Keeping your car running well doesn’t take much. A few regular checks and a basic understanding of how things work under the bonnet go a long way.
One of the most common issues drivers encounter, particularly in warmer months, is the engine running hotter than it should.
The good news is that overheating is almost always preventable, and the causes are usually easy to understand and remedy.
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If you’re going abroad in your car this year, you may already feel prepared — you’ve checked your passport, planned your route, and made sure the car is ready for the journey.
But there’s one area that often causes confusion: breakdown cover.
Many drivers assume that what applies in the UK will be the same when you’re abroad. Others believe their insurance already covers them, or that breakdown cover is only worth considering for long driving holidays.
The reality is often a little different.
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If your car breaks down unexpectedly, the support you receive will usually fall into one of two categories: roadside repair or recovery.
In many cases, a breakdown technician can get you moving again without the need to tow your car. Sometimes, though, a fault needs specialist equipment or repairs that can only be carried out at a garage, meaning your car will need to be relocated.
In this guide, we explain when a problem can likely be fixed at the roadside, when recovery may be needed, and how the decision is made.
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Nothing can put the brakes on a holiday quite like a breakdown. One minute you’re singing along to the radio, heading for your destination; the next, you’re stuck at the side of the road longing for a cold drink and a quick fix.
Whether you’re renting a car or travelling in your own vehicle, the steps below outline how you can reduce the risk of a breakdown in Europe and make good decisions if it does happen.
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Choosing the right car seat for your child can be confusing at the best of times. When does a child need a car seat, what types of seats are available, and who’s responsible for making sure the correct seat is used?
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Our research reveals that a car key-related callout took place every seven minutes in 2024. According to our data, two-thirds (62 per cent) of car key callouts were a result of drivers locking their keys in the car. A further fifth of callouts were for keys being jammed in the lock or ignition, whilst 12 per cent were a result of lost keys.
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As motorists across the country start packing their suitcases, we’re bracing ourselves for an increase in breakdowns. Hot weather means around 150,000 expected callouts as our mechanics get people moving again over the summer months.
So, before you set up your road trip playlist and reach for your sunglasses, we’re urging you to prepare properly beforehand. Particularly as many of us are opting for a staycation this year. That’s a lot of “are we there, yet?”
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At first glance, it’s easy to get mixed up between breakdown cover and vehicle insurance, because they can seem like they do a similar job. After all, they both give you peace of mind when you’re on the road, they both involve your car, and they both help when something goes wrong.
But they’re actually very different.
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After a breakdown, you may find you need to make an insurance claim. This could be because your breakdown led to damage, you need to recover certain costs, or there’s been an accident or incident connected to the breakdown.
So, once the car and everyone in it is safe, here’s a few simple steps to making an insurance claim.
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Breaking down is never ideal, but it can be especially difficult if you’re far from home in an area you don’t know. In these situations, knowing what to do next can help make things that bit easier. A few calm, practical steps can help keep you safe and get help on the way.
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A key decision when buying breakdown cover is whether to choose driver-based or vehicle-based breakdown cover. Understanding the difference can help you pick the right policy for how you drive.
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Breaking down is one of those things you never really expect to happen. You set off thinking about where you’re going, what time you’ll get there, and whether you remembered everything – then, you’re at the side of the road, hazards flashing, wondering what to do next. That’s exactly where roadside assistance can help.
Continue readingMany people will misplace their car keys at some point, but thankfully they’ll usually show up after a bit of a rummage.
But what if the keys really are gone? This guide will help you understand exactly what to do if your keys are lost or stolen, as well as sharing advice on how to keep them safe in the first place.
Misfuelling your car is an easy mistake to make. All it takes is a distraction at the pump, or you’re driving an unfamiliar rental car or a work vehicle, and the damage can be done before you know it.
What might seem like a relatively small mistake can lead to stalling, engine damage and even complete engine failure. While these are serious issues, there are some immediate steps you can take if you misfuel.
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When a car breaks down, it’s easy to assume something suddenly and unpredictably went wrong. A snapped belt, a complicated electronic glitch or some other unavoidable mechanical failure.
But in reality, a large number of breakdown callouts are caused by small human errors, many of which are entirely avoidable.
Understanding these common issues can help you stay in control of your journey, reduce the risk of a breakdown, and know when it’s time to get help.
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There’s never a convenient time for your car to break down, and no one wants to be stuck, not knowing how long help will take to arrive.
Understanding what happens after you’ve asked for help can make sure you stay calm and informed while assistance is on the way. Even though every situation is different, there are several common factors which affect the estimated time of arrival (ETA) of roadside assistance.
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In 2024, the average commuting time in Great Britain was around 28 minutes. While that may not sound long, it adds up to several hours on the road each week.
For many people, their daily commute is the journey their car makes most often. Having breakdown cover in place for regular journeys could help minimise disruption and get you back on the road as soon as possible.
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Checking your car’s tyre pressure is an essential task to help to keep your car running safely. Why is the right tyre pressure so important? What’s the pressure gauge, and how do you pump up your tyres?
We’ve got it all covered in our step-by-step guide and expert video to keep the pressure in your tyres and not on you!
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Breakdowns are inconvenient and can sometimes be costly, but many common causes can be spotted early. With a bit of basic car maintenance, you can often prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems later on.
Read on for tips to on how to help keep your car running smoothly and reduce the chances of a breakdown.
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Modern car engines are built to last, but they still rely on many complex systems working together properly. When something goes wrong with the oil, cooling, or timing, the engine can stop running or get damaged.
But don’t worry, many of the top causes of engine failure can be prevented with regular maintenance and simple checks that you can do at home.
Below are some of the main reasons why a car engine might fail, and what you can do to reduce the risk of it happening to you.
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