Many 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.
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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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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Driving your own car in Europe can make travelling feel easier and more flexible than using public transport or relying on a hire vehicle. You can pack what you need, follow your own route, and explore new places in the comfort of a car you’re familiar with.
What might not be so familiar is how you’d manage a breakdown while abroad. This is where European breakdown cover comes in, giving you the help you need should your car suffer a problem.
This guide explains what European breakdown cover includes, and how to decide whether it’s the right option for your trip.
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If your car stops at the side of the road, the most important thing is knowing what to do next. Breakdowns aren’t something anyone plans for, but there are clear, practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your passengers.
Staying calm and focusing on those steps can help you feel more in control. From positioning your vehicle safely to contacting the right help, small actions can make a big difference.
This guide walks you through what to do; so if it does happen, you’ll feel better prepared to deal with it safely and confidently.
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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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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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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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Why is car tax so important? How do you renew it? What happens if you drive without valid tax? And what does it mean for your breakdown cover?
Here’s everything you need to know about car tax.
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Why is an MOT so important? How do you book an MOT and what will be checked? Do you need a valid MOT to use your breakdown cover? We’re here to answer all these questions (and more).
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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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Breaking down is stressful enough without also having to wonder: Will I have to pay for recovery? What happens if I’ve had an accident? Does my breakdown cover include towing?
Many drivers assume towing is automatically included in every breakdown policy. But the truth is, the level of support you get depends on what’s covered in your specific roadside assistance plan.
This guide explains what towing and vehicle recovery services usually include, what they don’t, and who pays for towing after an accident.
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There’s nothing worse than heading out on a freezing winter morning, turning the key… and being met with silence.
A flat car battery is one of the most common causes of breakdowns during cold weather – and it can happen anytime, without much warning. Even if your battery seemed perfectly fine in recent months, winter conditions can quickly expose hidden weaknesses.
So, why do car batteries die in winter? And what can you do to prevent being stranded with a car that won’t start? Let’s look at why cold weather can prove so challenging.
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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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Winter is here and with the cold weather comes a whole lot of challenges, and not just for us drivers. Cars too will be suffering in the lower temperatures. Here are the different ways icy conditions affect your car and some handy suggestions for ways to reduce their impact.
When it comes to winter driving, you should always expect the unexpected.
The British weather is unpredictable at the best of times, and you never quite know what’s around the corner.
That’s why it’s good to be prepared. Before you hit the road, pack a winter survival kit, just in case you get stranded in bad conditions.
It might sound like an extreme measure, but you’ll be glad it’s there if the worst happens.
So, what should you pack?
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It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but unfortunately, winter’s the peak time for car breakdowns.
Many cars suffer similar issues, which means we know what to expect and can help you do something about it.
Here we look at the top reasons why cars break down and some tips you can follow to keep yours on the road.
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It’s a familiar scene across the country on cold winter days. You leave the house, it’s freezing outside, and you just want to jump in your car and get going, but the windows are covered in ice.
What do you do? Clear a little peephole and get going, or brave the cold and fully clear your windscreen?
Well, 45% of people admit to driving without full visibility in icy conditions, according to research by Green Flag. But, not only could that be dangerous, it could get you in trouble.
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Over the past few years the UK has seen a sharp increase in the number of storms we’ve had to deal with. Even though the names they have these days aren’t that scary, a storm shouldn’t be taken lightly – it can cause serious damage, injury, and even death.
Last winter, Storm Eowyn was the UK’s most powerful windstorm for more than a decade, with gusts of 135mph, while Storm Bert hit us with the wettest day since October 2020. Not ideal driving conditions.
With another storm season on the way, here are our top tips for staying safe on the roads.
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As motorists across the country are packing their suitcases, we’re predicting a seven per cent increase in breakdowns during summer. That means around 150,000 callouts for our mechanics to provide support over the summer.
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