So you have your car and at present it's running smoothly. But what happens when something goes wrong? This section will help you to keep your car on the road, whatever the weather.
	When maintaining your car PREVENTION IS THE BEST POLICY. Regular servicing and checks will keep your car in good mechanical order, but minor problems can still spring up, usually at the least convenient time! Don't ignore any minor faults in the hope that they will go away. If left, small problems usually turn into much bigger ones which could result in an expensive repair or a possible breakdown.

Get into the habit of carrying out the following routine checks on your car:

WEEKLY CHECK Oil Water Battery Tyres Screen washer fluid

SEASONAL CHECK   Screen de-icer Antifreeze

BEFORE ANY LONG JOURNEYS DOUBLE CHECK

Lights and windows are clean

All lights including indicators are working

Fuel level

Oil level

Hydraulic fluid levels

Water level

Tyre pressures

Your car handbook should show you the correct fluid levels and tyre pressures for your car, also what the car system warning signals mean. Take some time to read through all this information so that you are prepared for any problems that may arise.
Another important point is to ensure you have enough FUEL for your journey. This may seem obvious but the breakdown services record thousands of instances of drivers running out of fuel every year! This situation is easily avoided by keeping an eye on your fuel gauge and carrying a spare safety can of petrol.
In addition to carrying out routine checks on your vehicle it is a good idea to have an emergency kit in your car which should include:

GENERAL KIT

Battery jump leads

Torch

Mobile phone, phone card or small change for telephone

Money for emergencies or parking meters!

Warm coat or rug

First Aid kit

Spare fuses and bulbs for the car

Warning triangle

Chocolate bar or food item and drink

Fuel can

SUMMER Water container filled with water + anti-freeze (in case of water loss) Drink (in case you get thirsty!)	WINTER Spade Mat or sacking (in case you get stuck in snow) De-icer spray Window scraper

By following the simple advice above you are much less likely to break down, get stuck, or have problems with your car. It's well worth the small extra effort to ensure that you can enjoy safe and carefree motoring.