Cold weather causes problems for vehicles, including caravans and motorhomes, and roads alike. It is predicted to continue to be cold in the U.K. for some time yet, especially in the north of the country. Cold weather wreaks havoc with the condition of our roads. Water runs into gaps in the road surfaces, when it freezes it expands creating and worsening potholes.  The affects of the winter weather will be with us for some time after the weather has changed so please check your vehicle over for any signs of seasonal wear and tear.  If you spot any problems you will save yourself money and make the roads safer for everyone.

1. Regularly check your windscreen for chips and cracks.  If they are not dealt with they could worsen whilst you are driving and cause serious visibility problems. Some chips can be sorted without a whole new windscreen being fitted, saving you time and money as well as increasing safety. Approximately 2 million people fail their MOT each year because of problems with the windscreen.
2. Check your tyres.  Kwikfit estimate that 1/10 drivers head out onto icy roads with illegal tyre depth.  If you are unsure take your vehicles to a garage and ask their opinion.  In many snow bound countries there are laws insisting on the use of winter tyres, in the U.K. that is not law but it is advisable if you are going to be using your vehicles in difficult conditions.
3. Salt and grits spread onto the roads to prevent ice forming may make driving safer but have a detrimental affect on the health of your car.  Check for rust on the bodywork and under the car, the earlier you find it the easier it is to sort out.
4. Inspect your windscreen wipers for wear. If they break because of ice on the glass, or if they are just ineffective it could cause you major problems when driving.  It is recommended by manufacturers that windscreen wipers are changed once a year.
5. Watch out for pot holes and be sure to avoid them at all times.  Going into potholes can cause all sorts of problems for your car.  The most common problem caused by potholes is axle and suspension damage. It is estimated that the cost to British motorists is £2.8 billion every year.

Spring is almost upon us, so fingers crossed for some lovely weather soon.  But it is worth carrying out these simple checks on your car, caravan or motohome to ensure that every journey you make in your is as safe as it could possible be.

Spring is just around the corner; finally the days are getting noticeably longer and the temperature is starting to creep up in the daytime. If you look around the daffodils and snowdrops are already starting to grow and it will not be long before the countryside is bursting into life, populated by budding flowers, baby animals and fledgling birds. Spring is a positive time of year, full of new life and new hope so it is definitely worth getting out into the countryside and absorbing some of the vitality of the spring awakening. Getting away in your caravan or motor home in the Spring uniquely positions you to observe this lovely time. There are loads of other advantages to getting away in springtime in your caravan too.

Bank Holidays

For a start most of our bank holidays take place in the Spring which means that you can take a long weekend break. Easter is early this year so the holidays are on, Good Friday, the 2^nd and, Easter Monday, the 5^th of April. The May bank holidays fall on the 3^rd and 31^st.

Great Value Caravan Pitches

Prices for prime caravan pitches in the Spring will be considerably less than in the summer high season. There will be premiums for the bank holidays but you will still be able to stay in some of the best places in the countryside for less than at other times.

Calm Caravan Travel and Caravan Rallies

Many sites are likely to be less full, if you are a caravanner that enjoys the calmer side of caravan travel then you may want to try out one of the busier sites without having to encounter hoards of other people. Alternatively lots of caravan rallies take place in the Spring. If you want to socialise with lots of people that also enjoy caravanning then you should consider attending one of these events. For example The Caravan Club traditionally holds it annual rally over the second May bank holiday.

Caravan Checks

Travelling a shorter distance for less time than your usual main caravan holiday will give you an opportunity to re familiarise yourself with your caravan. You will have the opportunity to check that everything is in perfect working order and it will remind you of any jobs that you may not have done at the end of last year.

So no excuses, get into your caravan or motorhome and spend some time in the Great British countryside this Spring!