Although we may take good care of our cars, sometimes they don’t take the best care of us. We’re talking about breakdowns. At some point in your vehicle’s life, you’re more than likely going to breakdown. It could be something nice and simple to fix at the roadside, hopefully. Alternatively, it could be an expensive trip to the mechanic. Let’s take a look at four of the most common breakdown disasters and how they can be fixed.
1. Flat Tyres
According to some roadside assistance companies, this is one of the most common reasons they get called out. Getting a flat is also, luckily, one of the easiest issues to solve. A flat tyre could be due to a whole number of different things, but is most likely caused by general wear and tear. To prevent this from happening you should regularly check your tyres for any sign of damage. You should also check their pressure and tread often. Always carry a spare tyre in the trunk that you can use should you ever get a flat. Not all new cars come with one as standard, so double check. Don’t forget to also carry a jack and wheel wrench.
2. Flat Battery
Yet another breakdown disaster which is bound to happen to us, at one point or another. Usually, it is caused by accidentally leaving something on in the car, like the radio or lights. It may also be caused if you don’t have a very good quality battery in the vehicle. If it happens all too often then call Roadside Response for lowest battery prices and opt for longer lasting models. If a flat battery causes a breakdown then you’re going to need to jump start the car. Keep some jump leads in the boot and wave down the nearest, friendly looking face and purchase a new car battery if you need to.
3. Overheating Engine
During the summer, this is a common problem that drivers have to deal with. Car engines can quickly become overheated and cause you to break down in the middle of the road. You should always keep an eye on the temperature gauge on your dashboard, especially when the weather is warmer. If your engine does overheat, then you should pull over right away. Try blasting warm air into your car, so as to pull it away from the engine. Open the bonnet and check that your coolant tank isn’t empty. You may have a leak, in which case you’ll need to see a mechanic.
4. Fuel Problems
Believe it or not, one of the biggest causes of car breakdowns are because of fuel issues. We’re talking not filling the tank up! You’d be surprised at how many people break down every single year because they’ve run out of fuel. You may think it would never happen to you, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Always make sure you’ve got at least a quarter of a tank in your car before you set off anywhere. If you’re going on long journeys, then fill up at your local gas station. Good car maintenance will also ensure your fuel lasts longer. There’s nothing more embarrassing than calling out the roadside recovery team because you forgot to fill up the tank!
This may be a handy guide to print off and keep in your car. Just in case the worst should happen! After all, we always say it would never happen to us.