Driving the speed limit often means driving at a high rate, which can be dangerous if your tyre develops a rupture. Even the most seasoned motorists will feel fear as they struggle to control the car.

Depending on the severity of the puncture you may still have limited control over the vehicle, which will allow you to stop the car safely and in a position where it does not cause a hazard to other road users.

As soon as you suspect that one of the tyres has developed a puncture you need to fight the natural initial instinct to brake sharply and pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible. Instead stay calm, take a firm grip on the steering wheel and avoid using any harsh steering or braking inputs and allow your speed to gently decrease naturally.

It can be trying to steer your car when you are at high speed with a hole in the tyre. By reacting too quickly you can cause a spin out due to the force placed on the car. The tyre will also have a loose grip on the road. After speed has been reduced it is much easier to move the vehicle off the road and allow it to stop naturally.

With your vehicle safely stopped at the side of the road and with your hazard lights on, you should only attempt to change the flat tyre yourself if it will not put you or other road users at risk. Do not attempt to change a tyre yourself on a motorway, even if it is on the nearside, as it could be the last thing you ever do, instead notify the rescue services and they will despatch a recovery service to assist you.

When it is safe to change the tyre on the road you will need to get all mechanical equipment to change the tyre out of the car as well as anyone else in the car. The parking brake should be set. Any lights you have in the car can help you see the tyre more clearly especially during dusk or late evening. Always have your hazard coat on to allow any motorist to see you.

Your cars owner manual will list the safety points for where to place the jack. Before jacking up the wheel secure the vehicle on the jack in the appropriate location.

When re-tightening the nuts after replacing the wheel always make sure you tighten them in opposite pairs, to ensure the wheel is fixed securely against the axel face, before driving off again.

Being stranded at the side of the road can be a stressful experience for any motorist especially at night, so make sure you are visible to other drivers by leaving your Sidelight Car Bulbs on. It is also a good idea to consider installing Upgrade Car Light Bulbs, which will make your vehicle more visible at night.

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Your vision at night is reduced not only because you are exhausted, but also a lack of light, which makes it tough for you to avoid possible dangers or other motorists. There is one great thing about night motoring, though, and that is less traffic on the streets, providing you with more liberty when driving.

Before setting out for a night drive it is a good idea to check that your headlights are clean and function correctly. This is also true, and a legal requirement, for your sidelights as well as your number plate lights. Headlight alignment is very important as incorrectly aligned headlights can irritate or dazzle other road users. If you suspect your headlights are misaligned arrange for them to be tested and reset by a qualified auto mechanic.

Any time you have items in your back seat or boot which are heavy your headlights could increase in height. Drivers will certainly find this troublesome, but with the adjustment switch inside your vehicle you can modify where the headlights are pointing.

Your vehicle lights should be turned on when the street lights are on. During grey days or unfavourable weather you should have your headlamps on. Any time there is a low light it is a good idea to have your headlamps on. Dark coloured vehicles can be more difficult to see by others; therefore your lights can help make other drivers be aware that you are on the road.

Dipped beam headlamps should be used at night, unless you are on a street with low or no light. In this instance your main beams should be used. Your bright lights can distract other drivers, pedestrians, or motorcyclists. You should switch them off when you approach another car, person, motorcycle, or bicycle.

Anytime you follow another vehicle the dipped beam head lights need to be used. When you feel you need to pass another vehicle be aware that your sight can be reduced and illusions can be created by shadows. Dips or curves in the road can be particularly difficult as you pass another vehicle.

There are some things you can do to prevent the effects hazards can cause on your visibility. A person driving at night tends to be drawn to lights, especially headlights. You can avoid this feeling by looking to the left of the oncoming lights.

Dirt, road grime, or grease on your windscreen may create an optical illusion that is both dangerous and annoying. Chips and cracks can change the refraction of the light as well. It is best to change your rear view mirror to night driving setting, in order to lessen the impact of other vehicles behind you. You also need to consider when you might need to slow down on a bend or at a junction as lights may affect you.

Motorists driving during the night should be unworried about the dangers, and instead enjoy the experience of open roads without traffic.

Due to the lack of ambient light when night driving it is important that you always fit the best car bulbs that you can afford. Because bulb technology has advanced considerably you can now install new H7 xenon bulbs that ensure that you can see much further into the darkness.

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Depending on what area of the country you live in, the start of the winter season can bring with it a whole host of concerns when it comes to your automobile. Poor driving conditions and frigid conditions may literally leave you stuck out in the cold if you aren’t properly prepared to deal with them.

Get your car a “Check-Up”

The absolute best way to ensure that you?re prepared to handle the weather ahead is to have your car checked out by a licensed mechanic. You?ll want a tune up, all your fluid levels checked, your battery tested and all your belts and hoses inspected. Sub freezing temperatures can further shorten the lives of worn down batteries and the less than perfect pliable materials that your belts and hoses are made of. A dead battery or broken belt is a great way to end up freezing your rear end off on the side of the road while you wait for roadside assistance.

Make sure your tires are in good condition and properly balanced as well - it?s no fun at all having to change a flat on the side of the road while you?re knee deep in snow and slush and the sun is going down.

Be Prepared

There are certain things that you should always have in your car in case of an emergency, like a small tool kit including the necessary items to change a flat, some small hand tools, a flashlight and a roll of duct tape; you should also have a fully stocked first aid kit and some flares in case of a night time emergency. These things become even more important to have handy in the event of extremely cold temperatures or the threat of heavy snow. In the spring and summer you can wait comfortably for help to arrive, but in zero degree temperatures you may find yourself with a nasty case of frost bite if you can?t get your car operational and help is a long way away. In addition to your normal tools and first aid kit you should also pack a couple of nice heavy blankets into your trunk in the event that you do have to wait in the cold for help to arrive

Tire chains are another possibility (or necessity depending upon where you live), that can be extremely helpful for winter travel. There are several types of chains available, which can cause some confusion but your mechanic should have no trouble suggesting a set that will work well in your particular area. Sets of chains may vary quite a bit in cost, but it?s probably not the best idea to scrimp and save on something that may save your life should you get stuck in the snow.

Be Cautious

Many people fail to pay attention to speed limits, construction signs or the many other laws of the road. Some of those people are lucky enough to get through their travels without causing or being involved in an accident, but the nasty conditions of winter weather can drastically increase the chances of being involved in an accident. When driving in less than favorable conditions you need to slow down and take every precaution in order to stay safe and keep those around you safe. Winter weather decreases visibility and makes roadways slippery and more difficult to navigate, these things coupled with even the slightest bit of negligent behavior is a sure recipe for disaster.

It’s true that driving in winter weather conditions is more risky than driving in perfect weather, but you can minimize the likelihood of having problems by following the steps detailed above. If you are prepared and cautious and have your car checked out fully by a good mechanic you give yourself an excellent chance of having problem free travels regardless of the outside conditions.

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