The Original VW Camper Cookbook available is now at Peninsula Automotive.

As much a tribute to these legendary campers as a collection of outdoor-friendly recipes, this cookbook features instructions for more than 80 delicious dishes paired with shots of vintage VW campers ranging from a 1958 Westfalia and a 1969 Kombi to a 1959 23-Window Deluxe and a 1979 pop-top.

Designed to be prepared in a variety of rustic settings with minimal utensils, the recipes are organized by soups and salads, light bites, main courses, filling seafood, BBQ, and sweets, and include dishes such as Tuscany bean soup, avocado salad, Skagen sandwich, flaming beef stroganoff, fast wok noodles, spicy lime grilled prawns, baked bananas, pancakes, and hot cinnamon apples.

True aficionados will be delighted by the cookbook’s special holiday recipe for making a Christmas-themed gingerbread bus. A handy utensils icon on each spread identifies the tools required to make the dishes. In keeping with the cookbook’s global contents, some recipes feature international measurements (gram, litre, and rasher), others identify traditional American measurements (tablespoon, teaspoon, and cup), and some cite those universally understood (a can, a pinch, and a slab).

For ordering information please email: info@peninsulaautomotive.com.

Peninsula Automotive now carries VolksBaggin Bags, Wallets and More!

Click Here to Take A Look!

How to Check the Engine Oil

Place your car on a level spot. Stop the engine. Wait for several minutes for the engine oil to drain down into the oil pan.

Pull the engine oil dipstick. It usually has a bright orange handle that says ‘engine oil’. Wipe it off with a clean rag or tissue. Then reinsert it, making sure the dipstick seats completely back into the hole.

Now, pull out the dipstick again and check the oil level. Normally it should be at the "FULL" mark. If it is slightly below FULL, it is not a problem, but it is best to fill it up. Note: If the oil is black, it is definitely time to change it. If it is slightly brown, it is okay. If it is dark brown, yet still transparent it is adequate, but it is best to change it very soon. If it is, white-coffee color it means the engine coolant is mixing with the engine oil. This indicates an internal engine problem and we recommend you have your car inspected by a professional.

How to Add Engine Oil

It is best to add the same type and brand of engine oil already in the engine. Add a small amount and wait a minute for it to drain. Using the dipstick check the oil level again. Continue adding until it reaches FULL. DO NOT OVER FILL! Be sure to reinsert the dipstick and replace the oil filler cap.

How to Check Automatic Transmission Fluid

Place the car on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Start the engine. Set transmission shifter to "P" (Park) position, and let the engine idle (on some cars this procedure may be different, check the owner's manual for details). Pull the transmission dipstick. Refer to the owners manual for the location of the transmission dipstick.

Wipe it off with a clean lint free rag. Then reinsert it carefully, pushing it all the way down into place.

Pull it out again to read the fluid level. If the engine is cold, it should be within "COLD" marks. If the car was driven and fully warmed up, the level should be at the upper end of the "HOT" mark. If it is slightly lower, it presents no problem, but if it's more than that, add transmission fluid. Normally the transmission fluid should appear clean and transparent. New fluid is red and turns brownish over time. If it is brown, check the owner's manual for recommended service intervals. Note: If the fluid is black and dirty and smells burnt, it is an indication the transmission may need replacing. Have the car inspected by a professional.

How to Add Transmission Fluid

Use only specified transmission fluid. Check your owner's manual for details. The wrong transmission fluid can cause permanent damage to the transmission. Add a small amount of fluid through the dipstick pipe. Wait for a few minutes to let the fluid flow downward. Recheck the level and add fluid if necessary. DO NOT OVER FILL!

Engine Coolant

Low coolant level will cause engine overheating, which may cause serious damage to the engine.

How to Check the Engine Coolant Level

The coolant level should be between 'LOW' and 'FULL' marks on the coolant overflow tank. Add coolant if the level is below the 'LOW' mark. If there is no coolant in the overflow tank or it is necessary to add coolant often, there may be a leak.

Have the car inspected by a professional. Never open the radiator or coolant overflow tank when the engine is hot! When the engine temperature is reduced (a few minutes after the engine has been turned off), simply add coolant into the overflow tank to the 'FULL' mark.

Check fluid levels regularly -

Low or high fluid levels including coolant, power steering, and brake fluids, even washer fluid can affect the performance and safety of your car.

Perform regular oil and filter changes -

Regular oil and filter changes help minimize engine wear and reduce the possibility of internal engine damage.

Perform cooling system services -

Along with transmission services and rear differential service every 2 years or 20,000 miles or as recommended by your service manual, servicing your cooling system helps keep your engine in proper working order.

Regularly check tire wear and air pressure -

The wrong air pressure can compromise your vehicle's ride, handling, and fuel economy. Have your tires inspected if your tires squeal when you are turning corners.

Expert brake inspections -

These inspections help ensure your brakes are functioning properly. If you experience squealing, chattering, or extra movement in the brake pedal, consider an inspection immediately.

Regularly check belts and hoses -

Broken belts or ruptured hoses can result in costly engine damage. Our trained technicians have the experience and the proper tools to find cracks and leaks that are not always obvious.

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