As motorists, we rely on out vehicles to get us wherever it is we want to get to, whether that's to visit our friends, go to work or the shops, or to set off on our holidays. It can be therefore be incredibly frustrating when our cars break down, leaving us stranded at the side of the road.

One of the best ways to avoid breakdowns is to keep your car in good running condition, making sure that you maintain and service it regularly. It can also be handy to learn a few tips and tricks to get your car going again, for example, if you have a flooded engine or a flat tyre.

If you do break down, it's essential that you know how to deal with the situation in a safe manner, whether you're on a motorway, dual carriageway or a country road. All three types of road present their own set of risks, from high-speed, high-volume traffic on the motorway to twisty, narrow lanes with little visibility in the countryside. In this section, you'll find a guide to dealing with all these conditions, to make sure that you can summon assistance, get your car mended and be safely on your way as soon as possible.

If your car does break down and you are unable to get it started again, it's reassuring to know that help is never very far away, with a range of companies such as AA, RAC and Green Flag offering breakdown services, either using their own dedicated patrols, or through a national network of independent recovery agents and garages. You can learn more about the range of service these companies offer, along with advice on how to choose the right package options for your needs.