Research shows more of us are looking to stay local for our holidays this year with online searches for caravan sales up 50 per cent December 2020 compared to the same time in 2019.

If you have a campervan holiday planned in Australia this year, there are many things to consider. Not least of all how to keep your windscreen crack and chip-free while you’re driving along the open road.

At O'Brien^® we’ve repaired and replaced our fair share of campervan windscreens and to help you avoid having to do the same on your holidays, we’ve pulled together a few things to be mindful of while driving in your home away from home;

1. Trucks. There are lots of them transporting goods all around Australia. Trucks often flick stones which cause windscreen chips. So, where possible, always maintain distance from trucks on the open road.
2. You may encounter gravel or unsealed roads or road works on your travels. These type of roads make it easy for other cars and trucks to flick up rocks and debris that could hit your windscreen or chip your paint – so slow down and keep your distance from the vehicle in front.
3. Weather conditions across Australia can be pretty hectic. Baking hot one minute and freezing cold the next. While the tendency may be to blast the aircon or heating onto the windscreen to counteract the weather outside, it’s far better for your windscreen if you can maintain a moderate temperature within the vehicle at all times.
4. Vandals are out there and campervans can be a target for them. Make sure you do your research on where to stay. Also, read road signs and don’t leave your campervan for extended periods in spots where you aren’t permitted to stay.

As with all road trips make sure you take care while driving. You may find yourself driving in areas where cars are infrequently seen and wildlife abundant. So respect the wildlife that lives in that area by keeping to the speed limit and being extra vigilant of animals near the road at dawn and dusk. To help maximise your visibility on long road trips we recommend regularly cleaning your windscreen and making sure your windscreen wipers are in good working order.

If you do find yourself with a cracked or chipped windscreen, O'Brien^® is here to help wherever you are with our national network covering 99% of the Australian population. If you’ve rented your campervan, your first port of call is the rental company. If you own your campervan, O'Brien^® can assist you in repairing or replacing your windscreen and can be contacted 24/7 on 1800 059 829.

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Your Chance to Win a Family Holiday to Fiji valued at $5,000!

The O'Brien® Giving Back Program has been evolving over many years with significant contributions being made to charities at global, national and local level. As part of Belron® International our chosen global charity is Afrika Tikkun. Founded in 1994 with the goal to make a difference in the South African economy by developing and uplifting young people living in underprivileged communities. They believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to be the best that they can be! They take a holistic approach to the development of young people from early childhood up until adulthood. Their focus is on nutrition, health, education, personal development, skills development, and ultimately work placement.

Please help us support Afrika Tikkun by purchasing tickets to our O'Brien® Giving Back Raffle 2019. All you need to do is go to rafflelink.com.au/fijifundraiser2019 and purchase your tickets online. Tickets are $10 each or you can buy a bundle & get a discount. All profits will go to Afrika Tikkun.

Hurry! The competition ends on Wednesday 11th December 11:59pm AEDT. Prize will be drawn at noon on Thursday 12th December AEDT.

What’s included:

• 5 nights’ accommodation for 2 Adults & 2 Children at the 5 star Shangri La Fiji in a Yanuca Lagoon Grand Deluxe Room (1 King + 1 sofa with trundle bed)
• Return Airport Transfers via Private Car
• Buffet Breakfast Daily (for Adults & 2 Children, 11 years and under)
• Little Chief’s Kids Club for Children 4-12
• FJD 500 Food & Beverage Credit (Valid for 12 months, subject to availability)
• Virgin Australia Flight Voucher valued at $2000 (Valid for 12 months)

Terms and Conditions:

The prize is open to O'Brien employees, O'Brien Electrical & Plumbing Members, friends, family and acquaintances. Certain dates have a surcharge of FJD100 per night (or approximately AUD$66) which is not covered by the prize. These dates are: 1-30 April 2020, 1-30 July 2020, 20 September to 14 October 2020, 21 Dec 2020 to 5 January 2021. There are a few dates the resort is closed so you won’t be able to book 15-16 May 2020 and 30 Nov to 05 Dec 2020.

The post O’Brien® Giving Back Raffle 2019 appeared first on O'Brien.