Every car owner has experienced the dreaded breakdown. They occur at the worst times and can leave you stranded for hours. Because cars are complex machines, there are many different problems that can cause a car to break down. In this post, we’ll look at some of the most common culprits, as well as how to diagnose them, how to fix them and how to prevent them.
Dead battery
If the engine won’t start, nine times out of ten it’s because of a dead battery. Many things can cause a car battery to die. It could be due to cold temperatures, a light being left on or the battery just being very old. In many cases, it’s possible to fix the issue by jump-starting the vehicle, but if you find yourself regularly doing this, it might be time to get your battery checked and replaced – eventually it may reach a stage where it cannot be jump-started at all. The battery warning light is another sign your battery is failing.
Alternator failure
Often mistaken as a battery issue, a failed alternator could also leave you unable to start your engine. The alternator is responsible for charging your battery while driving. If your lights or dashboard start flickering while driving, it could be a sign of impending alternator failure. A regular service will be able to detect when this part is worn so that you can get it replaced in good time before it completely gives out.
Flat tyre
One of the more obvious problems is a flat tyre. You might get a warning if it’s a slow puncture, however many flat tyres are the result of sudden blowouts. Pull over as soon as it is safe and call for breakdown assistance. If you have a spare tyre and a jack, you could consider attempting a tyre change yourself and then driving to a local repair centre. Mobile tyre fitting near you could also be an option. To reduce the risk of experiencing a flat tyre, always make sure tyres are well inflated and replace tyres before the tread gets too worn. Also make sure to drive carefully on badly maintained roads or bumpy terrain.
Overheated engine
Steam coming out of your bonnet? Stop immediately and let your car cool down. Ignoring an overheated engine could lead to your car going up in flames. Fortunately, most people have enough of a warning (the temperature warning light will usually come on first). Common causes of an overheated engine include coolant leaks, malfunctioning thermostats or faulty water pumps. Take particular care when driving for long periods on a hot day.
Running out of fuel
This one is a silly mistake, but many of us fall victim to it. Maybe you miscalculated the distance to the next fuel pump or maybe the fuel gauge didn’t tell the whole story? Whatever the case, it will leave you stranded and likely damage your fuel pump. Owning a jerry can is always useful in these situations, however the best solution if prevention – don’t get into the habit of seeing how low you can let the fuel run before filling up, because one day you might just take it too far.
Wrong fuel
Putting the wrong fuel in a car is another clumsy blunder that many of us make – especially if you regularly drive different vehicles that require different fuels. Putting petrol in a diesel car is worse than putting diesel in a petrol car, but both aren’t good for your engine and will cause a breakdown. Always stop and double-check the pumps.
Timing belt failure
The timing belt is one of the most critical components in a car’s engine. When it wears out, it can often snap and cause catastrophic damage to other parts, while forcing the vehicle to come to a grinding halt. Look out for warning signs like ticking noises or engine misfires. The good rule of thumb is to replace your timing belt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles to prevent failure – letting your timing belt snap could lead to a heft repair bill or even a vehicle write-off.
Clogged DPF
Diesel cars come with a pesky little thing called a diesel particulate filter (DPF). It’s designed to reduce emissions by capturing soot, but it can get clogged over time – especially if you don’t drive your car regularly or only drive short distances. If you see warning lights or you experience a lack of power, the DPF could be to blame. Regular long drives help to keep it clean by burning away the soot, so bear this in mind if you’re a diesel driver. If it’s already clogged, you may need to get it professionally cleaned before driving your car again.
Clutch failure
If you’ve got a manual vehicle, expect the clutch to wear out eventually. When this happens, the clutch pedal will usually start feeling spongy and you won’t be able to find the biting point. Trouble changing gears could be another sign that the clutch is on its way out. While age may be the cause, driving mistakes like riding the clutch can lead to premature damage. An annual service will be able to help you detect clutch wear early so that you can get this component fixed before complete failure happens.
Ignition coil failure
Lastly, let’s talk about ignition coil failure. This is another problem that will prevent your car from starting (the engine may not even make a noise when you start the key). Watch out for starting issues or rough idling as these could be signs of imminent failure. Replacing the entire unit is often necessary – it’s better to do this early before you end up stranded by the roadside.
Those are just some of the most common causes of breakdowns, but – of course – there can be other issues too. It’s best to get your car checked as soon as you notice anything unusual such as weird sounds of warning lights.
