• In this article, I'll give you 5 tried and tested ways to check your car before you hit the road and some tips on how to avoid accidents in the city and beyond. In case the bad happens and you get stuck on the road remember that help is there. Around the clock roadside assistance Roadhelp has been providing Towing services and assistance throughout Bulgaria.

A major concern for any driver, whether new behind the wheel or with serious experience, is not getting stuck somewhere on the road. Aside from road accidents, a common cause is accidents due to vehicle malfunctions. Unfortunately no one is 100% insured on the road, but what if I told you that there are a few tried and tested tips that if followed strictly can reduce your chances of getting stranded somewhere in the middle of nowhere and even help you prevent a dangerous accident?

1. Before a long journey, entrust the condition of the vehicle

You will get nowhere with a faulty car. This is the motto you must follow without fail. Getting from point A to point B with a problematic car is a real stroke of luck that you should not abuse because it is very likely to cheat you when you least expect it. Always keep an eye on the roadworthiness of your car, and we advise you to do a full check before a long journey:

Checking the tyres

Are they suitable for the season, do they have the necessary grip, and how old are they? Even a rubber that is preserved in appearance has a shelf life, after which the rubber reduces its grip and durability. Improper storage of tires can also reduce this life. According to the rules, the tread depth for winter tyres should be a minimum of 4mm and for summer tyres a minimum of 1.6mm.

Checking the oils and fluids

I guess every driver knows that they need to monitor the engine oil level and top up if necessary. Improper maintenance shortens engine life considerably. Engine oil, however, is far from the only consumable you need to check. Especially in summer, it's a good idea to keep an eye on the coolant level in the expansion tank or above the radiator, depending on the type of vehicle. Experts advise always topping up with the appropriate antifreeze for the car model, and preferably the same one. Adding water is inadvisable because it leads to corrosion and freezes faster. A low antifreeze level and a faulty cooling system can cause the car to overheat on the road, causing you to pull over and stay there.

You should check the brake fluid, hydraulic fluid and wiper fluid levels. Slightly less frequently, about once a year, you need to check the fluid level in the upper clutch pump. If it drops below the minimum there is a big risk that your gears will fail and the car will have to be towed off the road.

Serviceability of systems

Do not go on the road with a vehicle that is not roadworthy. The most important systems that need to work properly are the braking, steering and cooling systems. The drivetrain (gears) and lighting system are not to be neglected, especially at night. My experience and practice has proven that the most common accidents on the road are due to a failure in one of the above systems. However, you are unlikely to be able to check some of these yourself, so it is better to have a mechanic inspect the whole car at least once a year. The professional will also inspect all the oil and fluids of the vehicle and if there is somewhere a pressing problem that won't tolerate delay will advise you to fix it.

This ensures that you'll hit the road with a fully working and roadworthy car that won't just leave you in the middle of the road.

• Comply with the weather situation

Before you go on a long journey check if it will rain. In rainy weather on many roads there is a risk of aquaplaning, and in heavy snowfall it is advisable to postpone unless absolutely necessary and you should always be equipped with a snow shovel and snow chains. As well as getting stuck in the snow, icing in places on the tarmac is also a big risk, as is extremely dangerous black ice. Always carry food and water in your vehicle in such conditions. It is also recommended that young drivers with insufficient experience skip the trip or travel in the company of an experienced driver. This is necessary because many of the youngsters behind the wheel are not used to controlling and mastering the vehicle in case it skids, skids into a curve or hits an aquaplaning.

• Keep your distance and take your time

Do you remember the rule of two seconds? Apply it! Keeping a proper distance while traveling from other vehicles can help you react in time in case of an obstacle on the road and a sudden slam on the brakes.

Observe the speed limits, but don't drive too slowly as this can also be dangerous especially on a high speed road. Plan your departure better so that you reach your destination without rushing and having to speed.

• Don't get behind the wheel after using alcohol, drugs and medicines

A very prevalent topic that unfortunately continues to cost human lives and material damage in our country. I won't go into details, I will just point out that driving under the influence of alcohol and opiates is a mistake that can cost you a lot. The risk is too great and the consequences are dire. Getting behind the wheel in such cases is simply not worth it!

• Don't drive tired

Studies show that tired drivers cause just as many serious accidents on the road as drunk and drugged drivers. When fatigued, the human brain slows down its response significantly. There is a danger of so-called microsleep - a short-lived falling asleep for a few seconds, which at speeds of 60 km/h or more can take you off the road unnoticed or cause dangerous accidents as the car enters the oncoming lane. For this reason, if possible, do not drive when fatigue takes over. If you get sleepy in the middle of a trip, pull off the road and take a nap for half an hour, an hour. A short nap has invigorating properties and ensures you get home safely. And there's nothing better than being fresh, alert, rested and relaxed behind the wheel.

These were my 5 tried-and-tested tips on how to avoid accidents and road accidents while travelling. In case you follow them, the risk of getting stranded unforeseen somewhere in the middle of nowhere significantly decreases. However, if an accident catches up with you, you can always turn to 24/7 Roadside Assistance and Repatrak for Sofia and the whole country for help.