The Main Reasons Why Your Car Breaks Down and How to Avoid Them
It’s that time of the year again, the clocks have gone forward, lighter nights are here and we’re all looking forward to getting out on the open road and enjoying what spring has to offer.
At Saffron Autos we’re keen to keep you on the road and free from motoring hassle, which is why we thought it’d be a good idea to let you know the common breakdowns we see, and what you can do to avoid them.
Sometimes we forget that cars are complicated machines and we take them for granted. But one thing’s for sure, when your car breaks down, you definitely notice it.
There are many reasons why your vehicle breaks down since they’re designed from many different parts. But the good news is that mechanics know how to keep them in the best condition. Regular trips to the local garage for services can often prevent breakdowns from happening at all.
Let’s look at the main reasons why your car breaks down and how Saffron Autos can help.
Using the Wrong Fuel
When you pull up at the petrol station, you just want to fill up your car as quickly as possible. Without thinking, you may use the wrong fuel in your vehicle. This actually happens quite often around the country. If this does happen then it’s crucial that you don’t start the vehicle. The best course of action is to seek immediate attention from a technician to fix the problem. Your system has to be flushed before damage to your engine occurs.
Alternator Faults
Your car battery is charged by the alternator. This means that when there’s a fault, your battery can run flat. This may mean you can’t travel anywhere if your engine doesn’t start. You may be able to spot something is wrong before this happens. This can include the headlights going dim. Watch out for signs and take your car to get serviced if you think there’s a problem with the alternator.
A Dead Battery
One of the most popular reasons why your car doesn’t start is because the battery is dead. This can be done if you accidentally leave headlights on or even your air conditioning.
It’s best to always carry jump cables with you in your vehicle.
These can be used to help start your engine and get you on your way again. If your battery is still dead, you may need to it replaced. Once you’ve got your vehicle started, give Saffron Autos a call to ensure you don’t have an ongoing fault that’ll leave you stranded again.
Starter Motor Fault
Your starter motor has the important job of turning over your engine until it starts up. So, when there’s a problem with it you may have trouble starting your car.
The best thing you can do is visit your local garage to have it repaired. A diagnostic evaluation will be necessary to find out the root cause of the problem. This will avoid unnecessary costs, and is something we’ll happily help with. Usually, you can avoid problems by having your car serviced regularly as we check the starting and charging system on even the smallest service.
Damaged Flat Tyres
Anything sharp on the road can damage your tyres.
But did you know that not checking your tyre pressure and the tread can lead to problems too? These are two things that you need to check on a regular basis for safety.
The best way you can avoid flat tyres is to book your vehicle in for a vehicle health check. We’ll be able to advise you when you need to replace your tyres as well as spot any other immediate issue that might cause a breakdown.
Clutch Cables Have Broken
It’s possible for the clutch linkage on your car to break. This can happen over time because of wear and tear. After all, it’s used every time you change gear. So if you notice that your gears are suddenly grinding or they just don’t feel like they used to, there could be a problem. This is something that we can deal with to stop you from breaking down completely.
An Issue with Ignition System
Faulty ignition coils can cause problems with your ignition system. If they get worn down over time, the ignition spark won’t be enough to ignite the mixture in the cylinder. This can cause misfires. One of our experienced diagnostic technicians will be able to take a look at your car and find out if this is the problem and fix it for you.
An Overheated Engine
There are many reasons why your engine may overheat. But one thing’s for sure; you shouldn’t drive when it happens.
It could be a leak, you’re low on coolant or a problem with your water pump. A skilled technician will be able to inspect your car and find out exactly what is going on so that it can be fixed and drivable again.
Trouble with the Brakes?
If you’re having trouble with your brakes, you have to get this fixed as soon as possible. It’s not safe to drive with brake problems. Perhaps you need more brake fluid or the brake pads have been worn down.
The best way you can avoid flat tyres is to book your vehicle in for a vehicle health check. We’ll be able to advise you when you need to replace your tyres as well as spot any other immediate issue that might cause a breakdown.
Trouble Free Motoring
At Saffron Autos, our aim is to keep you on the road in a car you can trust without breaking down. This is why we have a range of services that offer great value and peace of mind. So whether you need a quick vehicle health check, a service or major overhaul, give us a call as we’re here to help.
