Your caravan or motor home is a valuable possession, and it pays to maintain it, particularly during the winter months.

"Something as simple as a wash of the exterior is a good start to the cleaning process of your caravan or motor home."

In extreme conditions such as snow, wind, hail or heavy rain - a regular occurrence at the turn of the year - it is vital to provide adequate protection to keep it in tip top condition for the New Year.

Caravan and motor home owners that use their vehicles for long distance travelling will need to spend more time on their vehicles to manage the wear and tear that comes from time spent on the motorway.

Specialist caravan insurance:http://www.towergateinsurance.co.uk/caravan-insurance.aspx provider Towergate Bakers has come up with a checklist for owners to follow when carrying out their regular maintenance.

There are a wide variety of caravan cleaning products that can help winter-proof your caravan or motor home. There is specialist overwintering protection, which helps prevent green algae growth and moss build up. This helps the van to stay clean and then making spring cleaning much easier.

Something as simple as a wash of the exterior is a good start to the cleaning process of your caravan or motor home. Therefore owning a durable and reliable brush can make all the difference in preparation for winterising your vehicle. A flow through brush is an innovative product, which allows water to flow through the bristle when using a hose connector.

Additional caravanning accessories such as gazebos and awnings also need maintenance after surviving a year on the road. Various protective cleaners can prevent the build up of algae and keep them in shape for the New Year.

After you have maintained the exterior part of the caravan you could then turn your attention to the storage for the winter. If your caravan or motor home is to be stored away outside or in the garden it may be an idea to consider a water resistant caravan cover that provides good protection from the elements. The caravan cover also allows the exterior to breath to avoid the build up of moisture.

Spokesperson for Towergate Bakers, Paul Havenhand says, "Looking after your caravan or motor home is vital to keeping it in good condition so you can get the best use out of it for the maximum amount of time. Hopefully these helpful hints can help you do that."