If you know the most common causes of breakdowns, perhaps you can avoid them from happening. Cars are complicated machines and there are a lot of things that can go wrong irrespective of the age of the vehicle. It doesn’t automatically follow that the older the car, the more problems you will encounter. In this article, K&M Tyres looks at four of the most common causes of breakdown in more detail. We also consider steps you can take to prevent them occurring. By identifying the most common causes of breakdowns, we hope that it will enable you to be as prepared as you can possibly be when you embark on your next journey.
Four common causes of breakdowns
- Flat or faulty battery
- Alternator faults
- Damaged tyres and wheels
- Engine Oil
Flat or faulty battery
This comes in at number one according to the RAC, the AA and Compare The Market. Battery problems are common causes of breakdowns and may prevent you from even starting your car. A common reason why batteries go flat is when vehicle lights are left on when the engine is switched off. Other causes are lots of short journeys, a poor electrical connection, not using your car, a faulty battery and the age of the battery.
How to avoid your battery letting you down
- Switch everything off when you leave the car
- Charge your battery overnight every two weeks if you only go on short journeys
- Most batteries are guaranteed for three to five years, so make sure you replace in plenty of time before it lets you down
- Get your local garage to check your battery connections and your battery terminals to ensure they are clean and protected from corrosion
The alternator has an important part to play
This is part of your vehicle’s charging system and is responsible for supplying electrical power to operate the lights, heating, ignition and sound system. It also charges the car battery when the engine is running. The headlights and dashboard lights may start to dim if there is a problem with the vehicle’s alternator and the car may not start at all. Our advice is to get this fixed as soon as possible.
Worn, damaged and flat tyres are common causes of breakdowns
It is imperative to check your tyres regularly and this includes the tyre pressure, the tread and the general condition of the tyres. Make sure you check for any bulges or splits, damage and uneven wear. The latter could be a sign that the wheels are misaligned. And, if you have a spare, check that as well. If you hit a pothole or a kerb whilst driving, ensure you inspect the tyre thoroughly and the wheels and rims. Tyres do not last forever, so don’t run your car on worn tyres, get them replaced.
How to avoid an engine oil problem
Having too little or too much oil is risky, as is having the wrong type of oil in your vehicle. Changing your oil regularly is an essential component of car maintenance. It will lead to a cleaner engine, better performance, improved Miles Per Gallon (MPG), extended engine life and an engine that is less likely to let you down.
Other common causes of breakdowns
- Lost keys – make sure you have a spare
- Faulty alarms – can trigger the immobiliser
- Starter motor issues
- Fuel problems – putting in the wrong fuel, engine flooding and running out of fuel
- Overheating
- Electrical issues – do not ignore dashboard warning lights
- Steering, suspension and brakes – check at your annual service
- Overheating – regularly top up coolant
How can K&M Tyres help prevent your car from breaking down?
Nobody wants to breakdown, particularly with winter on its way and the number one cause, the flat battery is more likely during the colder months of the year. We recommend servicing your car annually or according to the manufacturer’s mileage. At K&M Tyres, a Castrol Service Centre, we do servicing for most makes of vehicle and offer a low cost oil change service. Call us on 01892 653131 to book your vehicle in. K&M Tyres is a small independent garage located in Crowborough, East Sussex.