How to guides

Motorcycle breakdown cover: a complete guide

A black and silver motorbike is being driven through the countryside.
Don’t assume regular breakdown cover is suitable for a motorbike.

A motorcycle breakdown is a different experience from breaking down in a car. You’re more exposed, your options are more limited, and standard policies might not cover you.

That’s where dedicated motorcycle breakdown cover comes in.

This guide covers everything you need to know: what motorcycle breakdown cover actually includes, why two-wheelers need their own protection, and why frequent riders, in particular, should be thinking about cover.

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Why cars overheat and how to prevent it

A car dashboard temperature gauge indicates the car's engine is overheating.
Regular maintenance and simple checks are all you need to keep overheating at bay.

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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What to do if you break down in Europe

A driver waits behind the safety barrier at the side of a road. The driver is wearing a hi-vis vest. An orange SOS phone point is seen at the foreground of the image.
Knowing what to do in an unfamiliar situation can help keep you safe and get you back on the road.

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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How to make an insurance claim after a breakdown

A black car with a small dent and scratches is parked.
Sometimes a breakdown can lead to damage that needs an insurance claim.

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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What to do if you break down far from home

A woman and child are stood outside their car, calling their breakdown provider for help.
You might not know the roads, but knowing what actions to take if you break down will help ease the worry.

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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How to check your car’s tyre pressure: a step-by-step guide

person in green shirt checking tyre pressure

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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How to handle a motorway breakdown safely

A motorway is jammed with cars, stretching out into the distance.
Safety is your number one concern when breaking down on a motorway.

Breaking down on a motorway can feel far more intimidating than stopping on a local road. Not only does traffic move faster on a motorway, but it does so over multiple lanes. Knowing exactly what to do in this situation will help keep you safe.

Motorways are designed for high-speed travel, which means safety decisions must be quick, calm and deliberate. The Highway Code provides clear guidance for dealing with breakdowns on these roads, and following it carefully is essential.

Let’s look at some of the key recommendations.

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How to keep passengers calm and safe during breakdowns

A family waits by their car for roadside recovery.
No one wants to deal with a breakdown, but there are ways to stay on top of the situation.

Breakdowns happen. Whether it’s a flat tyre, an overheated engine, or an unexpected mechanical fault, being stranded on the side of the road can be a stressful experience. And this is not just true for the driver, but for every passenger in the vehicle. Preparation, clear communication, and staying calm can all help to keep the situation under control.

This guide explains practical steps drivers and passengers can take to stay safe and composed while waiting for help. The goal is to help everyone remain as comfortable and informed as possible during a breakdown.

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How to check your car’s engine oil: a step-by-step guide

A Green Flag technician checks the engine oil using a dipstick.
Checking your car’s oil is a simple task which helps maintain peak protection and performance of its engine.

Checking your car’s oil level is a simple yet key task which will help to keep your car running at its best. We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about checking your car oil.

We explain what oil does, why it’s important, how to see if your car’s running low on it, how to top it up, and much more. All this, plus our step-by step guide and expert video. Very slick!

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How to check car engine coolant: the complete UK guide

A Green Flag technician points to the coolant reservoir under the hood of a car.
Car coolant is a mixture of antifreeze and water which helps to stop your car’s engine from overheating.

Checking your car’s coolant level is an important task to help keep your car healthy and on the road.

Our frequently asked questions, step-by step guide and expert video have everything you need to know about car coolant, how to check the level, and how to safely top it up.

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How to change your windscreen wipers

Windscreen wiper blades play a vital role in giving drivers a better, clearer view of the road.

Being able to change your car’s windscreen wiper blades is a vital car maintenance skill. The process varies from car to car but there are similarities between all of them which we’ve covered below with a step-by step guide and a handy video showing how our experts do it.

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