The UK’s car clubs are warning members this Christmas that breakdown cover is a necessity if you fail to properly maintain your car this winter.

And with fewer and fewer of us having the time to really look after our vehicle car experts say we should insure ourselves by taking out a cheap breakdown cover policy.

And while a breakdown could be an inconvenience club members are also reminding us that they can also put you, your passengers and others on the road in danger.

"Some motorists have cut back on maintenance or put off needed vehicle repairs due to tight budgets in this tough economy -- especially if the vehicle remains drivable," said one car club chairman. "But, delaying certain repairs can be a dangerous gamble for motorists as some conditions can make their vehicles unsafe and at greater risk for a crash, a fire or a roadside breakdown."

And the advice to avoid breakdown? There are five main elements to safe car operation and they should be maintained regularly to avoid the need for breakdown cover. They are:

Traction – When tyres lose their thread they are exposed in the winter time as slippery surfaces expose them. Worn tyres with little tread are much more likely to hydroplane on wet pavement or lose traction in the snow, resulting in a loss of braking power and steering control -- two of the most dangerous situations in which drivers can find themselves. So make sure you check your tyres.

Contact Rescue My Car now to get a quick quote for breakdown cover on 0800 0199519

To read part two of our breakdown cover a necessity guide click this link now.