Best breakdown cover and Changing a Tyre
by Tim Barnes-Clay, the man behind the wheel.
Date: 01 August 2010
Best breakdown cover
A relative unknown has taken on The AA and the RAC, reveals Which?, as it releases its latest ratings for breakdown cover.
After the consumer champion asked more than 10,000 members to rate the service they received when they called for roadside rescue, Auto Aid topped the table with a customer satisfaction score of 86 per cent for its third-party cover. At only £37 it was also the best value*. The AA and RAC were among the best providers with scores of 84 per cent and 82 per cent respectively.
In the carmaker-branded cover Hondacare Assistance and Jaguar Assistance scored highest with 84 per cent.
*A pay and claim insurance policy, where you pay recovery costs and claim them back within the policy terms
Changing a Tyre
Can you really change a tyre?
76 per cent of people surveyed by Which? claim to know how to change a tyre, but is this really the case?
When asked if they'd need any tools other than a jack, wrench and block of wood, a fifth thought they'd need extra help.
This included a hammer, pliers or a man!
Can't change a tyre? See this video...
Advice from Which? Car
Changing a tyre safely...
If you notice you have a flat tyre or damaged wheel, stop somewhere safe as soon as possible. Avoid stopping on busy or winding roads, as there is a chance you could be hit by passing traffic as you change the wheel.
Turn your hazard lights on, engage the handbrake and put the car into first gear (or park, if you drive an automatic). Make sure everyone is out of the car, and put a warning triangle out if there’s one available.
Then, change the wheel as shown in the video and you’ll be on move again in no time.
