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Dealing
with Emergency Situations, Windscreen Repair
Dealing
with an emergency situation whilst driving can sometimes mean the
difference between life and death. Being able to know what to do
should the worst happen is essential. We have highlighted some of
the most feared but perhaps the most common emergency situations
drivers face.
Cracked
Windscreen/Windscreen Repairs
A
small chip can turn into a crack in cold weather. A sudden jolt
such as hitting a speed bump too fast can also cause a chip to form
into a crack. Whatever you do, ensure that as soon as you have a
chip get it repaired - this will stop a crack forming in most cases.
A
Windscreen Repair is often free of charge..
If
you are unlucky enough to have a cracked windscreen without warning
(i.e. a large stone hits your windscreen at speed) try and drive
to a safe place and get it repaired. If you can't see at all, pull
over as soon as it is safe and organise a replacement. We recommend
Autoglass in the UK for all windscreen repairs. Please click
here for more info.
Blowouts
Tyre manufacturers
have learned that 75% of all accidents caused by tyre blowouts come
about because of low tyre pressure.
The term
blowout usually describes a situation when a tyre bursts whilst
travelling at speed. This will normally result in the vehicle losing
directional stability and control; often a terrifying experience!
According
to the tyre industry council, decorative wheel trims, fitted to
many vehicles, can possibly cause sidewalls and valve assembly damage,
which could lead to tyre blowouts. Although the majority of such
trims can be perfectly ok it is worth checking that yours are not
slightly oversized, which could cause problems.
Apart
from low tyre pressure, one other main reason for blowouts is a
defect in the tyre itself. This defect can be due to a weakness
when it was manufactured (although this is rare with good quality
makes) or more likely it happens when a tyre has been damaged, usually
by being hit against a kerb. You can normally check for tyre damage
by feeling for bulges in the tyre wall. Tyres that have little or
no tread in places stand a greater chance of being involved in a
blowout so it makes sense to keep a regular check on your tyres.
Front tyre blowout:
A front
tyre blowout will result in the car pulling strongly to one side.
If you have a blowout on the front left then the car will pull to
the left. If this occurs try to make the car slow down on its own,
engaging a lower gear will help. Try to keep a firm hold on the
steering wheel.
Rear tyre
blowout:
If one of your rear tyres
suffers a blowout hold the steering wheel firmly and let the car
slow down itself. If needed steer into any resulting skid (i.e.
if the car’s back end goes left steer left).
General
Tips:
Stay calm, be sharp and react quickly.
Aim to bring
your car to a standstill on the side of the road.
If possible
put your hazard warning lights on whilst still moving – this
will alert other drivers that you are in trouble!
Be proactive
– keep regular checks on your tyres.
Aquaplaning
Aquaplaning is when a
wedge of water builds up between the front of the tyres and the
road surface. This is normally caused by lack of tyre tread. Trying
to brake or steer the vehicle will be no use because your tyres
are no longer in contact with the road!
How to
deal with aquaplaning
Remove foot from the accelerator and allow engine braking to slow
you down.
Ensure you
do not turn the steering wheel, as the car will lurch whatever way
the wheels are pointing when they gain traction.
Be proactive
– check that your tyres are in good condition and that you
have plenty of grip – the legal requirement is 1.6mm as a
minimum, however you should avoid getting down to this level.
Car Fires
Faulty wiring normally
causes car fires. If you suspect that your car is on fire whilst
moving your first thought should be to get out of the car ASAP.
How can you tell your car is on fire?
It is
not always as obvious as it first appears. Sometimes you will have
smoke coming up the vents in which case you should really be thinking
about getting out! However, sometimes you may be able to spot early
signs – such as smelling burning plastic and toxic burning
smells.
How to deal with a car fire
The first thing to do is stop your car, ideally off the road.
Turn off the ignition.
If you have a fire extinguisher try to tackle it if it's small,
but remember your own safety.
Do not open the bonnet if you think the fire is coming from there
unless you have a fire entingusher. If you do only open it slightly
as the air can cause the flames to spread.
Call the fire brigade ASAP ensuring you and all your passengers
are well away from the car (at least 50 metres).
Brake
Failure
Ensuring
your car is serviced on a regular basis will greatly reduce the
chance of brake failure. Brake failure can be best described as
applying the foot brake and getting no response – simple!
How to deal with brake failure
If you
have total brake failure it is best to apply the handbrake in an
on/off motion. It is also advisable to try to select a lower gear
– the car may not like it but it could be your only way of
stopping.
We now
offer nationwide quality Advanced Driving Courses - get more information
HERE
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