Scary stories belong at the campfire, not on the roadside.

It’s that time of year again — when the air turns crisp, the days get shorter, and spooky stories start floating around the campfire. Every Vanagon owner knows the kind we mean. Not monsters or ghouls, but the kind of scares that happen when your van refuses to start in a mountain pass or a coolant hose decides to 'give up the ghost' right in the middle of nowhere.

After a long, warm fall that stretched the travel season further than usual, it’s tempting to squeeze in one more trip. But as the cold settles in, now’s the time to shift gears — from exploring to preparing.

Check those fluids. Listen to the thrum of that odd rattle you’ve been ignoring. Make a list of what needs some love during the winter downtime. A little attention now means fewer roadside horror stories later, and more peace of mind when spring rolls around.

At Van Cafe, we’ve seen enough “Vanagon scares” to know prevention is key. Whether it’s a new set of belts, fresh coolant lines, or a full tune-up, a little maintenance can keep your next season (more) free of frights.

So light a candle, pour something warm, and give your van the attention it deserves before the frost sets in. Because the only thing that should haunt your dreams this Halloween is deciding which route to take when it all melts.

Happy Halloween Van Fam!