THE AA has issued an urgent warning to drivers this summer to check a "critical" engine component before long journeys.
The car experts have released their top tips before Brits take off around the country and Europe on road trips.
To avoid breaking down away from home drivers should make sure their car's engine is in good condition and just a quick check of the timing belt can help prevent serious trouble.
They said: "Timing belts (or chains) are critical components in an engine, and a failure can cause catastrophic damage.
"Regular servicing, including timely replacement based on manufacturer recommendations, can prevent these issues," the Express reported.
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The rubber cambelt drives a car's camshafts which rotate in the piston engine, opening and closing valves at the top of each cylinder.
These draw air and fuel into the engine which when ignited, powers your car.
Some cars have a chain instead of a rubber system.
But over time, rubber cambelts will degrade, crack and finally break.
Replacing the belt usually sets you back around £300 but can cost up to £500.
Many cambelts are located inside the engine, meaning it is a labour intensive job to get it replaced.
Therefore a major part of the bill will factor in the removal of various engine parts which can be time-consuming.
The AA also warned of another common cause for breakdowns drivers on long journeys could face is dead or faulty batteries.
The motoring experts said 630,000 motorists were left stranded due to running out of juice in 2023.
In most cases, battery issues are caused by drivers who use their cars for short trips so the battery doesn't charge fully.
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However, if the vehicle is experiencing other unusual symptoms, such as dim headlights, it could be an issue with the alternator, the device that charges the battery.
The AA's warning comes after growing number of motorists have lost thousands of pounds after unwittingly handing personal details to fraudsters posing as their insurer.
Scammers are targeting those who have a car accident and try to find their insurer’s phone number online.
They pay to appear at the top of Google, above the actual insurer’s website, and mimic the genuine web page so they appear identical.
