Once in a safe place, turn on your hazard warning lights. If you can do so safely, exit the vehicle on the side furthest from moving traffic. If you’ve broken down on the motorway, try to stand behind a safety barrier. Should the worst happen and you or one of your passengers happens to injure themselves as a result of a collision, a first-aid kit will be a welcome addition to your tool kit. The team at St Andrew’s First Aid spoke to us about how important it is that this particular kit is at hand: “As the number of cars on our roads increases, so does the chances of collisions or drivers/passengers becoming ill whilst in a car. Jim Dorman, Operations and Policy Director with St Andrew’s First Aid believes that every driver should be first aid trained as part of the driving licence requirements but is also calling for first aid kits to be present in every car. When it comes to preparing for a car breakdown emergency, a map can be an essential tool to have in your kit. While many people rely on GPS or their smartphones for navigation, it's important to remember that these devices can lose signal or run out of battery, or even not work in a remote location, leaving you stranded without directions. If you are not in a serious or dangerous situation after breaking down, you may be able to fix the issue yourself. Think about it - what would you do if your car broke down in the middle of nowhere? Would you have the tools to change a tyre, or jump leads to jump-start your battery?

These keys are designed to make sure that your wheel and alloys can't be stolen. However, they're also used to change your wheel or tyres following an issue. Make sure you know where these are, as you'll be asked to hand them over to a mechanic after a breakdown so they can try and resolve the problem with your car. How to drive in winter - additional tips Breaking down on a journey is one of those unexpected events that can happen to anyone, and let's be honest, it's not something we usually plan for. But maybe we should - what if your car conked out on a long road trip or during your daily commute? Do you have what it takes to handle the situation like a boss? Are you prepared?Never remove the radiator cap or expansion tank cap of an overheated engine as it is pressurised and could lead to severe steam burns.

Scottish Highlands - AB36-38, AB55-56, FK17-21, IV1-39, IV52-54, IV63, KW1-14, PA21-40, PH19-26, PH30-41, PH49-50 Motoring breakdowns are far less common than they used to be but they still occur. And because they're rare they seem extraordinarily ill-timed. But if you think about it for a moment, no breakdown is ever well-timed. Some may be more inconvenient than others, such as conking out on a narrow bridge, but none are welcome.

Emergency Hammer/seat belt cutter

When you're out on the open road, it's always better to be safe than sorry. That's why a compact fire extinguisher is a must-have for any car emergency kit you put together. Just be sure to choose a model that meets all the necessary safety standards and is easy to use in case of an emergency. Empty Fuel Carrier There is no standard list of what a good emergency kit should contain, so we scoured the accessory shop shelves and the Internet to find the winning combination.

If you’re currently broken down without cover, make sure you’re in a safe place away from moving traffic. After, there are a few things you can do to help get you out of your current situation. Make sure you remain calm, be aware of other road users and then attempt to pull over so you’re off the road or on the hard shoulder of the motorway. What if you needed to signal for help, or provide first aid to someone injured in an accident? Well with the right tools and equipment in your boot, you can be prepared for anything the road throws at you. Should I always carry a car emergency kit with me? Screenwash levels should be topped up too, and it's also a good idea to take some spare windscreen washer fluid in case driving conditions mean the screen needs clearing more than usual.If you're looking for complete peace of mind this winter, then it's worth taking a look at RAC breakdown cover, van breakdown coveror business breakdown cover today. Our cover will ensure that you will be protected whether your vehicle breaks down at the roadside or at home. We can also provide you with garage support and alternative transport options for you to continue your journey. This traditional beacon light has seriously bright LED bulbs and offers either a static or strobe beam. It comes with batteries, or it can be powered via 12V, and it's clearly visible and very eye-catching even in bright sunshine. It does feel cheaply made, though, and while it has a magnetic base, there’s no hook or other method of attaching it to the car. It’s not cheap for a single light, either. This metal, cylindrical tool has a hexagonal shape that is used to remove or tighten the wheel nuts.

All of the items within the kit can assist you at the roadside if you breakdown by being able to move to a safe location, make yourself visible to other motorists and to try and diagnose the reason forbreaking down. If you happen to breakdown when driving at night, you will certainly want to know that you have a high-quality torch at hand. Torch Direct Limited are expert torch retailers and they spoke to us about why they believe having a high-quality torch is an essential item to have in your breakdown tool kit: If your car is overheating and steam is pouring out of the vehicle, you may be able to carry out a temporary fix before you go see a garage.Warm, waterproof clothing and shoes, allowing you to remain as warm and dry as possible whilst standing a safe distance from the roadside. A blanket would also come in useful in such an event. Make sure you have a reflective warning sign on hand in case of a breakdown. These triangular signs are used to alert other drivers when your vehicle has broken down, reducing the risk of collisions. Ideally, you should have two signs - one to place at the front of your car and the other at the rear. It depends on what kind of person you are as to how you approach a roadside breakdown: Hissy fits, or a sigh and a shrug. Irrespective of whether you deal with a motoring breakdown like Elton John or the Dalai Lama, having the correct gear makes solving said breakdown easier. Why do you need an emergency breakdown kit? If you are taking your own vehicle, then make sure you have car insurance. However, you should also look at taking out some European Breakdown Cover. If you need to leave your vehicle in the dark, it's critical that other motorists can see you. A high-visibility vest should be considered one of the most important emergency items to keep in your car. With this simple piece of gear on hand, you can help ensure that you're visible to other drivers and reduce the risk of accidents or collisions. Torch