Clearview

Lifestyles: Clear View

Driving isn’t just about getting from A to B, it’s about enjoying the views en route. So next time you get on the road, steer clear of the motorways and enjoy the vast range of ‘A’ and ‘B’ roads this country has to offer. And with Direct Line breakdown insurance, you can enjoy your motoring, knowing that help is just a phone call away if you need it. And don’t forget to follow our tips on keeping your windscreen tip-top.

Drivers should pay attention to the road at all times whilst driving and stop to view surroundings only where safe to do so.

Be Prepared

Before you set off on a long journey, make sure your tyres are at the right pressure, the oil and windscreen washer bottle are topped up, all windows are clean and clear (see Screensavers, below), you have enough water, soft drinks and snacks, and don’t forget a roadside emergency kit, including a torch, in case you have a breakdown (see ‘In case of breakdown’, below).

Map it out

Have a good look at a map to plan your route. Invest in an Ordnance Survey map, as these show every highway and byway, right down to the narrowest tracks and unmade roads. So you’re ready to go. Here are some lovely routes to travel on…

Enjoy the Countryside

If you were going to Dartmoor, the quickest route may be via the M4 and M5, but why not try the far more beautiful A303? Along the way, you will spot Stonehenge and, as the road winds in and out of Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset and Devon, it offers snapshots of rural Britain at its best.

Stunning Views

Admire Loch Lomond as you skirt its western edge while driving along the A82, or feel the sense of magic as you wind your way down a tiny B road to reach the tip of the Lindisfarne causeway in Northumberland, which, at low tide, offers the only route to the ancient and unspoilt Holy Island.

The other side of the country also offers some stunning routes. Leave the windswept A66 behind at Brough in Cumbria, and head south-west on the switchbacks, which will take you through the tiny villages of Brough Sowerby, Kabel and Winton, on to Kirkby and under the M6 to bring you out near Kendal in the Lake District.

From there, you can drive on some stunning Lakeland passes. For example, Kirkstone Pass, which quickly coils its way up to 1,300 feet above sea level, Hardknott Pass outside Ambleside and, nearby, the aptly named Snake Pass.

Screensavers

If you’re looking for some of Britain’s best scenery, you will need a clean, safe windscreen to see it all.

Chips are down

Any chips measuring wider than 10mm will constitute an MOT failure if they are directly in the driver’s line of vision.

Frosty reception

In winter, make sure you have an ice scraper and de-icer in the car. Do not try to clear a frosted screen with boiling water, as it may crack and never drive off with only a ‘peephole’ to see through. Thoroughly de-ice the front and back screens, all side windows and both wing mirrors – all-round vision is essential to safe, legal driving.

Unhinged!

In snowy conditions, remember to pull wiper blades off the windscreen when you park up – frozen snow can make them stick.

Steamed up

If you have an older car without an effective demisting system, invest in a can of anti-mist spray treatment and some anti-mist screen cloths – but never attempt to wipe away condensation while driving. Pull over, dry the screen thoroughly and wait until the car interior becomes warm enough to prevent mist re-forming.

On call

Keep the name and phone number of a reliable windscreen repair service such as Autoglass (0800 36 36 36), in your glove box – you don’t want to be caught out while on the open road.

In case you break down

We hope you have a trouble-free journey. But are you prepared for a breakdown? We have a network of thousands of breakdown specialists on call across the country to rescue you and your car. And if you take out Direct Line breakdown cover, there is a discount of up to 10% if you buy online. Cover starts from just £23.