda Bongos throw up all sorts of strange issues when a battery goes flat or headlights start to fade. Regularly check your battery terminals (no white/green gunk!), and make sure all your lights and electrics are good — nothing worse than being halfway to Raglan and losing your indicators on a foggy morning.
5. Fluids — The Lifeblood of Your Van
Checking coolant, brake, and transmission fluids is basic but makes a huge difference, especially when parking on a slope in Hillcrest or after you’ve taken a shortcut out to Matangi. Ignore this stuff and you’ll be risking overheating or worse. There’s a good guide on checking your fluid levels if you want to DIY.
6. HVAC — Heating and Aircon Matter
You don’t want fogged-up windows going through Tamahere on a chilly morning, or weak AC when you’re sitting in Hamilton’s midday sun. Whether it’s a Hyundai iLoad or a Peugeot Boxer, make sure the heating and cooling actually work before any long haul. Here’s why it pays to keep your HVAC serviced.
7. Suspension and Alignment
All those speed humps outside Hamilton Lake or the rough bitumen on Kahikatea Drive can wreck your suspension. If your van feels floaty or the steering wheel is crooked, get alignment and suspension checked. We see plenty of Mercedes Sprinter campers roll in with uneven tyre wear. Need a refresher? Here’s what to look for.
8. Roof and Seals — Keep the Water Out
Leaky seals are notorious, especially after those big Hamilton downpours on Peachgrove Road. Jump up, check for cracks around your rooflights and windows. Been plenty of VWs where a small leak turned into a soggy mattress and ruined floor. Get on top of leaks quick — check the warning signs.
9. Stay Ready — Have an Emergency Kit
Had a customer with a Honda Stepwgn who blew a radiator hose just as they left for Huntly — no tools or water, meant a long wait. Pack tools, spare fluids, and a good torch for your campervan. If you’re not sure what to carry, here’s a checklist.
Wrap Up
Look, these are simple steps but make all the difference — whether you’re heading across to Ngaruawahia for the weekend, or just running errands around Rototuna. We know what breaks on NZ roads and see it every day in our Hamilton workshop. Want peace of mind? Bring your van into Grimmer Motors next time you need a car service or WOF. Our techs work on everything from hybrid repairs to sorting out those mystery electrical gremlins.
- Real experience: Our technicians know the quirks of everything from Isuzu Elf campers to Audi A4 wagons.
- All-round service: Engine, electrical, suspension — we handle the lot.
- Easy as: Good advice, no jargon, and fair prices.
- Right in Hamilton: Pop in if you’re nearby or book online, just down the road from The Base.