Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes a longing for outdoor adventures. So that you can enjoy your camping trips to the full, it is crucial to get your camper ready for the new season.
Winter may have taken its toll on your motorhome, whether through frost, moisture or inactivity. It is therefore essential to thoroughly check and maintain your mobile oasis.
- First-aid kit the checklist for camping
- Safety first: the right equipment for your caravan or motorhome
Cleaning your camper
Do you know the problem? After a last fall trip before the onset of winter weather, the motorhome is often simply parked. While the most important measures for overwintering are taken, there is often no time for further care. As soon as temperatures reach minus degrees, car washing is no longer recommended and is therefore often neglected.
You should give your motorhome a thorough clean in spring at the latest. This is not only for aesthetic reasons. You can only recognize damage to the paintwork, windows and seals if the motorhome is clean. If you do not repair such damage immediately, you risk consequential damage such as rust or water ingress.
Regular cleaning and inspection of your motorhome is therefore crucial to maintaining the service life and value of your vehicle. Remember that neglected maintenance can lead to costly repairs. Therefore, invest time and attention in the care of your motorhome so that you can enjoy your travels safely and carefree.
What you should pay attention to when cleaning your camper
If you do not clean and inspect your motorhome regularly, you run the risk of overlooking damage to important components. Here are some reasons why cleaning and inspecting your motorhome is crucial:
You can only see a cleaned motorhome:
Lacquer
- Dirt and dust can hide paint scratches and damage. Thorough cleaning reveals these problems at an early stage.
Windows
- Dirty windows not only impair visibility, but can also conceal cracks or damage that urgently need to be repaired.
Seals
- Leaky seals are a common weak point in motorhomes. A clean inspection is the only way to determine whether seals are intact or need to be replaced.
If you do not rectify such damage immediately, serious consequential damage may occur, including
Rust
- Damage to the paintwork can lead to rust formation, which impairs the structure and value of your motorhome.
Water ingress
- Leaky seals can lead to water ingress, which not only damages the interior of your motorhome, but also poses health risks due to mold growth.
The perfect care for your camper
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that your camper is always in top condition and that you can enjoy your travels to the full. Here are some important steps and measures you should take to properly maintain your camper:
Seal care
- Regularly check the seals on windows, doors and flaps for cracks or wear.
- Clean the seals with a mild soap and a soft sponge to remove dirt and deposits.
- After cleaning, use a special seal care product to maintain the elasticity of the seals and protect them from drying out.
- Repeat these care steps at least twice a year, preferably before wintering in and out.
Paint care
- Wash the camper regularly to remove dirt, insects and bird droppings that can damage the paintwork.
- When washing the car, use mild car shampoos and a soft sponge or microfiber cloths to avoid scratches.
- Polish the paintwork to restore the shine and seal it to protect it from UV rays and environmental pollution.
Interior care
- Clean and disinfect the interior of your camper regularly to ensure a healthy and pleasant environment.
- Pay particular attention to upholstery, carpets and curtains, which can absorb dirt and odors.
- Check the function and cleanliness of the kitchen appliances, sanitary facilities and other appliances in the camper.
The inspection of your camper
A crucial aspect of regular maintenance for your vehicle is monitoring the engine oil. We strongly recommend that you check the engine oil regularly and change it if necessary. We personally carry out an oil change at the beginning of each season to ensure that your vehicle remains in top condition and that you no longer have to keep any workshop appointments throughout the season.
Inspection of the engine of your camper
Regularly checking the engine oil is extremely important, as the oil is essential for lubrication and smooth operation of the engine. If the engine oil is outdated or contaminated, this can lead to considerable engine damage. Here are some important points to bear in mind:
Oil level check
Check the oil level in your vehicle regularly, especially before long journeys. The oil level should always be within the recommended range. Make sure that you use the correct type of oil as specified in your vehicle manual.
Oil change
A regular oil change is crucial to replace old and used oil with fresh and efficient oil. This improves engine performance and extends the service life of the engine.
Filter replacement
You should also replace the oil filter at the same time as the oil change. The filter is responsible for cleaning the oil and should be replaced regularly.
A neglected oil level or inadequate oil quality can lead to increased wear and expensive repairs. It is therefore advisable to give your engine the best possible care. Changing the oil regularly and monitoring the oil level are simple steps that will help keep your camper in perfect condition and ensure worry-free driving pleasure.
Checking your camper’s fluids and filters
Please do not forget to at least check the brake fluid, radiator fluid and windshield washer system of your vehicle regularly. The maintenance of these fluids is of great importance to ensure the safety and performance of your vehicle.
Brake fluid
- The brake fluid is a crucial element for your vehicle’s braking system. It ensures that the brakes function properly.
- We recommend that you have the brake fluid checked regularly by a specialist and changed if necessary. This is important because brake fluid can absorb moisture, which can impair the braking effect.
Radiator fluid
- The radiator fluid regulates the temperature of the engine and protects against overheating.
- Check the coolant level regularly, especially before long journeys. Top up with coolant when the level is low and make sure you use the correct mixture to ensure frost and overheating protection.
Windshield washer system
- The windshield washer system is crucial for a clear view while driving, especially in bad weather.
- Make sure that the windshield washer system is topped up if it is no longer filled with windshield antifreeze. The windshield antifreeze prevents the washer system from freezing in winter and ensures effective cleaning of the windshield.
Checking the lighting system of your camper
Please make sure that all lamps in your lighting system are working properly. It is crucial to carry out regular lighting checks to ensure your safety on the road. We recommend that you observe the following points:
High/low beam
- Test both the high and low beam to ensure that both are working properly.
- Check the intensity and alignment of the headlights to ensure optimum illumination of the road.
- Replace defective lamps immediately, as failure of the headlamp can significantly impair visibility at night.
Turn signal
- Test the turn signals, both front and rear, to make sure they are flashing properly.
- Make sure you check your indicators regularly, as non-functioning indicators can lead to dangerous traffic situations.
Brake light
- Have someone press the brake pedal while you check that the brake lights come on properly.
- Defective brake lights are a safety risk as they signal to other road users that you are braking.
Replace defective bulbs immediately to ensure that your lighting system always works perfectly. This is not only important for your own safety, but also for the safety of other road users. Always keep spare bulbs to hand so that you can act quickly if necessary.
Checking the air pressure of your camper’s tires
Before you set off on your first trip with your motorhome, it is essential to check the air pressure in the tires. The best time for this check is when the tires are still cold.
Motorhome tires: If you notice that the air pressure in your motorhome tires is too low, it is necessary to top up the air. Many motorhome owners inflate their tires to the maximum pressure before winter storage to ensure that the tires do not go flat during the long storage period. In such a case, it may be necessary to reduce the air pressure. Although high air pressure may not damage the tire, it can lead to an unpleasant bumpy driving experience.
You should also note the following when checking the air pressure:
Tire tread
- Check the tread of your tires for sufficient depth. Sufficient tread depth is crucial for traction and safety on the road.
Tire age
- Automobile clubs often recommend the “4×4” rule: use four identical tires and replace them every four years at the latest. This recommendation may seem strict for occasional drivers, as the profile can still look good after four years. However, the rubber compounds of the tires harden over time and lose their performance. Under no circumstances should you use tires that are already porous or have insufficient tread depth.
Regularly checking the air pressure, tire tread and tire age contributes significantly to the safety and performance of your motorhome. Make sure you include these inspections in your maintenance schedule to avoid unpleasant surprises during your travels.
Checking the TÜV of your camper
It is also practical to carry out the TÜV/MFK/§58 inspection at the beginning of the season, especially as any tolerances abroad are not always accepted. If you cannot be restricted in terms of time, in Austria, for example, it is possible to postpone the inspection date permanently.
Carrying out the TÜV, MFK or §58 inspection at the start of the season offers several advantages. You can ensure that your vehicle meets all safety and environmental standards before you set off on your travels. This is not only important for your own safety, but also for compliance with regulations abroad. In some countries, tolerances and deviating test dates may not be accepted and penalties or problems may occur.
If you have difficulty fitting the review date into your schedule, there are options to make this easier. In some countries, such as Austria, you can postpone the inspection date permanently so that it better suits your needs. This allows you to carry out the inspection on time and without stress.
Remember that regular checks and compliance with legal requirements not only ensure your safety, but also avoid problems when traveling abroad. If you require further information on TÜV, MFK or §58 inspections or would like assistance in making an appointment, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Conclusion
Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes a longing for outdoor adventures. So that you can enjoy your camping trips to the full, it is crucial to get your camper ready for the new season. Winter may have taken its toll on your motorhome, whether through frost, moisture or inactivity. It is therefore essential to thoroughly check and maintain your mobile oasis.
Regular maintenance and inspection of your motorhome is crucial to maintaining the service life and value of your vehicle. Remember that neglected maintenance can lead to costly repairs. Therefore, invest time and attention in the care of your motorhome so that you can enjoy your travels safely and carefree.
We have shown you some important steps and measures that you should take to maintain your camper properly. From seal maintenance to checking fluids, the lighting system, tire pressure and the TÜV inspection – these measures help to keep your camper in top condition. Regular maintenance of your vehicle not only ensures your safety, but also a stress-free and enjoyable travel experience.
If you have any questions, the Neuss team will be happy to help. If you notice any defects in your camper or need assistance in preparing your vehicle for spring, we will be happy to help you. Our mechanics in our in-house workshop specialize in getting your camper ready for the spring season.
