We hope it will never happen, and if you keep on top of routine maintenance and have your car regularly serviced, the chances are it won’t. Sometimes, though, the unexpected happens – flat tires, a broken fan belt, an accident in bad weather – and you could end up stranded by the roadside. It’s a stressful situation but follow these steps to keep yourself safe while you wait for assistance to get you back on your journey. Stay calm It’s natural to panic, especially if you’re up against a deadline such as traveling to catch a flight. Try not to let it take over, though – keep your cool and you’ll cope far better with managing what’s happened. Look after...

Now we’re into December, there’s no putting it off any longer – it’s time to think about Christmas shopping, if you haven’t already started. Some people are easy to buy for, while others have us tearing our hair out and crossing our fingers that they’ll love whatever we choose. While we can’t suggest the perfect gift for everyone, we can help if you’re wondering what to buy the car lover in your life. From the motorsport fan to the weekend tourer, check out our top picks for some ideas. An in-car phone holder A decent in-car mount for your phone mount can make life so much easier when you’re traveling. That said, when we change our devices so regularly (and...

However well-prepared you are for driving in winter, there’s always a chance you’ll find yourself stranded. Even if your car is regularly serviced and well maintained, you could still suffer a breakdown, have an accident, or be forced to stop by sudden bad weather. It’s always a good idea to carry an emergency breakdown kit just in case the worst should happen. It’s easy to put together and, once assembled, can be left in your vehicle – where it will hopefully stay unneeded! What you put in your emergency winter breakdown kit may vary according to where you live and the kind of weather you’re likely to experience. As a minimum, though, we’d recommend you include the following items. A...

As well as often being unpleasant, driving in winter weather also means we need to adjust some of our habits and behavior on the roads. Snow, ice and heavy rain all affect surfaces, and our cars react differently than in the dry. In extreme conditions you might prefer to stay at home or defer your journey, particularly if you’re an inexperienced or nervous driver. That might not always be an option, though, so here’s our advice to help you stay safe on the roads this winter. Before you travel The more prepared you are, the less stressful your journey is likely to be. Of course, there’s a difference between nipping out to the local supermarket for groceries and traveling several...

Adverts for new cars have been around for as long as we can remember. Television commercials, roadside billboards, glossy magazines – all feature the latest models, urging us to check them out and upgrade. In recent times, though, the focus has changed. Automotive manufacturers are now as keen to promote the benefits of choosing an electric or hybrid vehicle as they are to showcase safety, comfort, and the latest optional extras. With the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the roads increasing – global sales topped 1.1 million during the first half of 2019 in the US alone, according to the Edison Electric Institute – it’s a trend that shows no sign of slowing. The introduction of more affordable models, such...

Most of us are already preparing for harsher weather as we move into the colder months of the year. Winter brings its own challenges for motorists, both on and off the road. Lower temperatures and wet conditions can take their toll, with electrical faults and mechanical issues rearing their heads. You can’t prevent every problem, of course, but you can take steps to reduce some of the risks. It’s a good idea to look after your vehicle anyway, but the last thing you want is a lengthy wait by the roadside until your breakdown service arrives – or the repair bill that comes afterwards. You could take your car to a garage for a pre-winter check and service, but if...

There’s a lot of excitement when your son or daughter becomes old enough to drive. Often, lessons are booked for their birthday and the focus is on taking – and passing – the driving test as quickly as possible. This is likely to involve you taking them out in your own car, too, so they can practice what they learn. This can lead to some nervous moments – for both of you. After all, they’ll be as worried as you are about having an accident, or even scratching a wheel by scraping it along the curb. We’ve got some advice to help keep things calm and ensure they get the most out of the opportunity. Wait until they’re ready Sometimes,...

It’s one of those frustrating situations we’ve all encountered. Your car has been running with no problems, then one day you get in, turn on the ignition, and nothing happens. Your battery is dead, and you’re not going anywhere. Vehicle recovery organizations say most home call-outs from their customers are due to a flat car battery, so you’re not alone. There are a couple of options you can try to get the engine running before you resort to professional assistance, however. Why is my car battery flat? Car batteries die for various reasons. A common one is because the headlights, interior lights or indicators have been left on without the engine running, although many modern cars now have audible alerts....

For many of us, cleaning the inside of our car is less of a priority than taking care of the outside. It seems a bigger job somehow, especially if your vehicle is full of clutter. But interiors need some TLC too, to keep them in good repair and looking smart, so it’s an essential task every once in a while. Here’s our guide to giving your car interior a thorough clean – while not making it too hard on yourself. Clear it all out Remove all the ‘stuff’ that has accumulated in your car, from old receipts and empty snack packets to kids’ toys and the extra jacket you threw in the back ‘just in case’ and then left there....

You may have heard the term ‘rust bucket’. Most frequently it’s used to refer to a car, but it can also apply to a ship, truck or even a building. It conjures up an image of an old, unloved vehicle – but, left unchecked, even modern cars are susceptible to rust. Here’s our guide to preventing it. What is rust, exactly? To get slightly scientific for a moment, rust is what happens when you get a chemical reaction called oxidation. Iron reacts with water and oxygen, and the result is that flaky, orange-brown coating. It’s a form of corrosion. Dirt, moisture and rock salt can all cause rust, usually because they build up in places not reached by your usual...