Caravan enthusiasts urged to check tyres

Caravan owners should check the condition of their vehicle's tyres on a regular basis to guard against the possible impact of age, the RAC Foundation has advised.

A study commissioned by the body found almost 60 per cent of motorists do not regularly check age information displayed on tyre sidewalls, leaving them open to the possibility of not noticing deterioration in the condition of their tyres.

The foundation admitted that for cars this is unlikely to be a problem as normal wear and tear leads to tyres being replaced before age-related problems become an issue – but caravan insurance customers may find themselves in a different position.

Caravan tyres should last a long time because such vehicles do not do many miles, but that can bring its own problems, according to Sheila Rainger, deputy director for the RAC Foundation.

"Older tyres that have been stored incorrectly or simply not used for many years can become unfit for purpose through the passage of time alone," she explained, adding that owners should make regular checks for tread separation and cracks.

Meanwhile, the results of a recent study suggested that caravan owners may find that holidaying abroad is a cheap option, as the cost of driving in the eurozone is often lower than in the UK.

31/07/2008 17:01:30