
Car breakdown advice
It's really important to keep up with car maintenance to help avoid a breakdown. But even well-maintained vehicles can sometimes fail and the reason for a breakdown is sometimes completely out of the driver's control.
Car breakdown advice
The AA deals with around 10,000 breakdowns every single day, while the RAC attended to a staggering 2.3 million rescue breakdowns in 2016. The main reasons for a car breaking down, as cited by the AA and RAC, include:
The RAC's annual Report on Motoring says almost half of motorists believe the state of local UK roads have deteriorated in the past 12 months. Potholes in particular are becoming an increasing concern among drivers and for good reason: the RAC received 24% more pothole-related callouts in 2015 compared with the previous year.
What to do in the event of a breakdown
Preparing for a breakdown, and understanding what to do if you have one, will help get you back on the road (and moving) as quickly as possible.
Before setting off, you should:
How you deal with a breakdown will depend on where it happens. For instance, breaking down on the motorway requires a different approach than if you were to break down on a quiet country lane. Here are some practical tips on what you should do:
Breakdowns on small and quiet roads
If you break down on a small or quiet road, it might be safe for you to carry out simple repairs, such as replacing a punctured tyre. However, if there is lots of traffic, visibility's poor or your car's obstructing the road, then you should get help.
Breakdowns on dual carriageways and motorways
Breaking down on a dual carriageway or motorway, with vehicles speeding past at 70mph, can be scary. The hard shoulder should only be used in emergency cases; if you are able to drive to a quieter, safer location, then do so. If you have no other choice but to use the hard shoulder, you should:
Benefits of Hastings Direct optional breakdown cover
If your insurance policy doesn't include breakdown cover and you needed assistance, you could find yourself facing expensive call-out and towing fees. It really does pay to be prepared for breakdowns by taking out optional cover.
Here at Hastings Direct, we have a range of policies to suit all needs and requirements. Choose from four levels of optional breakdown cover, all of which feature benefits such as UK-wide coverage, roadside assistance, caravan and trailer service, and cover for misfuelling in the UK.
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