Your Car

When you look past the spoilers, the sun-roofs and CD players, most cars are there for one reason - getting you from A-B. We would all be lost without them which is why this section's designed to put you in the driving seat and keep you there. You will find useful advice and information on how to keep your car on the road and out of trouble.

Servicing and Maintenance

If you don't keep your car in good condition, you might find yourself paying for it with poorer performance, a lower resale value and an increased risk of breakdown or accident. If your car is under warranty, never miss a service as this can affect the cover. Maintaining your car may not be exciting but it can pay big dividends in the end. Check out our advice on good maintenance habits

Warranties

New cars automatically come with a manufacturer's warranty but it's always worth finding out exactly what is covered and for how long. Ask about extended warranty options if you want further peace of mind.

Breakdown

Breakdown is an unfortunate fact of motoring life - no matter how new or well-maintained the car. RSA has arranged a motoring assistance service to help Policyholders. In the event of an emergency resulting from an accident or breakdown just call the 'Motor Emergency Helpline' on 01 8328353 and a garage from an approved network will provide the necessary assistance.

The RSA Roadside Assistance will pay the call out charges and up to 1 hours labour costs of our authorised garage. This cover is available on Comprehensive Policies for up to four call outs in any one Period of Insurance without loss of No Claims Discount (NCD). An additional charge of €30 including levy applies irrespective of NCD level. A limit of €320 applies to each claim.

What to do if you breakdown

• Try to pull off the road and park in a safe place.
• Put on the hazard warning lights and gather your thoughts before calling for help.
• Put a warning triangle on the road at least 45 metres (147 feet) behind your broken down vehicle on the same side of the road. Always take care when putting a warning triangle behind your vehicle. Never use a warning triangle on a motorway.
• Keep your sidelights on if it is dark or visibility is poor.
  
• Lock the doors and call for help from your mobile phone or from a payphone.

What to do if you breakdown on a motorway

• Pull onto the hard shoulder as far away from the inside lane as possible.
• Turn your front wheels towards the hard shoulder.
• Try to stop near an emergency phone.
• Switch on your hazard warning lights.
• Keep your sidelights on if it is dark or visibility is poor.
• Get out of your car on the passenger side.
• Keep passengers away from the motorway and keep children under control.
• Keep pets safe in the car or, in an emergency, keep them under proper control on the verge.
• Walk to an emergency phone on your side of the motorway (follow the arrows on the posts at the back of the hard shoulder). These phones are free and connect directly to the police who can work out where you are. As a result, it's better to use them rather than a mobile.
• Face oncoming traffic while on the phone.
• After phoning, return to your car and wait a safe distance from the road.
• If you're traveling alone and feel at risk, you may want to wait in the front passenger seat with the doors locked. If someone approaches, wind down your window a little to talk to them. Only unlock the door once you're sure that they are genuine.
• Before you rejoin the motorway after a breakdown, build up speed on the hard shoulder and watch for a safe gap in the traffic. Be aware that other vehicles may have stopped on the hard shoulder.

Winter Driving

Particular care is needed when driving during the Winter months. Be aware of the basic precautions you can take to help avoid the extra hazards at this time of year.

• Never drink and drive. Alcohol does affect your driving.
• If roads are icy, do not make the journey unless it is essential.
• Make sure that there is clear vision through all windows before setting off.
• Check tyres for baldness and ensure that they are inflated to the correct pressure.
• Lower your speed to take account of the road and weather conditions.
• Always keep your distance from the car in front.
• Jogging, walking, cycling - be seen at night - wear reflective arm or body bands.
• Always use a front and rear light when cycling at night.

To find out more on taking extra precautions during Winter, click here to view our Winter Checklist.

Summer Driving

Good weather does not always mean good driving conditions as the sunshine can melt the road surface making it extremely slippery. Also, rain at the end of a long dry spell can mix with dust, oil and rubber, producing a road surface like an ice rink.

• Never, ever drink and drive. Do you want to shatter your own or other family lives?
• Never break traffic speed limits and keep your distance from the car in front
• Don't forget to stop and take frequent breaks.
• Ensure you and all passengers wear seat belts at all times, including those “just popping down to the shop” trips
• Regularly check car tyres for baldness and make sure tyre pressure is correct
• If you are taking your car on holiday make sure you have it serviced. It may be hard to get breakdown assistance in a foreign country.
• Make sure that luggage does not impede the drivers vision or prevent seat belts from being used. If using a roof rack make sure everything is securely tied down.
• Pack favourite toys and plenty of games to keep your back seat passengers amused.
• If you start feeling tired, let someone else drive. If you are driving alone, pull into a rest stop or another safe location and take a short nap or walk around for a few minutes.
• If driving abroad have the headlights fitted with deflectors.

To find out more on taking extra precautions during the Summer, click here to view our Summer Checklist.