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Breaking down is a driver’s worst nightmare, particularly if it occurs on an extended journey.
Earlier than you panic about how a lot it'll value to restore, check out our weblog on the commonest causes of a automobile breakdown as the reason for your breakdown may very well be rather a lot less complicated than you suppose. Figuring out widespread points might help you stop points sooner or later.
1. Flat or defective batteries
Maybe the commonest reason behind a breakdown is both a faulty or a flat battery, particularly through the winter. This typically happens when you not often go on lengthy journeys as your battery hasn’t had lengthy to cost. You may stop this by charging the battery in a single day as soon as a fortnight or so.
Another excuse batteries go flat is because of a poor electrical connection. Cleansing your automobile’s battery terminals is a good suggestion to keep away from any build-up all year long. These will then be examined throughout your car’s MOT.
2. Tyre and wheel harm
Whether or not your tyre bursts from particles or a pothole within the street or being below or over-inflated, guaranteeing your tyres don’t allow you to down is a comparatively straightforward activity.
In case your tyres are under-inflated, it might trigger them to overheat. Equally, over-inflated tyres may cause the tyres to increase an excessive amount of after which burst. So make certain your tyres stay on the appropriate strain, which you could find in your car’s drivers guide handbook. If one tyre is regularly shedding air, it may very well be the signal of a gradual puncture.
Having a spare tyre is all the time helpful when driving, particularly when travelling lengthy distances. A puncture restore package can also be an excellent factor to maintain within the automobile even when it’s only a momentary repair. Should you do hit a pothole, or your tyre strain goes down, make sure you don’t drive on it for too lengthy and get it to the closest storage – or name us when you want roadside help and also you’ve taken out breakdown cover with us.
3. Defective spark plugs
In case your automobile is having bother beginning, your engine retains misfiring, or your engine sounds tough when idling, the problem may very well be so simple as a spark plug that’s worn out or damaged. In case your automobile is commonly serviced this shouldn't be an issue.
Spark plugs are vital as they produce a spark of electrical energy that creates the ignition for the combustion that's wanted to start out the engine. The spark plugs put the pistons in movement so your automobile can produce a clean burn of compressed air gasoline combination and permits your car to remain powered up.
4. Points with the high-tension leads
Excessive-tension leads may very well be the explanation why your automobile fails to start out. These carry the voltage to the spark plugs – and trigger an inconvenience in the event that they go unsuitable if you’re heading to work within the morning.
One of the crucial widespread points with high-tension leads is a build-up of grime and oil. You should use WD-40 to scrub them, however when you’re not assured doing this your self it[s best to get your local mechanic to take a look at the ignition system.
5. A fault with the alternator
Ever had a brand new battery, but the car won’t start? It doesn’t necessarily mean the battery is dodgy, it could be the alternator. The alternator keeps the battery charged by taking energy from the engine.
If the temperature of your engine heats up exponentially and the ignition light on your dashboard lights up, don’t attempt to re-start your vehicle. This is a major problem and you’ll likely need roadside assistance to fix the issue as the water pump and/or the alternator belt has broken.
6. Burnt out clutch cables
The clutch is often overused by many drivers who don’t put the car in neutral once they have pulled up at traffic lights. So it’s no surprise that this is one of the most common ways your car can break down.
If you notice any change to the feel of your clutch pedal, simply go to your local garage and get it checked. It’s always best to air on the side of caution as a broken clutch pedal is very serious. If it is broken, pull over to a safe place and call your roadside provider who can fix a temporary belt for you to either get to a garage or return home.
7. Putting the wrong fuel in your car
It might seem simple, but putting the wrong fuel in your vehicle will cause it to stop working and can damage other parts of the vehicle, such as the fuel system and catalytic converter. If you’re one of the thousands of people in the UK who misfuel their car each year, simply remove the keys from the ignition and put the car in neutral, before calling for roadside assistance.
You should not try to start the car as this can cause further issues. If necessary, push the vehicle to a safe place before asking for help.
8. Running out of oil
If your engine runs out of oil, your engine will cease working as it needs the engine oil to lubricate parts of the engine to prevent them from grinding together and damaging the engine completely. If damaged, you may need to buy a replacement. A routine check using the dipstick to check the oil level is a great way to test if you have lost any oil.
In some cases, depending on how old the car is, by the time the low oil engine light appears on the dashboard, it may be too late to take it to your local garage. The safest method is to pull over where you can, before calling for roadside assistance.
9. Overheating
Overheating is a common issue for those who break down, especially during the summer months. During hot weather in particular, you should keep an eye on your coolant level and fan to ensure the cooling system is working properly.
Should the temperature warning light appear on your dashboard, you should get your vehicle checked as soon as possible. Most modern cooling systems shouldn’t warrant topping up in between MOT’s, so if your does, this could be an indication that you have a leak or the coolant level has dropped. If this happens, you should let your local garage know and book a check-up.
Ensure your car is insured for all eventualities
These tips should ensure your vehicle stays on the road for longer, but in the likelihood of being left stranded on the side of the road, Adrian Flux offers breakdown cover to ease your troubles.
The costs involved with not having breakdown cover are often very hight compared to buying breakdown cover as you’ll have to pay towing costs and call-out charges. Breakdown cover can give you extra peace of mind that whatever car trouble you have, you’ll be on the road again in no time.
Call us on 0800 369 8590 or book a callback at a time that suits you to take out breakdown cover.
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