With half-term just around the corner, many Brits are likely planning road trips and getaways to explore exciting destinations with their family, but sadly many will spend time broken down at the roadside after failing to make some essential checks before setting off.
While these adventures offer the excitement of discovering new places, long journeys come with the risk of car trouble far from home. Preparation is key to avoiding breakdowns and handling any challenges that may arise to ensure a safer and stress-free trip.
Temporary car insurance experts Tempcover have created a guide to help reduce the risk of breakdowns, no matter where your journey takes you.
Five Top Breakdowns and How to Reduce Risk
Flat Tyres
Flat tyres can result from under-inflation, worn-out tread, or road hazards. Yet, nearly one in 10 drivers don’t feel confident checking and topping up tyre pressure. To gain confidence, look up your ratings in a handbook or on-line and practice using tools like a portable air compressor. Before setting off, inspect your tyres to ensure a smoother journey. If unsure they’re correctly inflated, seek professional assistance.
If you experience a flat tyre whilst driving, pull over to a safe location, switch on your hazard lights, and call roadside assistance if you cannot change it yourself. Leaving your car in a dangerous position could result in three penalty points. Additionally, driving with tyres below the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm can lead to a £400 fine, 12 penalty points, and potentially a driving ban.
Battery Failure
Battery failure on long journeys can happen for many reasons such as heavy use of car features like air conditioning or lights, high temperatures, or an old, worn-out battery. Driving with an unsafe battery could result in a £2,500 fine and three penalty points for driving a car in unsafe conditions.
To help prevent this, look for signs of wear like corrosion, and avoid using features like air conditioning or lights when the engine is off. If you’re still unsure, get your battery checked at a local garage before travelling.
If your battery goes flat when you’re away from home, stay safe by pulling over to a secure location. If your hazard lights work, turn them on to alert other drivers. If they don’t, use reflective triangles or another warning signal to make your vehicle visible. Call roadside assistance or a nearby recovery service for help. If you have jump leads and know how to use them, you can try jump-starting the car with the help of another vehicle.
Engine Overheating
Due to prolonged use on a long drive, your engine could be more susceptible to overheating. Keep an eye on your temperature warning light—if it turns on, it may indicate a problem with the engine or cooling system.
To prevent overheating, regularly check and top up your coolant. If you notice steam coming from the engine or the warning light is on, immediately pull over in a safe spot and contact roadside assistance. Never open the radiator cap if the engine is still warm. Regular maintenance is important—get your cooling system checked by a professional to avoid any unexpected issues.
Low Engine Oil
Ensure you have the right engine oil levels before setting off, as having too little or the wrong type of oil could cause serious engine damage. Yet, around one in 10 drivers aren’t confident checking and topping up their engine oil.
To ensure a smoother journey, check your oil when the engine is cold by pulling out the dipstick, wiping it clean, reinserting it, and then pulling it out again to see how much oil is left. The dipstick will have markings for minimum and maximum oil levels. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to have a professional inspect it.
If you experience a breakdown due to low or faulty engine oil, safely pull over, turn on your hazard lights, and call roadside assistance or a recovery service for help.
Running Out of Fuel
Running out of fuel on long drives can happen if you don’t pay attention to your fuel levels or plan your journey carefully. Long distances between fuel stations or getting distracted can easily lead to running out of fuel, leaving you stuck and potentially in a tricky situation.
If you run out of fuel on the motorway, you could be fined up to £100 and receive three penalty points for stopping dangerously or illegally. To avoid this, always monitor your fuel gauge and plan refuelling stops along your route. If you do run out, safely pull over, turn on your hazard lights, and call roadside assistance for help.
Seeing and being seen
Now is a good time to check all your lights are working, particularly if travelling overnight at some point. Some cars have alerts to warn of broken bulbs but you can make a quick visual check by putting them on and walking ar0und, don’t forget to include the indicators and get someone to tell you if the brake lights come on when the pedal’s pushed down. Wipers blades should be unbroken and not smearing the screen as well.
Dealing with a Breakdown on the Motorway
If you break down on a motorway, it presents its own risks and challenges. Follow these tips to stay safe:
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Move Left: If possible, leave at the next junction or service area. If it’s not possible, move your vehicle onto the hard shoulder or nearest emergency area.
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Exit the Vehicle: If it is safe, leave the car from the passenger side and move to a secure area. Always keep a safe distance from your vehicle and traffic.
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Contact Emergency Services: Call roadside assistance or use the emergency phones located along the motorway.
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When It’s Unsafe to Leave Your Vehicle: Stay in your vehicle, keep your seatbelts and hazard warning lights on, and call 999 immediately.
Adam Craddock temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover said,”If you’re planning a long journey this half-term, preparation is key. By ensuring your vehicle is in good condition—checking things like tyres, battery, engine oil, and fuel levels—you can reduce the risk of breakdowns and stay safer on the road.
“Additionally, make sure you have the right insurance in place. Temporary car insurance is a great option if you’re car sharing or need short-term coverage, providing flexibility and peace of mind for unexpected situations, ensuring you’re fully protected wherever your journey takes you.”
