How to avoid breakdowns

People often feel vulnerable when their cars break down, particularly in remote areas or when a long way from home.Some breakdowns cannot be foreseen and are therefore inevitable.

However, there is a lot that you can do to minimise your risk or to help yourself if your car breaks down.

As a minimum you should know how to change a wheel and check user-serviceable items. In many areas there are evening or day classes to help you learn more.

Checking your car

Remembering daily and weekly checks will help ensure that your car is fully operational. Contrary to popular opinion cars don't bite when you open the bonnet ... And new cars are not dirty and smelly any more either!

A few minutes a week can save hours of frustration and worry. Your vehicle handbook will give you all the information that you need to make the checks, but you will find advice about simple vehicle checks and wheel changing in the You and Your Car area of the SmartDriving Web Site.

Regular servicing

Many breakdowns can be avoided by having your car serviced regularly ...

Emergency patrolmen from motoring organisations confirm that many breakdowns are completely avoidable - This is especially the case where the breakdown involves fuel, cooling or electrical problems.

Follow your manufacturer's service recommendations and if you suspect a problem, have it dealt with before it develops into something serious.

Just a few minutes a week!

Ever run out of fuel?

More than 50,000 motorists a year call motoring organisations because they have run out of fuel. Check your fuel gauge before you start your journey and carry a spare supply of fuel in an approved safety container. 

Always double check that you are putting the correct fuel in your car, especially at strange garages or when you are tired. Using the wrong grade of fuel can cause poor performance - the wrong type of fuel will ruin your engine or your catalytic converter (in simple terms - that's lots of cash!).

Click the forward arrow to find out what to do if you are unlucky enough to break down...