Car breakdowns are frustrating and dangerous. In this article, we shall unveil the top causes of breakdowns and provide hints on how to keep your car on the road.
Lack of maintenance
- Probably the most common cause of failure in the car is a lack of regular maintenance. Neglecting certain routine maintenance tasks like oil changes and tyre pressure checks can lead to some serious problems later on. Not only can it cause breakdowns, but it may even decrease the overall life span of your car.
- Use the car owner’s manual to check the maintenance schedule for your car and avoid breakdowns due to lack of maintenance. Some of these tasks include:
- Change oil and oil filter
- Replace air filter
- Check and replace worn brake pads
- Check and inflate the tyres to the right pressure
- Replace the spark plug and other engine parts that need to be replaced
- Besides maintenance, regular check-ups of the car are important: Regular checks must be done, and then an assessment of any possible problems should be made by detecting any leakage in the engine, worn hoses or belts, and any sound your vehicle might be making when it moves.
- It, therefore, helps detect any kind of problem in advance to ensure you do not end up with a vehicle breakdown, and it makes sure that your vehicle doesn’t experience friction.
Tyres getting flat
Flat tyres are another cause of car breakdowns. Whether it is a puncture from a nail or just a slow leak, a flat tyre can leave you stranded on the side of the road. Besides causing a breakdown, flat tyres can also be dangerous, as they affect the handling and stability of your vehicle.
There are some steps you can take to avoid a flat tyre and the possible breakdown. First, ensure that your tyres are properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Under-inflated tyres are more susceptible to punctures and other damage. Secondly, inspect your tyres regularly for signs of wear such as bald spots or cracks in the tread. Lastly, purchase a spare tyre and tyre repair kit so you are better prepared on the road for a flat tyre.
Dead Battery
Another common cause of car breakdown is the dead battery. The dead battery is usually due to old age or forgetting to turn off the headlights overnight. This will thus leave you stranded, and you will not be able to start your car. In addition to being a cause of breakdown, a dead battery can be very dangerous since it might make you lose the ability to use some of your electrical systems, such as headlamps and power windows.
Some steps can be taken to avoid a dead battery and hence a possible breakdown. This includes checking your battery frequently to know how charged or discharged it is by making use of a voltmeter or a battery tester. If your car battery becomes old, consider changing the battery before it eventually ‘dies’ out of power.
Other practices such as not letting your automobile’s electrical system consume as much power as it wants, for instance leaving lights on when your automobile is ‘parked’, are good practices to keep the risk of a dead battery very low. Invest in a portable jump starter as well so you are all prepared when your battery dies down while driving on the highway.
Other reasons why most cars break down
Of course, the reasons mentioned above are the primary causes that may make a car go kaput, but of course, there are plenty of other common reasons to watch out for:
An engine overheats very quickly and can strand you by the roadside. Ensure to check coolant levels often and change when necessary. Secondly, don’t overwork your car, like towing heavy loads or running at excessive speeds for extended periods. Whenever you feel that your engine is getting too hot, pull over into a safe place and wait for it to cool off before continuing on your way.
Failed transmission:
A failed transmission can prevent you from moving your car, and it may be expensive to repair. To avoid transmission problems, ensure that you check the transmission fluid regularly and replace it when it is necessary. Also, avoid driving with a low level of transmission fluid since it can cause excess wear on the transmission. In case you experience any strange noise or issue with your transmission, get it checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Clogged fuel filter:
A clogged fuel filter can prevent fuel from reaching the engine, so your car will lose power and is likely to break down in the process. To stay away from this problem, keep your fuel filter replaced regularly in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Also, always avoid using low-quality fuels since they may contain other impurities that may result in clogging your filter.
Tips for avoiding car breakdowns
To avoid car breakdowns and keep your car running well, here are some tips:
- Stick to the maintenance schedule that is recommended for your car
- Regularly check your car for any potential problems
- Check that your tyres are properly inflated and in good condition
- Replace your battery before it dies
- Do not overexert your car
- Use high-grade fuel and other fluids
- Buy a spare tyre and a tyre repair kit
- Invest in a portable jump starter
Keep these tips in mind to help your car from being prone to breakdowns; in other words, your car runs smoothly because it has its maintenance regularly up to date.
Some most common reasons for the breakdown
- Poor Maintenance
- Tired or punctured Tyre
- Battery problem
- Heats engine
- Broken down Transmission
- Clogged-up Fuel Filter
Precautions not to break by your car
- Check the car for servicing periodically.
- Monitor cars’ for all the flaws possible
- Pump your cars’ tyres in well-in order
- Always substitute the old battery of a car with a new battery
- Avoid pushing your car to its limits
- Use high-quality fuel and other fluids
- Invest in a spare tyre as well as a tyre repair kit
- Consider an investment in a portable jump starter