A car breakdown is a total surprise, it can be inconvenient and stressful. Being proactive is what that makes all the difference.
Being aware of the most common reasons behind car breakdowns and knowing how to prevent them can save you money in the first place. It is not just money; it can save time, which is more important.
Below, we list the most common reasons for car breakdowns and guidelines on how to prevent them.
These practical tips will cause you to avoid common mistakes. It will make you decide faster on whether you can fix the issue yourself or you need professional towing services.
1. Faulty/ Flat Tires
Main Causes:
The condition of faulty or flat tires is mainly because of punctures, sidewall damage, under-inflation, or it can be worn-out treads.
How To Prevent:
Check Tire Pressure: Keep the tires rightly inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. This will help you avoid under-inflation.
Avoid Worn-out tires: Check and ensure that your tires have appropriate tread depth. Replace the worn-out tires as soon as possible.
Drive Carefully: Ensure that you drive in a way that it could not damage your tires. Things like debris and potholes can be damaging to your tires.
2. Dead Battery
Main Causes:
A poor-quality battery is the most common reason behind a dead battery. There are also factors that can damage your battery health. They are like, leaving your car electronics on for much longer period, parking your car in extreme temperatures, and don’t allowing your battery to recharge frequently.
How To Prevent:
Turn Off Electronics: Make sure you are not using your cars’ electronics for a long period while your cars’ engine is not running.
Drive: Make sure you are driving your car on a regular basis; this will keep your battery charged.
Check Battery Health: Make sure you are aware of your cars’ battery health. This will allow you to replace it whenever you need it the most.
3. An Overheated Engine
Main Causes:
Faulty Thermostat
A Malfunctioning Water Pump
A Malfunctioning Radiator
Low Coolant Levels
How To Prevent:
Check For Leakage: Inspect if there are any leaks in the cooling system.
Manage Coolant levels: Check your coolant levels regularly to avoid overheating.
Regular maintenance: Be aware of the health of your cooling system and radiator.
4. Malfunctioning Starter Motor
Main Causes:
Dead Battery
Damaged Ignition System
Damaged Starter Motor
How To Prevent:
Be mindful of warning signs: In case you notice any unusual signs while starting your car, immediately seek help from a professional.
Regular Inspection: Make sure your starter motor is in tip-top condition. You can do this if you maintain its health by regular checkups.
5. Alternator Issues
Main Causes:
Poor Quality Alternator
Damaged Alternator
How To Prevent:
Inspect regularly: Test and note your alternator performance on a regular basis.
Be mindful of warning signs: In case you notice any dimming lights, battery warning signs, or other electronics malfunctioning.
6. Faulty Spark Plugs
Main Causes:
A poor quality, worn-out, or damaging plug can cause the engine to misfires, which can ultimately reduce performance, and causes breakdowns.
How To Prevent:
Replacement: Make sure to replace spark plugs as per your car’s manufacturer’s recommended time-frame.
Double-check during maintenance: Make sure you double-check your spark plugs during a service visit.
7. Fuel Issues
Main Causes:
Out Of Fuel
Using the Wrong Fuel Type
A Malfunctioning Fuel Pump
How To Prevent:
Monitor your usage: Keep an eye on your fuel usage and refill before it gets too low.
Using the right type: Always use fuel type as per your manufacturer’s recommendations.
Inspect your fuel system: Make sure you regularly check and maintain your fuel pump and fuel system.
8. Transmission Problems
Main Causes:
Malfunctioning ignition system.
The lower level of transmission fluid.
Internal transmission damage.
How To Prevent:
Maintain Fluid Levels: Make sure you regularly check and maintain your transmission fluid levels.
Good Driving: Drive good, and avoid aggressive driving because it can cause extra strain on your transmission system.
Regular maintenance: Ensure your transmission system with regular inspections and fluid changes as per recommendations.
9. Malfunctioning Of Electrical System
Main Causes:
Improper wiring.
Blown fuses.
Issues Related to Cars’ Computer System.
How To Prevent:
Wiring: Make sure that your car as proper wiring from a professional person. Inspect and take action if you notice anything unusual.
Replace the fuses: Inspect and replace your cars’ fuses as per your manufacturer’s recommendations.
Professional service: Avoid visits to unprofessional service stations, take help from professionals if you are encountering persistent electrical issues.
Powering The Future: Solar and Battery Packages for Sustainable Living(Opens in a new browser tab)
10. When To Seek Professional Help?
Sometimes, all you need is some handy DIY skills to get out of a car breakdown, but there are situations when you need professional help.
Sometimes, it is better to leave the matter to a professional because it may make the situation worse if you consider going DIY.
There are many roadside situations, when you just need professional roadside assistance, or sometimes you need professional towing services.
A roadside assistance can solve many of your breakdown issues. But for major ones you need help of professional local towing services, which will refer you towards nearest service station.
Discussion about this post