When you're stuck on the M25 after a long day at work, hours of slowly trudging forward towards your home and your sofa ahead without any chance of respite, life can seem a little grim. But if anything seems more daunting than being stuck in a huge jam caused by a breakdown or roadworks, it's being the one responsible.
Cars, like all machines, are fallible, and a lot of people (usually those honking at you) don't always seem particularly keen to accept that may be the case. So if you're worried about what'll happen should your tires blow out, or your engine suddenly stops turning over, then have no fear, as we can offer some advice on action plans to deal with that eventuality.
When you first realise your car has broken down, try and indicate to those around you that this is the case, and, if you're on an inside lane, attempt to move towards the hard shoulder as quickly as possible. This seems obvious, but people will ocassionally assume that staying in the lane they broke down in, or even next to the divide, is a good idea.
Secondly, get your details ready for when your repairs are due to be carried out by the roadside. If you have RAC breakdown cover or a similar form of contingency plan should your car decide that today's the day to stop working, then they will usually be with you as fast as possible and will endeavour to fix the vehicle and get you moving, rather than have to tow it to the nearest mechanic.
Lastly, never panic - this is something that will happen time to time, and crisis management is something of a life skill. As long as you're well prepared (and hopefully equipped with a good book and some earmuffs should your car break down during rush hour), things will all pan out smoothly, and, if you like, offer your own advice and experiences to those in a similar situation.?