Car Breakdown Prevention

Car breakdown prevention

Breakdown companies provide assistance for when vehicles breakdown, usually at the roadside. Some breakdowns are avoidable by checking vehicles, before embarking on your journey, or by implementing different driving styles.

The main reason for drivers of vehicles to call out breakdown assistance is driver error, this can include the following factors :

Driver Error

Reckless driving, driving too fast or at high speeds
Driving whilst tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Putting the wrong type of fuel in your vehicle lack of driver concentration, e.g. mobile phone use, eating, applying make-up not undertakening vehicle checks before embarking on their journey
The following are tips on vehicle maintenance that should be carried out on your vehicle, before embarking on your journey:

Vehicle Maintenance

• Checking tyre pressure – many garage forecourts provide details of correct tyre pressure in relation to the make and model of your car, also check for tyre wear
• Checking your alternator, especially in winter when you are using your headlights, which increase use of battery power
• Windscreen, headlights and taillights should be clean
• Check oil level once a week; change the oil every 3,000 miles, and check for oil leaks
• Checking that your starter motor is working properly
• Checking the amount of fuel in your car, and that you are carrying sufficient funds to pay for any fuel you require during your journey

The following are tips on what you should carry with you in case you do suffer a vehicle breakdown:

Items to be carried in your vehicle

Warm clothing, you could be stuck in your vehicle for a period of time without being able to use the heater in your car, or you may have to leave your vehicle, warm clothing can keep you alive.

A charged mobile phone preferably with credit, so you can easily ring for help

A set of jump leads, to assist in trying to restart your vehicle
A hazard triangle, to warn others of your stationary vehicle

A container containing approximately a gallon or 5 litres of the correct fuel

Money, credit card etc to be able to pay for any assistance you may require or to purchase food and drink, to keep your energy and spirit levels up

A spare tyre pumped up to the correct pressure

A torch, in case it is dark

Carry your breakdown membership card and details as proof of who you are and proof of membership for breakdown cover

Check out our list of Useful tools to keep in car
Please remember to always keep yourself and your passengers safe, if you breakdown on any motorway, you must all leave your vehicle and move away from the hard shoulder and await rescue services or the police