5 Reasons Your Vehicle’s Engine May Stall While You’re Driving

It’s bad enough when your vehicle won’t start, but it’s even worse when it suddenly stops while you’re driving. This can be a frightening experience, but staying calm can help you act with a clear head. Using the momentum you have from driving, steer to the side of the road. Once you’re there, you can try to turn on your car, or simply get out and call for a tow truck.

Stalling like this isn’t very common. But when it does happen, there are a number of possible causes. We’ll go into detail on some of the more common ones below.

5. Trouble with Transmission

If you’re driving a car with a manual transmission, this may be an easy problem to fix. After all, braking too hard while the clutch is engaged can cause the car to stall, as can disengaging the clutch too quickly. If you’ve done this, simply restart your vehicle.

But if you’re driving a car with an automatic transmission, stalling can be a sign of a more serious problem. The torque converter is the automatic equivalent of a clutch; it’s a piece of machinery that connects and disconnects the transmission and the engine. If it fails to engage and disengage as it should, it may be what causes the engine to stop.

4. Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor

Your engine needs a steady supply of air in order to keep functioning. In modern fuel injected engines, a number of components are required to inject the precise mixture of fuel and air into the combustion chambers. The ECU, or engine control unit, gets information from a number of sensors and adjusts the injection based on this information. The mass airflow sensor, or MAF, is the sensor that’s responsible for telling the ECU the mass of the air that’s coming into the engine. If the MAF isn’t functioning as it should, the ECU may get incorrect information. If this happens, the ECU may direct less fuel to be injected, which can cause the engine to stall.

3. Fuel System Problems

If you’ve ever run out of gas, you know from experience just how quickly a lack of fuel can cause your car to stall. An empty gas tank is certainly one way that your engine might fail to get fuel, especially if you have a gas leak that’s making you lose fuel faster than expected. However, it’s not the only potential cause. The fuel pump helps move the gas from the fuel tank to the engine itself, so a fuel pump that fails while you’re driving can cause your car to stop. In addition, fuel injectors that are malfunctioning may keep enough fuel from reaching your engine.

2. Failed Alternator

The alternator plays several key roles in your vehicle’s functioning. It recharges the battery so that you can start your car when you need to, but it also runs the electric components of your vehicle. Among other things, it keeps the spark plugs sparking, which is a vital part of combustion. If the alternator begins to fail, the spark plugs may only sometimes function, causing rough and weak performance. An alternator that fails completely can cause the engine to stall, since the spark plugs won’t be creating any spark at all.

1. A Broken Timing Belt

While most Toyota models these days have a timing chain, many older vehicles were equipped with timing belts. These belts synchronize the strokes of the valves and pistons by making sure the camshaft or camshafts are synchronized to the rotation of the crankshaft. If the timing belt breaks in a freewheeling engine (that is, an engine where the pistons never occupy the same space as the valves), your engine will simply stop running. If your vehicle has an interference engine, your vehicle will also stop running . . . but the engine itself will likely be destroyed.

TIPS

Everything You Need To Know About Your Car’s Radiator

Engines often tend to heat after a prolonged use of the car. Every time you go on a long ride, you would notice the engine becomes heated, isn’t it? It is the radiator which controls the heating of the engine with the help of coolant. It can be concluded that the radiator is one of the critical components of the engine as it performs a crucial role of controlling the heat inside the engine box. Let’s understand more about it and its functions!

What Is A Radiator In A Car?

Radiator’s main job is to cool down the engine and thus it becomes critical to keep the radiator in good condition. Generally, the coolant is inside the tank of the radiator and from there it travels through the core. With the help of the fan, it further flows through tubes to cool the engine down.

How Does A Radiator Work?

Radiators in the car work primarily to eliminate heat from the engine and its chamber. The process starts as soon as the thermostat detects excess heat. That’s when the coolant and water get released automatically from the radiator and flow towards the engine to absorb this excess heat and to cool the engine down.

Radiators work on the heat transfer principle called convection. So when the water inside the radiator chamber is heated, the surrounding air also heats and further flows around the pipes as the air circulates.

Signs You Have A Bad Or Failing Radiator

There are plenty of tell tale signs to know if you are a failing or under performing radiator. Some of the crucial signs are as follows:

Vehicle Is Overheating

One of the first and the foremost signs of a malfunctioning radiator is the overheating of the engine. Every time the engine gets heated, it should ring a bell that there may be something wrong with the radiator.

Vehicle Is Leaking Coolant

Another crucial sign behind a failing or poor radiator is the leaking of coolant. Functioning of coolants is directly linked with the radiator. Hence if there is anything wrong with the radiator, coolant may not flow through the pipes of the engine box.

Sludge Build Up In Radiator

With regular use, there is likelihood of sludge build up in the radiator or its passage. You should get the car regularly serviced to ensure all the components are working smoothly. Any such build is an indicator that there is something not right with the radiator.

Low Coolant Levels

Check the level of the coolant after a regular interval. Low coolant level can be a sign that the radiator is not functioning well and it could result in overheating of the engine.

5 Tips To Maintain Your Car’s Radiator

You can always follow some best practice and expert recommended tips to keep your car’s radiator healthy and running.

Perform Regular Radiator Checks

You should get your car regularly serviced as recommended by the auto expert. Make sure you perform regular radiator checks to see if it is working effectively or not. You can then take necessary actions to replace or repair the components. This would ensure there are no last-minute hiccups and you can enjoy your ride seamlessly.

Avoid Overloading Car

We often make the mistake of overloading the car which can cause problems when it comes to the performance of the radiator and the engine. Make sure you avoid overloading it as much as possible.

Top Up With Engine Coolant

Top up the coolant after every 20000 to 25000 miles or as recommended by the service engineer. It varies from car to car depending upon the use and driving habits.

Check Your Fluids

Regularly check the fluid levels and take corrective actions. Make sure the level of coolant is appropriate and check the oil levels too. Low levels of fluid can create problems in the long term and impact the performance of your car.

Maintain The Hoses And Check For Leaks

Keep an eye on all the key components of the engine including the hoses and pipes. Look for any potential leaks from the pipe and engine box. Get the car serviced and checked by an expert as soon as you find any unusual sign.

 

TIPS

3 Common Symptoms Of A Bad Engine Oil Pressure Sensor

The purpose of engine oil pressure oil is to measure the amount of oil pressure in your car to optimize fuel injection, ignition timing, and other critical engine parameters. This sensor plays a crucial role in your engine, so what are the common signs of a bad engine oil pressure sensor? Let’s find out the potential causes behind its failure and the implications it can have on the vehicle’s operation.

What Does The Oil Pressure Sensor Do In Your Car?

The oil pressure sensor also known as the oil pressure switch has the primary function of controlling the oil pressure within the car engine and sends data to the ECU or instrument cluster. From that, the driver can easily know the amount of fluid being pumped into the system. If the oil is pumped adequately, it will provide a good lubrication effect, reduce friction, and dissipate heat. Depending on the pressure level, the ECU will send a signal to turn on the warning light on the dashboard so that the driver knows and takes timely measures.

It’s clear that the oil pressure sensor has two obvious functions:

  • Make sure the engine gets adequate oil pressure for proper lubrication.
  • This sensor serves as a safety feature by warning the driver If the oil pressure drops below a certain threshold.

So, where is the oil pressure sensor located in your car? The oil pressure sensor is typically located near the engine’s oil pump or on the engine block, and it is connected to the engine control unit (ECU) or the instrument cluster.

3 Symptoms Of A Bad Oil Pressure Sensor You Should Know 

As an important part of the car sensor system, directly affecting the starting and acceleration process of your car, the oil pressure sensor is required to operate correctly. If any problem occurs with this sensor, the ECU cannot do a good job of controlling the engine. A malfunctioning oil pressure can manifest in various signs. Here are the oil pressure sensor symptoms:

  • Oil pressure sensor light

One of the most obvious indications is the illumination of the oil pressure warning light on the car dashboard. This light typically looks like an oil can or an oil drop. If the warning light comes on but the engine oil is still at the standard level, the cause may be a faulty sensor. When this sensor malfunctions, the results obtained will be inaccurate. In some cases, it also indicates that the oil pressure has dropped below the recommended level.

  • Errors in the oil pressure gauge 

Currently, most new cars are equipped with an oil pressure gauge on the dashboard to give oil pressure information to drivers. If you detect that the gauge shows a very low level of oil pressure or fluctuating readings, it means the oil pressure system is faulty. This affects the system’s operation, reducing the accuracy of displayed results. This is one of the common signs of a problem with the oil pressure sensor. Please note that a properly functioning oil pressure gauge should display a stable pressure within the normal range. Any deviations from the normal reading may indicate a problem.

  • “Check engine” light 

The engine control unit (ECU) monitors various sensors, including the oil pressure sensor, to ensure the engine is operating within optimal parameters. If the ECU detects a problem with the oil pressure sensor, it may trigger the “Check Engine” light to alert the driver of a potential issue.

When the oil pressure sensor malfunctions, it may send incorrect signals or no signal at all to the ECU. As a result, the ECU may interpret this as a problem with the engine’s oil pressure and trigger the “Check Engine” light.

However, the “Check Engine” light can show off for various causes, so it’s better to have the diagnosis for trusted mechanics to retrieve the specific error codes stored in the ECU.

If diagnosis confirms that your oil pressure sensor is bad, there are several methods you can apply:

  • Monitor the engine oil pressure: Make sure that oil pressure readings are within the normal range.
  • Check the oil level: Inspect that the engine oil level is within the recommended range.
  • Replace the oil pressure sensor If necessary

  • How To Replace A Bad Engine Oil Pressure Sensor?

    Replacing a new oil pressure sensor is the recommended method If this sensor has an issue. Here is a general step-by-step guide to changing the oil pressure sensor you can refer to If you have a bad one:

    Step 1: Prepare the necessary tools

    Before starting the process, the car owner needs to gather the tools required for the job such as a set of screwdrivers, a soft towel, specialized glue, and a set of wrenches.

    Step 2: Locate the sensor 

    Depending on the vehicle’s design, type, and engine structure, the location of the pressure sensor on each car may be different. Typically, this sensor is installed near the bottom of the cylinder head inside the engine block or oil pump. You can read the owner’s manual to know the exact position of the sensor.

    Step 3: Disconnect the car battery 

    To prevent any electrical accidents, disconnect the negative terminal of the vehicle’s battery. As the next step, you should carefully disconnect the electrical connector from the oil pressure sensor. You may need to press or squeeze a lock tab to release it.

    Step 4: Remove the oil pressure sensor 

    Next, the driver needs to use a wrench or socket to remove the oil pressure sensor to inspect and determine the cause of damage. The oil pressure switch is installed where there is pressurized oil, so repairers should be extremely cautious when doing so. Take note of any sealing washers or O-rings that may need to be replaced.

    Step 5: Replace it with a new sensor

    After completing all these steps, you proceed to install the new sensor in the correct position and tighten it. Then, install the electrical connector after tightening it with a wrench. Attach the electrical connector to the new oil pressure sensor, ensuring a secure connection. Finally, the car owner just needs to start the engine and observe the oil pressure indicator to make sure the sensor is operating stably again. Additionally, check for any oil leaks around the sensor area.

TIPS

4 Ways to Show Your Car Some Love This Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s day is here, and that means it is time to pamper your true love with attention and affection. That means you may want to book a time at the car day spa for a fluid replacement and wash and wax. What are your date plans for your 4-wheeled love this Valentine’s day? No plans? Here are some ideas. Many people schedule annual, biannual or quarterly services for the new year, but this can cause scheduling problems because everyone else is doing it as well. Waiting until February, you are past all the new year’s schedules and can have an easier time getting service done, so schedule annual Valentine’s service and cleaning so your car is ready for the date.

Car detail

This is a simple way you can show your baby you love her. You can even do it at home. It is always a good idea to have a once in a while complete cleaning for your car. If you have a date for Valentines, you will want your car to be perfect for a special night, and if you don’t, you have nothing better to do than spend the day on a deep detail cleaning at the car wash! Single or not, it is a good idea.

Fluid replacement

Oil should be changed every 5,000-10,000 miles depending on the type of oil, so at the beginning of the year and then again before a summer road trip or 4th of July are good times for most regular drivers. Transmission, power steering, and differential oil every 3 years, so if you are approaching 3 years, now is a good time. Power steering fluid is recommended every two years, but some add it to an annual service because it is easy enough to all do at once. So, if your car is coming up on three or six years old, this is a definite for your to-do list.

Tire service

Tires need an occasional rotation as well. Most recommend every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, which puts it in at the same time as an oil change. So, while you are getting those fluids done, add a tire rotation to it.

Annual service

Any high-performance BMW, Mercedes or other vehicle needs an annual inspection. Recommended is every 10,000 miles. This is a good time to do many of our ideas mentioned here as well as have a full overall inspection for incoming problems. Make sure your electrical and other systems are in good shape and not wearing down. It is better to have an annual inspection and find something before it breaks than wind up on the side of the freeway a month later

 

TIPS

8 Causes For Blue Smoke From Exhaust

Excessive blue exhaust smoke can present itself for several reasons.
Here’s what to look out for:

1. Blown Head Gasket

Blown head gaskets are famous for leaking excess oil onto hot surfaces.

Blue smoke indicates that lubricating oil has made its way into the hot exhaust system or other connecting engine parts.

2. Oil Leak

Oil leaks from engine components such as gaskets, worn engine oil seals, cylinder heads, and the engine block are common. Leaks can drip onto hot surfaces, like the cars exhaust and drivetrain, which causes burning oil.

When this happens, you can expect blue smoke and a nasty smell. You’ll likely notice this blue smoke when the car is idling or accelerating.

3. Oil Mixing With Fuel

Unfortunately, engine parts like a piston ring and valve seal don’t last forever.

If you don’t follow a rigorous oil inspection routine, the oil will do a poor job of reducing engine friction. Excessive engine heat or friction can damage a gasket and valve seal over time.

Damaged piston rings and valve stem seals will inevitably leak excess oil into your engine’s combustion chamber, allowing it to mix with the fuel.

When this mixture burns in the combustion chamber, it turns the normal grey exhaust smoke blue.

4. Stuck PCV Valve

Another likely cause for excessive blue exhaust smoke is a stuck positive crankcase ventilation valve (also called a crankcase breather).

The crankcase breather is responsible for releasing fuel pressure build-up in the crankcase. This fuel pressure is diverted into the intake manifold for fumes to be re-burned.

When the PCV valve gets stuck, it forces lubricating oil to mix with pressurized air and other gases. This fume mixture eventually gets burned, creating blue smoke.

5. Blown Turbocharger

If your car has a blown turbocharger and emits blue smoke, it’s not a coincidence.

You’ll likely notice a large blue cloud of smoke right as your turbo blows. This results from a damaged turbo casing or a broken oil seal inside the turbo itself. Both causes allow oil to seep into the engine’s air intake manifold, causing oil to mix with the fuel.

6. Faulty Transmission Modulator

Commonly found in older vehicle models, a transmission modulator controls shifting in vacuum-controlled automatic transmissions.

A faulty component in the transmission modulator, like a failing diaphragm, can cause the engine block to pull in transmission fluid.

Here’s the kicker.
Burned transmission fluid creates blue smoke!

7. Bad Glow Plug (Diesel car)

If your diesel car produces blue smoke during start-up, there’s a good chance you have a bad glow plug. Another common sign of a bad glow plug in a diesel engine is longer cranking times than usual.

8. Cylinder Head Valve Guide Issue

If you notice blue smoke happening during deceleration, you probably have a cylinder head valve guide issue.

This means that the valve stem (valve guide) is leaking oil out of the cylinder wall of the combustion chamber. Oil may drip from the valve stem onto the exhaust pipe, and in some cases, even the fuel injector.

Both instances result in either blue smoke or black exhaust smoke, depending on whether the oil has mixed with fuel or not.

With a firm understanding of the causes of blue exhaust smoke, we can now cover its diagnostics procedures.

TIPS

5 Reasons Why Your Steering Wheel is Shaking

Many drivers are frightened when they notice a shake or vibration in their vehicle, but it’s important to avoid jumping to conclusions. Why is your steering wheel shaking, really? There are several potential issues at play; however, the most common cause is unbalanced tires. When your car’s tires are unbalanced, the steering wheel will often vibrate—the entire vehicle might feel like it’s shaking. Read on to learn more about the causes of a shaking steering wheel and how we can help!

f your steering wheel shakes, it can most likely be chalked up to one of the five following problems:

 

  1. Unbalanced Tires: When your car’s tires are unbalanced, weight distribution is also unbalanced. This causes the vehicle to vibrate, especially at highway speeds. In this case, steering wheel shaking is even more noticeable if the car has a lightweight suspension system. Failing to address this issue can result in damage to your car’s suspension components.
  2. Misaligned Wheels: Your car’s wheels also need to be properly positioned. If you’re usually careful when crossing railroad tracks and take care to avoid potholes, you can more easily avoid throwing your wheels out of alignment. One tell-tale sign that your wheels are misaligned is uneven tread wear.
  3. Bad Wheel Bearings: When the wheel bearings become damaged or aren’t properly lubricated, the resulting friction can cause steering wheel shaking. If this is indeed the problem, the wheel won’t shake all the time — just during turns. Sometimes, simply cleaning the bearings can stop the shaking, but if there’s damage, you’ll need to bring your vehicle in for service.
  4. Suspension Problems: Damaged or loose suspension components or an imbalanced driveshaft can be the causes of steering wheel shaking. Whatever the case, you shouldn’t postpone these repairs. They’re fairly simple fixes, and our team can have you back on Rye roads in no time.
  5. Brake Problems: Does your steering wheel shake when you slow your speed? If so, the problem may be the brake system. Warped brake rotors or damaged brake calipers, pads, discs, or shocks can be the cause.
TIPS

5 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Brakes

Despite that long lifespan, though, your brakes will eventually require maintenance. With that in mind, you may be wondering what you can do to extend the life of your brakes and avoid emergency repairs or maintenance.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the best ways to make your brakes last longer and keep your car safe.

Let’s dive in.

5 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Brakes

Want to make your brakes last as long as possible? Here are five maintenance tips:

1. Take it slow

When you drive fast, you cause lots of wear and tear on your brakes. Stopping a car traveling at 50 or 60 miles an hour generates a great deal of friction and heat on brake pads, which can cause them to break down rapidly.

Over time, this repeated heat can also cause the rotors to warp, leading to extensive (and expensive) damage to your braking system. Instead of driving like a lead foot, keep your speed low in heavy traffic and do your best to avoid sudden braking.

2. Use engine braking in hilly areas

Are you driving downhill? Hauling a heavy load? Use engine braking instead of your vehicle’s brakes.

In manual transmission automobiles or cars with a mode that allows you to manually shift gears, you can use engine braking (which uses the car’s transmission to down-shift and show the vehicle) to preserve your brake pads and rotors.

While engine braking is a great way to reduce brake burnout on steep hills or when hauling something heavy, it will not stop your vehicle fully, so you’ll need to supplement it with your brakes.

3. Invest in routine brake maintenance

Every time you take your car in for routine maintenance, have the auto repair shop inspect your brakes.

A good mechanic will examine your brake pads and rotors, flush and replace your brake fluid, and remove any debris that may be lodged in your brakes and causing damage.

These routine inspections are also necessary because they allow you to replace brake pads before they wear out completely. This, in turn, will save you money on brake repairs.

4. Reduce your vehicle’s weight

Whenever possible, remove additional weight from your vehicle. Sandbags, excess junk, and anything else that’s weighing down your car is also causing excessive brake wear. In addition to helping extend the life of your brakes, removing excess weight from your vehicle will also improve your gas mileage.

5. Practice defensive driving

Defensive driving involves surveying the surrounding area and anticipating potential driving hazards (like potholes) before you encounter them. It allows you to preserve your brakes by avoiding sudden stops, tailgating, and other activities that are tough on your car.

 

 

TIPS

How to Drive Safely on Ice

Driving on ice requires extra caution! Here are some tips to stay safe behind the wheel:

  1. Slow Down: Reduce your speed significantly when driving on icy roads. It takes longer to stop or maneuver on ice.
  2. Increase Following Distance: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Sudden stops are riskier on icy roads.
  3. Gentle Movements: Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or sharp turns. Make slow and deliberate movements.
  4. Winter Tires: Consider using winter tires for better traction on icy surfaces.
  5. Stay Informed: Check weather and road conditions before your trip. Plan accordingly and allow extra time for your journey.
  6. Brake Carefully: If you need to brake, do it gently. Use your brakes with steady, light pressure to avoid skidding.
  7. Stay Alert: Keep your focus on the road. Watch for icy patches, especially in shaded areas or bridges.

Remember, your safety and the safety of others are top priorities when driving in icy conditions. #DriveSafe #WinterDrivingTips 

TIPS

How to Check Your Car’s Oil

Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle’s engine. Making sure there’s always enough oil is the easiest way to ensure that you avoid catastrophic engine failure and the huge repair costs that go with it.

This is especially important if you’re driving an older vehicle. When a car’s odometer rolls past the 100,000-mile mark, wear on the engine can cause it burn off small amounts of oil every time you drive. That loss adds up, which can make the oil level go down too far between oil changes. High-mileage vehicles are also more prone to oil leaks. Both of those issues are reasons to check your oil regularly to gauge just how often you need to top it up.

Check your oil once a week for a month and you’ll know how quickly it gets depleted—or if it gets depleted at all. Once you know that, you can check it less frequently—say, once a month. Here’s how to check your oil:

Step 1: Prepare to Check

Be sure your vehicle is parked on level ground with the engine off, the transmission in Park (or the manual transmission in a lower gear) and the parking brake on. Lift the hood. If you don’t know how to do this, consult your owner’s manual.

Most vehicles have a hood-release lever under the instrument panel on the left side. There’s also a safety catch under the front edge of the hood that you’ll have to unlatch before you can raise the hood.

Step 2: Locate the Dipstick

The dipstick on most vehicles is easy to spot, as it has a small colored handle—usually yellow or orange—marked with an oil-can symbol.

Step 3: Pull the Dipstick

Pull the dipstick fully out of the tube that it’s housed in. It’s like pulling a sword from a sheath. Have a rag or paper towel ready and wipe any oil off of the end of the dipstick. At the tip of the dipstick you will see two lines: the lower one indicates that the oil level is one quart low. The upper line denotes that the crankcase (the car’s oil tank) is full. Some dipsticks are also marked with words like “full” and “add.”

Step 4: Note Oil Level

Insert the dipstick into the tube slowly and push it all the way down. Now withdraw it and look closely at the tip, which should have oil on it. If the level of the oil is between the two lines, your vehicle has enough oil. If it’s at the low mark or below, it’s time to add a quart.

Step 5: Wait and Re-check

Once you’ve added a quart of oil, wait several minutes for the oil to drain down into the crankcase and and then check it again to ensure that the level is at least between the high and low marks. The oil level does not have to be at the high mark for your engine to have enough lubrication to run safely.
TIPS

Top Christmas driving tips

Driving during the festive season can be both joyful and challenging. To ensure safety and smooth travels amid the holiday rush, here are the top 12 Christmas driving tips. These recommendations encompass practical advice and crucial reminders tailored to help you navigate the roads during this celebratory period. Whether you’re embarking on a long journey to visit loved ones or navigating busy shopping districts, these tips aim to enhance your driving experience while prioritizing safety for you, your passengers, and fellow road users.

1 – Is the journey vital?

If conditions are expected to be bad, ask yourself whether you even need to travel. Could you delay leaving and wait for conditions to improve? Could you use the train instead?

2 – Fit to drive?

A cold or flu can reduce reaction times. Some medication, such as over- the-counter remedies, can cause drowsiness which will make matters worse. Check medicine warnings and if in doubt ask a pharmacist for advice. Consider changing your plans if you’re concerned. After all, anxiety can affect confidence and lead to unsafe decision making.

3 – Check your car

Has your car been serviced recently? It’s a good way to minimize the risk of breakdowns, as well as maximizing the fuel economy. Check the tread, condition and pressure in all your tires. Tread should be well above the legal limit. Not only will good tread give your tires the best grip but it also disperses water and reduces the risk of aquaplaning.

4 – Travel essentials

Be prepared with an essential travel pack. Fully charge your phone and have important numbers with you in case you need to contact family, friends or your breakdown services. Ensure you have plenty of fuel or – if you drive an electric car – that it’s fully charged. Cold weather reduces the available range. Take warm clothes, pack a blanket and refreshments in case there is an unexpected delay.

5 – See and be seen

Clean all the lights and windows before every journey to give the best visibility. This helps you to see others on the road – and allows them to see you.

6 – Prepare for glare

During the winter months the sun can be much lower and this can make it more difficult to see. Consider having sunglasses with you (including a prescription pair) as they can help reduce the glare.

7 – Allow extra time

Try to avoid rushing on a journey. Leave early and accept the likelihood of congestion and delays. This is much better for your nerves than allowing yourself to get worked up because of situations over which you have no control. But do let relatives or friends know the route you are taking and your expected arrival time.

8 – Keep alert

Take more breaks, especially if you’re driving in poor weather. This requires greater concentration which makes everyone more tired. You’ll know when fatigue is affecting you – it doesn’t just take you by surprise. So resist the urge to press on, and take a proper break.

9 – If you do break down…

Make safety your priority. Turn on your hazard lights and try to pull off the road. Ensure you and your vehicle are visible, then call for breakdown assistance.

10 – Closed means closed

Sometimes police and local authorities have to close roads because of flooding or snow. Don’t be tempted to drive through a road closure as you’re only putting yourself, your passengers – and your rescuers – at unnecessary risk.

TIPS