Shopping Cart
Your Cart is Empty
Quantity:
Subtotal
Taxes
Shipping
Total
There was an error with PayPalClick here to try again

Blog
Winter Check
Posted on September 25, 2013 at 5:07 AM |
![]() |
Basic car checks
Posted on January 26, 2013 at 10:47 AM |
![]() |
Here’s a simple way to remember what to check. F L O W E R Rain or shine, it pays to give the car a good check over every couple of weeks – you could prevent a breakdown and perhaps a large, unwelcome bill. FuelTop up when you pass a filling station rather than delay looking for one until the fuel light comes on – particularly if you’re driving in an unfamiliar area. Lights Clean all exterior lights regularly and check for blown bulbs and cracks in the lens. Oil Cars can consume as much as a litre of oil every 1,000 miles. Check the oil level regularly (your handbook will show you how). Don’t wait for the red oil pressure warning light to come on - engine damage may already have occurred by then. Water Overheating is a common cause of breakdowns, especially in hotter weather. Check the coolant level regularly (the handbook will show you how) and if the level always seems low, check for leakages. Top up the windscreen washer fluid too. Electrics Battery problems are the number one cause of breakdowns at any time of year. Renew an old, tired battery before it lets you down. Also make sure that your electric radiator cooling fan starts running when the engine gets hot – you can check this by running the engine with the car stationary. Rubber Incorrectly inflated tyres are not only unsafe, they wear out faster and can increase fuel consumption by around 5%. If you’re driving with extra passengers or luggage, remember to increase your tyre pressure accordingly (see your handbook). |
General breakdown procedures 2
Posted on January 25, 2013 at 6:01 AM |
![]() |
Calling for help • If possible, use the nearest emergency phone • On motorways, blue and white marker posts show the direction of the nearest phone • The phones connect directly to the police control centre and are numbered so that you can be easily located • If using your mobile phone, refer to the new blue rectangular Driver Location Signs, which detail the road number (e.g. M1), direction of travel and precise location Motorway breakdown procedures If your vehicle develops a problem on the motorway: • Leave at the next exit if possible and stop at the next service area • If you must stop immediately, pull onto the hard shoulder and stop with wheels turned to the left, away from traffic • Park as close to the left as possible and try to stop near an emergency phone • Put on your hazard lights and turn on side lights in poor visibility • DO NOT use your warning triangle on the hard shoulder • NEVER attempt repairs yourselfWaiting for help If you must stop on the hard shoulder: • ALWAYS get out of the vehicle • Make sure you and all passengers exit the vehicle on the left-hand side • Walk off the road – up the embankment if there is one, or climb over the crash barrier into a field if possible • NEVER try to cross lanes to the other side of a motorway Be prepared • Carry a charged mobile phone (switched off and out of reach while driving) • Carry an emergency kit, including warm and high visibility clothing, a torch, water and a reflective triangle • Ask your employer to confirm what, if anything, is provided by them |
General breakdown procedures
Posted on January 25, 2013 at 5:29 AM |
![]() |
It’s vital that you know what to do in the event of a breakdown. • Most breakdowns are due to poor vehicle maintenance and could have been avoided • Work with your employer to ensure your vehicle is regularly serviced and checked, including wipers, tyres and fluid levels • Report faults immediately • Ensure you understand your vehicle warning lights General breakdown procedures • If possible, avoid stopping in dangerous places such as roundabouts and corners • Switch on your hazard lights • If it is safe to do so, drop your speed, continue driving and try to pull off the road completely, or onto a straight section of road • If you have to stop on a road, display your emergency triangle at least 45 metres behind your vehicle (don’t do this on a motorway) • Do not attempt to fix your vehicle yourself by the roadside. Call your employer’s designated breakdown service • Switch off your engine and wait in a safe place, away from traffic |
Stopping on the Hard Shoulder!
Posted on January 23, 2013 at 7:57 AM |
![]() |
It is dangerous to stop on a hard shoulder except in an emergency. If an emergency forces you to stop, then follow the top five personal safety tips to stay safe:
|
/