With summer time quick approaching, many Brits will probably be setting off on street journeys, staycations and household visits. As extra vehicles hit the roads, going through elevated visitors and longer journey occasions, drivers might want to put together as greatest they’ll to keep away from any automobile troubles.
To assist drivers keep secure forward of financial institution vacation weekends and summer time journeys, the specialists at The AA have shared a listing of frequent breakdown causes and how one can keep away from them.
You possibly can learn the complete analysis right here: https://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover/recommendation/top-ten-breakdown-causes
10 frequent causes of a automobile breakdown and how one can keep away from them
1. Flat or defective battery
12 volt battery faults are the main explanation for breakdowns, impacting 630,000 drivers within the final 12 months. Frequent causes of this sort of breakdown embody frequent quick journeys or lengthy intervals of inactivity. Faults may stem from the battery itself or the automobile’s charging system.
To stop a flat or defective battery, bear in mind to change every little thing off as you permit your automobile. Should you usually drive quick distances, think about handbook charging in a single day each fortnight or so.
2. Broken tyres and wheels
Punctures from sharp objects, potholes, and common put on and tear can harm your tyres and wheels – as over 560,000 drivers discovered final 12 months. Should you suspect a puncture, verify your wheels and rims, and converse to a specialist tyre supplier as quickly as you’ll be able to.
Keep in mind to verify your tyre tread depth and stress usually, and keep away from driving over potholes or by way of puddles that would cover a broken street floor. Should you do spot any tyre put on, ask a tyre centre or storage to verify in case your wheels are aligned appropriately.
3. Engine oil
Engine oil ranges which might be too low, and even too excessive, can harm your engine. In reality, points with engines, together with these referring to engine oil, precipitated 43,000 breakdowns.
To stop engine oil points, use the dipstick to verify the oil usually, ensuring its degree is between the 2 marked traces – the gap between these traces usually represents 1 litre of oil. Should you’re uncertain, seek advice from your car handbook, which can inform you the proper oil specification.
4. Timing belt or chain
Timing belts (or chains) are vital parts in an engine, and a failure could cause catastrophic harm. Common servicing, together with well timed substitute primarily based on producer suggestions, can forestall these points.
Timing chain failure is commonly as a consequence of lack of oil or oil degradation. Common oil adjustments and sustaining right oil ranges improve the lifespan of the timing chain. To keep away from failure, have your storage verify the timing belt throughout providers, hold engine oil topped up, hear for uncommon engine noises, and seek the advice of your storage in the event you hear any.
5. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
This a part of a diesel engine’s exhaust system traps and burns high-quality soot particles to scale back dangerous emissions, often called regeneration.
Though the filter often works effectively by itself, continuously making quick journeys in your car might trigger blockages on this system. If this occurs and the system turns into blocked, a dashboard warning gentle will illuminate. Should you see the warning gentle, or to stop the system from blocking, it could actually usually be cleared by driving round 40 minutes at a constant pace of round 50mph.
6. Alternator faults
Should you expertise frequent battery issues and dim headlights when your engine is idling, you may have an alternator challenge.
In case your ignition warning gentle comes on and the engine temperature rises rapidly, the belt that drives the alternator and water pump could possibly be damaged, which can trigger a critical fault. If this occurs, name your breakdown insurance coverage supplier right away, and don’t restart your engine.
7. Utilizing the flawed gasoline
Gasoline issues are one other breakdown challenge that impacts 1000’s of drivers a 12 months. Should you put the flawed gasoline in your automobile, don’t begin the engine. Depart your automobile in a secure place and name a gasoline help crew instantly. Should you’re uncertain what kind of gasoline your car makes use of, this could usually be discovered within the car handbook.
8. Operating out of gasoline
Operating out of gasoline is one other frequent drawback many drivers face, as it may be simple to overestimate how a lot gasoline is left within the tank.
It’s greatest to not depend on your automobile’s show which reveals what number of miles are left till the tank’s empty, because it’s not all the time correct. In case your tank is low, fill it up sooner relatively than later, and all the time high up earlier than an extended journey.
9. Overheating
In case your temperature warning gentle is on, there could possibly be an issue with the engine or with the cooling system.
To stop this, ensure you usually verify and high up your coolant. You can even verify your automobile’s cooling fan on the identical time. Should you ever see steam coming out of your engine, or the temperature warning gentle activates, pull over within the nearest secure spot and name for assist.
10. Misplaced keys
Should you misplace your keys or lock them inside your automobile, you’ll need assistance getting again in your car.
Preserve a spare key at residence to keep away from this example. Should you lose your keys while out and about, you’ll both have to go to an authorised supplier or contact a certified skilled to return and help you.
