Operation Manual

Care
12
153Caravan - 14-09 - EN
12.6 Winter care
De-icing salt damages the underbody and the parts open to water spray. We rec-
ommend that you wash the vehicle more frequently during wintertime. Mechan-
ical and surface treated parts and the underside are under particular strain, and
should therefore be cleaned thoroughly.
12.6.1 Preparations
 Check the vehicle for paint and rust damage. Repair damage as necessary.
 Make certain that water cannot penetrate the automatic floor ventilation
system and the heater.
 Use a wax-based rust inhibitor to protect the metal parts of the underbody.
 Use appropriate protection for external painted surfaces.
12.6.2 Winter operation
During winter operation, condensation develops when the vehicle is occupied
under low-temperature conditions. To ensure good interior air quality and avoid
vehicle damage from condensation, sufficient ventilation is essential.
 Attach vent extension with a length of at least 10 cm.
 When heating the vehicle, the heater should be at the highest setting and roof
storage cabinets, curtains and blinds should be opened. This ensures optimal
ventilation.
 If the vehicle is equipped with a circulation fan, always switch the fan on when
the heater is on. There is danger of overheating for the heater!
 In the morning, lift up all cushions, air out storage boxes and dry any damp
areas.
12.6.3 At the end of the winter season
 Thoroughly clean the underbody. When this is done, corrosion-inducing anti-
freeze agents (salts, alkaline residues) are removed.
 Clean the exterior and use regular car wax to protect metal surfaces.
 Remove vent extension.
Z If there is any risk of frost, always run heater at a minimum of 15 °C. Set the cir-
culation fan (if existing) to automatic mode. In the case of extreme external tem-
peratures, the furniture flaps and doors should be left slightly open. The
inflowing warm air can help prevent the freezing of water pipes, for example,
and counteract the formation of condensation in the storage spaces.
Z If there is any risk of frost, cover the outside surface of the windows with winter
insulation mats.
Z Keep the waste gas vent, skylights with forced ventilation and mushroom-
shaped vents free of snow. In the case of a roof waste gas vent use a vent exten-
sion that is at least 10 cm long.
Z If condensation has still developed, just wipe it off.