BreakerLink Blog

Car Theft: 11 Ways to Prevent Your Vehicle from Being Stolen

Waking up to find your car has been stolen has to be one of the worst feelings. Despite figures showing that there was 14.5% decrease in car crime during 2020, this is probably due to lockdown, as figures had been steadily rising in previous years, reaching the highest rate ever in 2018-2019. However, thieves have been shown to be targeting luxury cars, with increasing numbers being stolen progressively over the last 5 years.

It seems no car is truly safe in the UK. However, with a diligent attitude and prohibitive measures, any car owner has the power to make their car less attractive to thieves. What are the real world, practical steps, that you can take today to make sure your vehicle doesn’t end up on the wrong side of a crime statistic?

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Sell Your Used Car: Staying Safe Whilst Getting the Sale

Selling your car can be tough. Getting the price you want can be tougher; people are hard to part with their money and will always want a bargain. And that’s if they’re honest. Selling your used car can be a minefield, with fast operators looking to rip you off in a worst case scenario.

However, with a little planning and politeness, you can relax and meet a buyer who’s genuinely interested in your car and will give you a firm price.

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The Cool List – 16 Items that should Never be left in a Hot Car

Although not many people like the cold, people forget that excessive heat in your vehicle can be truly punishing. Enclosed spaces, such as your car’s interior cabin, can become like an oven during the daytime. Especially if you are parked in an exposed position, and have not been able to find the shade.

As the inside temperature of your car can climb several degrees higher than the ambient temperature, it’s wise to be careful about what’s left in the car on a summer’s day. Check our list of vulnerable things that should not be left in the car, to avoid a potentially troublesome or dangerous situation. Yes, there are some obvious inclusions to our list; but also some you might not have heard before…

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England’s Best Road Trips

When you live in this historic country, you don’t have to always go overseas for holidays, with the stunning natural beauty and variety of landscapes available in England. There’s everything from the beautiful flatlands surrounding the Norfolk Coast, through to some of the UK’s greatest mountain ranges, the Pennine Passes. A little bit of something for everyone.

And what better way to get out and see this charming and evocative landscape than from behind the wheel of your car. Many of the roads that run through these picturesque locations offer the chance to take in some breath-taking views, as you trundle along the remote highways, and the tarmac that sits off the beaten track.

If you’re thinking of taking a road trip around the beautiful roads of rural and coastal England, where should you go for the best sights, hideaways, walks and historic locations on offer?

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Do The Shake: Why Your Car is Juddering…

A judder is a jerking motion or shaking feeling you get behind the wheel. For example, you put your foot down and expect to move forward in a continual motion, but instead you jerk and stop. This can be a frightening experience, and your passengers won’t thank you for it either. Juddering can be caused by a number of issues and in several scenarios and should never be ignored; it’s often a sign other problems could develop in your vehicle if left unchecked. What are the various symptoms and how can you complete a little amateur diagnosis yourself?

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When You Can and Can’t Use Hazard Lights…

Indicators have been a statutory requirement on UK cars since 1965, when a law was passed requiring all cars to have flashing lights to demonstrate which way a car intends to turn. Nearly all modern cars use small orange lights, often located in the headlight and rear light arrays as indicators. These flash to alert other road users to the driver’s intentions.

Indicators however also can be used as part of a car’s hazard lights. When a car is in trouble, the driver can flick the hazard switch, making all indicators flash repeatedly at the same time, alerting other road users to an obstruction or even a potential danger caused by the stopped vehicle.

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Brake Smoke: Causes and Cures

Smoke coming out of the brakes? It might be funny in cartoons, but it’s never a laughing matter when it’s your car. In fact, if you do notice a burning smell, or worse still, start seeing smoke floating around your vehicle cabin, it can be a more than unsettling experience.

Brake smoke is one of those situations where you need to act immediately. Even if you have put on new brake pads that can in rare cases smoke when you wear them in – it’s still something that you need to check. So what are the causes (and some of the fixes) of smoking brakes?

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Running Out of Fuel – What Next?

No one ever wants to run out of fuel. It’s a bad look. Run out on a main road and you present a danger to other drivers. And many cars out there will be adversely impacted by running on empty. With the cost of living right now, you don’t want to pick up an expensive bill to fix your motor.

Let’s face it however, it’s easily done. You forgot to check levels before you set out, or you’re up against a lot of expenses and trying to eek out the pennies – whatever the reason, it’s something most people will experience in their lifetime. Running on fumes and crossing everything that they’ll get to the hallowed petrol station.

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The Safe Way for Drivers to Handle Cyclists

Riders on bikes are more vulnerable than when you’re driving your car. They don’t have that hard, metal shell keeping the outside world at bay for protection. Many drivers have trouble keeping their eyes open for bike riders. And as a result of this situation most accidents involving cyclists are caused by car drivers.

Some of the main reasons behind accidents involving cyclists, include failing to look properly before turning at junctions and/or roundabouts, speeding, distractions (such as conversing in the car or checking a mobile phone), tight overtaking and even opening doors into traffic without checking properly.

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From Speed Limits to Knowing Your Limits – Keeping It Legal

Is the legal speed limit 30mph or 40mph in a built up area? Is it 60mph or 70mph on a single carriageway when you see the national speed limit applies sign?

It can be easy for you to forget the national speed restrictions, particularly if you drive familiar roads and don’t venture out of this comfort zone. Also limits can change, and if you’re not paying attention, you could miss the signs.

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