Drive safely
Each year, as summer approaches, the thoughts of caravanners and camper vehicle owners invariably turn to travels far and wide. It is at this time of the year when the winter wraps are taken off caravans and the annual spring clean-up begins; evenings are spent poring over road maps of Britain and further afield, looking for that elusive holiday destination.

It is at this time, too, that thoughts should turn to the roadworthiness and general safety of both the caravan and the towing vehicle. In particular, close attention should be given to the tyres of vehicles that have been standing for weeks or months. Besides loss of pressure, they may have suffered deterioration and are likely to run unevenly for a while if they have been standing unturned and under-inflated with the weight of the vehicle pressing down on them.

Golden rules

1. Check all road lights regularly
2. Tyres must be in good condition
3. Tyre pressures must be correctly maintained
4. Check tyres regularly for any signs of damage and remove from the tread any potential penetrations such as trapped stones.
5. The combination must be driven at reasonable ('comfortable') speeds-within the legal speed limits
6. Rapid manoeuvres must be avoided e.g. sudden overtaking or lane-changing. Good driving practice, with or without a caravan/trailer, includes intelligent anticipation of such moves
7. Fit the correct tyres
8. Do not overload
9. Respect the car and caravan/trailer manufacturers' recommendations at all times
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   These tips are supplied courtesy of The Tyre Industry Council (TIC)

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   SPARE TYRE?
   Unlike cars, new caravans don't come with a spare tyre! Yet there is just as much need for one as there is for a car. Most tyre dealerships stock standard caravan sizes.