As the UK is in the midst of a particularly chilly spell of weather with cold fronts originating in Siberia leaving many regions with sub-zero temperatures, road users have been advised to prepare for dangerous driving conditions. Colder temperatures also put vehicles under increased strain, with breakdown recovery firms reporting every year that they receive the highest number of call-outs during winter months. No-one expects to suffer a mechanical failure or a flat tyre while out in their car or riding their motorcycle, but it is always wise to be prepared for the worst.
If you regularly drive or ride long distances, you really should have some form of car or Motorbike breakdown cover in case you suffer some kind of fault when you are miles from home or your destination. Even the most basic policy will entitle you to roadside assistance and a tow to a local garage if the issue cannot be resolved in timely fashion by the engineer called out to assist you. Pay a little more and the recovery vehicle will transport you and your car or motorcycle back to your home address or onwards to your destination. Those not covered in case of breakdown may find they have to pay hundreds of pounds to have their vehicle recovered, negating any saving made by not taking out a policy in the first place.
Even if you do have breakdown cover, waiting for assistance is still an issue during a cold winter. If you breakdown on the side of a motorway, exit your vehicle and wait on the embankment. Keep blankets and spare warm clothing in your car and if the weather forecast predicts especially low temperatures, bring a thermos flask of coffee, tea or hot chocolate with you. A stash of chocolate bars and crisps can prove useful if you have a long, cold wait ahead of you and always make sure your mobile phone battery is charged and will last for the entirety of your journey.
Before embarking on a journey, check the water, oil and screenwash levels of your vehicle and make sure that your tyres are sufficiently inflated. Keep an eye on your fuel level and stop to top it up if the dial is getting low. Remember; it is against the law to knowingly set off on the motorway if you know you do not have enough fuel to complete your journey. Work out where the service stations are located on your journey and if you must leave it till the last minute, stop as soon as your warning light comes on, if not before.
If you regularly drive or ride long distances, you really should have some form of car or Motorbike breakdown cover in case you suffer some kind of fault when you are miles from home or your destination. Even the most basic policy will entitle you to roadside assistance and a tow to a local garage if the issue cannot be resolved in timely fashion by the engineer called out to assist you. Pay a little more and the recovery vehicle will transport you and your car or motorcycle back to your home address or onwards to your destination. Those not covered in case of breakdown may find they have to pay hundreds of pounds to have their vehicle recovered, negating any saving made by not taking out a policy in the first place.
Even if you do have breakdown cover, waiting for assistance is still an issue during a cold winter. If you breakdown on the side of a motorway, exit your vehicle and wait on the embankment. Keep blankets and spare warm clothing in your car and if the weather forecast predicts especially low temperatures, bring a thermos flask of coffee, tea or hot chocolate with you. A stash of chocolate bars and crisps can prove useful if you have a long, cold wait ahead of you and always make sure your mobile phone battery is charged and will last for the entirety of your journey.
Before embarking on a journey, check the water, oil and screenwash levels of your vehicle and make sure that your tyres are sufficiently inflated. Keep an eye on your fuel level and stop to top it up if the dial is getting low. Remember; it is against the law to knowingly set off on the motorway if you know you do not have enough fuel to complete your journey. Work out where the service stations are located on your journey and if you must leave it till the last minute, stop as soon as your warning light comes on, if not before.
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