Car trouble? 5 things to do to give yourself peace of mind on the roads
Posted in: Car Insurance, Driving Tips, News.
For many of us, our car is our most expensive and important purchase outside of a property. Whether you’re a paid-up petrol head or a reluctant road user, a car gives you independence and helps you get from A to B.
The cost involved in fixing a broken car is sizeable – as is the inconvenience at being unable to get to work. That’s why there’s little worse than an engine warning light, a funny noise or a juddering car.
If you’re worried about your car, here’s how to get some peace of mind…
Breakdown cover
A recent poll of young drivers by Marmalade found that breaking down was the number one scariest thing about getting behind the wheel. That’s understandable since, after all, no-one wants to be stranded by the side of the road, no matter how experienced they might be. It’s important, therefore, to have breakdown cover in place so that you can call on assistance to get you back up and running if the worst were to happen. Have a look online and compare breakdown packages so that you can get a good deal and a policy that offers a level of protection you feel comfortable with, with the likes of home start, onward travel and national recovery available on top of roadside assistance depending on your needs.
Breakdown kit
It’s also important to stock up on some key items so that you’re prepared for any eventually while you’re out on the road. From spare oil and washer fluid to a torch, jump leads, ice scraper, phone charger and first aid kit – having a well-stocked boot full of essentials will come in extremely handy if you’re having car trouble.
Trusty garage
Most of us are not expert in the complex workings of our vehicles – and there’s no reason why we should be. However, that makes it doubly important to be able to call on a pro if something feels wrong. Finding a garage that you like and trust isn’t always easy – but ask your friends, family and colleagues for recommendations. A good garage will help you to solve little niggles before they become full-blown issue.
Regular service
Similarly, you don’t really want to leave your car until there’s something visibly wrong with it to get it looked over. Having an annual service – rather than just the obligatory MOT – can help to keep your car in good working order. Keeping a good service record might also help when it comes to selling your car too.
Plan ahead
Finally, don’t be tempted to cling on to an old car that is on its last legs. Once you need regular repairs – and that these cost a substantial cost of the value of the vehicle – then it’s time to plan for what’s next. It’s worth bearing in mind that 15 years and 150,000 miles is generally considered a shelf life. Before this time, at the absolute latest, you need to start looking for your next vehicle and saving up for a replacement. A newer car isn’t a guarantee of avoiding issues – hence the steps above – but it gives you a better chance of avoiding regular trips to the garage for repairs.
With proper planning, regular servicing, a good garage that you trust, a well-stocked car and breakdown cover then you can have much greater peace of mind when you’re on the road.
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