They say that there is a small percentage of people in the UK capable of taking every bit of their car apart, and a similar number of people have so little knowledge of cars they wouldn’t even know where the engine sites. But what about the vast majority that sit in the middle knowing ‘a bit’ about car breakdown and how they work?
In the main we rely on trusted technicians and mechanics to fix our cars when they breakdown and they almost always do that for us. But what about on those rare occasions when we are stuck in the middle of nowhere and we suffer a car breakdown? What then? The simple and best answer is to use your car breakdown cover insurance policy to sort it, or, if you haven’t got one, fork out on an expensive tow truck or roadside rescue team.
Of course there is lots you can do to minimise the chance of a car breakdown happening. And regardless of which section of society you sit in with regard to car maintenance knowledge you should be able to follow the following tips on how to keep your car in ship shape condition mechanically.
1. Filling the Car with Fuel
This may seem like the most simple task of all but so many people either fill their car with the incorrect type of fuel (Petrol instead of diesel and vice versa) or do not abide by the manufacturers octane rating guidance that they risk causing long term damage.
Always check the vehicles owner manual to discover which fuels suit the engine best and stick with them to avoid unnecessary car breakdown. It is also a good idea not to overfill the tank after the petrol pump cuts off just for the sake of rounding the cost up as this can cause its own problems.
< 2. Checking the Tyre Pressure
We are well aware that checking the tyre pressure can save us money by improving MPG but did you know they should be topped up as regularly as every month to improve economy by as much as 10%. There will be a ticker on the car (usually on the drivers door or similar) telling you what the recommended pressures should be for both front and back tyres to improve economy and prevent car breakdown and blow-outs.
3. Changing a flat tyre
One of the main reasons for people calling out the Rescue My Car breakdown assistance team is because of tyre problems and you can often save yourself time by fixing the issue yourself. The important thing is to try practicing at home so you are confident in doing it, rather than waiting for the breakdown to happen and to check if you have locking wheel nuts as these will need a special release tool. 4.
4. Checking Oil
Most of us make the mistake of checking our oil after using the car. You should always do it when the engine is cold and the car is on a level surface. This way you will get a true reading and avoid running out and creating a very real car breakdown issue. An engine without oil will very quickly seize, causing very expensive breakdown issues! If it is low top it up with the manufacturers’ suggested oil.
If you don’t want to worry about whether you have done these things then it is very sensible to get some breakdown insurance cover as a minimum to buy some peace of mind as well as a top service. Talk to one of the Rescue My Car advisors now to discuss your personal breakdown cover needs on 0800 0199519.
