Are you ready for a breakdown or emergency?

Longer days and sunshine at last! Picnics in the country or long weekends at the seaside, take your pick, pack up the car and go! But take a moment to make a few critical safety checks, and don't forget to make provision for those long getaway traffic jams. Just a little more thought and preparation before setting out will go a long way to making the journey safer and less stressful.

So plan ahead. If you can make your journey out of peak travelling times, so much the better. If not, make sure that you know your route, and plan your journey in advance. Make allowances for heavier holiday traffic. Don't just rely on satnav, ensure that you have a road atlas and that you know the general direction and main roads that you will be following. Make sure that your windscreen is clear of bugs, especially if you've been driving on hot country roads and have that dinky bottle of Love My Car screenwash handy!

Firstly, make the usual checks. Nobody wants to be broken down at the side of the road, especially when the weekend beckons, so make sure you minimise the risk. Check your tyres, both for pressure and wear. The road safety charity Brake, has a great little credit card sized guide that will slip in between the treads and indicate when a change is required.Check the oil and coolant levels, and carry spare supplies just in case. Make sure that the windscreen washer reservoir is topped up with adequate levels of screenwash. It is essential that the screen is smear free to reduce impact of the sun's glare. Plan your journey, and avoid travelling at peak times. Sat nav does take the stress out of directions, but most breakdown organizations, including Green Flag, recommend that you consult a road atlas before you set out, to get your bearings, and make sure you have one in the car in case you need to tell anyone where you are.

If possible, make sure you have a fully charged mobile phone with you.Should you get into difficulties, it is at the very least reassuring to call and let people know where you are.

Why not purchase the 'Giftbox Option 2' which includes a mobile phone charger, replacement engine oil, screen wash, an air freshener, road atlas, safety hammer and an advice leaflet all in a fabulous must-have box. The perfect safety car kit for your car or as a present for the lady in your life.

Motorways are usually the fastest way to get across country, but they do require additional driving skills. Try to remember just how fast you are traveling. If you are used to driving at 40 mph, the jump to 70 may not feel that much when everyone else is doing the same speed (or more!), but stopping distances are much increased. Be prepared for the unexpected. People do the strangest things and slower drivers may pull out in front of you without indication or warning. Allow plenty of space between you and the car in front and always keep a check in your mirrors for other drivers behind you. If you need to move quickly into the outside lane, you need to know if there is space, and have an idea of the speed of other approaching vehicles. Be aware particularly of HGVs. They tend to drive with a different set of rules. Because it takes them a long time to build up speed, they avoid braking, and if approaching a slower moving vehicle in their lane, will move into the overtaking lane. Remember that they may not always see you, so try to be aware of when a lorry may need to overtake, and, if you can’t move into the next lane, slow down and be patient while they complete the manoeuvre.

Think ahead, take care and safe driving!