What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down…and How to Lessen the Chances of That Happening!

When your car breaks down, it is never at a convenient time. More than that, it can be an extremely stressful experience, especially if you’re no mechanic and have little chance of working out what the problem is. We can’t completely remove the chances of something going wrong with our vehicles, but by being prepared adequately, we can minimise the risk of that happening. Knowing what to do in the event of an emergency will also help keep you safe and reduce the scare factor.

How to Avoid a Breakdown

It’s just common sense – keep on top of your vehicle’s maintenance. Make sure it’s MOT’ed and serviced regularly. Routinely check tyre pressure and tyres for wear and tear (don’t forget to make sure your spare is functional too!). Check oil, coolant and water levels, and take note of and resolve any warning symbols on your car’s dashboard.

Less obvious, but important in preventing an accident, is cleaning windscreen and mirrors; and checking your windscreen wipers to make sure they’re clearing water effectively from your windscreen. Poor visibility is one of the most common causes of accidents on UK roads, so anything you can do to keep your vision good is worth it.

Being Prepared In Case the Worst Happens

Have an emergency kit in your car. This should include the tools you need to change a flat tyre, a first aid kit, a warning triangle, some warm clothes in case you’re stranded for any length of time and so on.

If you’re a regular driver, it’s always worth keeping the number of a reliable breakdown and recovery service in your phone or on a slip of paper in your glove compartment. That way, you’ll always know who to call, and have the phone number at your fingertips.

At Reliable Recovery, for instance, we offer a tried and trusted service for recovery of broken down vehicles Eastbourne wide and beyond. We offer vehicle transportation in Eastbourne or the destination of your choice, whether that’s a garage for repairs or to your workplace or home address. Keep our number handy!

…And if You Do Break Down…

• Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers you’re in trouble.
• Pull over to the side of the road, or as far out of traffic as you can.
• Get all passengers out of the car – using the doors furthest away from oncoming traffic.
• If not on a motorway, place your warning triangle at least 45m behind your vehicle, again to warn other drivers you are there.
• If your car is obstructing other road users, call the police so that they can divert traffic away from you and keep roads moving.
• If you’re on a motorway, don’t try and fix the fault yourself – it may not be safe to do so.
• On a road, if you’re safely out of oncoming traffic, you can try yourself if you have the right knowledge and tools.
• If you don’t know what the problem is, call specialists in recovery of vehicles in Eastbourne or elsewhere. They’ll either repair the problem or arrange for car transportation to a garage.

Call Reliable Recovery for car or van transportation across Eastbourne and the South of England. We’ll be there when you need us.