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Visiting or driving around Newport in South Wales? Avoiding the need for car breakdown recovery may not be the uppermost thing in your mind but read on. Here at Duggan Recovery, we have a birds-eye view of the kind of breakdown issues affecting drivers around town and on the M4. We discuss the common causes of vehicle breakdowns on our patch.
That Dreaded Moment!
Have you ever been stranded on the roadside due to a car breakdown? It can be a stressful experience, especially if you do not know what caused the problem. Car breakdowns are part of owning a vehicle, but that doesn’t mean you have to be susceptible. Understanding its inner workings and the common risks it is exposed to can be very beneficial in identifying problems before they become serious problems or cost an arm and a leg with car repairs.
In today’s post, we will explore some of the most common causes of car breakdowns that every driver should watch out for, as well as how to prevent them. By understanding more about your vehicle and taking proactive steps, you can save yourself time, money, and stress in the future.
Knowing how to spot the signs of trouble can save headaches further down the line. Let’s make a start.
Car Battery Issues
One of the most common causes of car breakdowns is a dead battery. This can be caused by leaving your lights on, or by having an old battery that needs to be replaced. To prevent this from happening, make sure to check your battery regularly and replace it when necessary. You should also avoid leaving your headlights or other electrical components on for extended periods of time.
If your battery does die, jumpstarting your car with a set of jumper cables and a working vehicle is an easy solution.
1. Connect one end of the positive (usually red) cable to the dead battery’s positive terminal. Next, connect the other end of the positive cable to the working vehicle’s positive terminal.
2. Attach one end of the negative (usually black) cable to the working vehicle’s negative terminal, and secure the other end onto a solid metal surface on the vehicle with the dead battery.
3. Start the working vehicle for a few minutes before attempting to start up your own car.
4. If successful, unclip the jump cables in reverse order, electrically separating both vehicles safely.
With some know-how and caution when dealing with battery charging , you can get back on track quickly should any car battery problems arise!
Engine Overheating
Engine overheating in cars can be caused by a variety of issues, such as faulty thermostat, blocked radiator or cooling system hoses, low coolant levels, faulty fan belt and fan clutch, clogged or contaminated oil filter or air filter, or excess vehicle load. A well-maintained engine should not overheat if all the components are functioning properly.
To avoid engine overheating, it’s a good idea to ensure that your coolant levels are topped up and your radiator is clean and free of debris. If your engine does overheat, you should take steps to cool it down quickly:
1. Turn off the air conditioning and open the windows.
2. Turn on the heat in the car to help hot air flow out of the engine compartment.
3. Pull over as soon as possible
4. Let the engine cool down for at least 20 minutes before checking the coolant level and adding more if needed.
5. Restart the engine and monitor the temperature gauge. If it continues to overheat then start thinking about getting professional help.
By following these tips you should be able to prevent engine overheating and enjoy a trouble-free ride.
Oil Leaks
Oil leaks can cause serious damage to your engine, so it’s important to understand the common symptoms. A warning light on the dashboard, oil spots on the floor, or a pungent burning oil smell are all indicators that an oil leak may be present.
To prevent oil leaks from taking place in the first place, ensure that your car is serviced regularly and keep an eye on the oil level. Additionally, make sure to fix the drain plug and oil filter securely before you hit the road again.
It’s essential to have knowledge about both the indications and preventative measures for an oil leak, as it can have detrimental effects such as reduced fuel economy and lowered engine performance. In order to protect your car and its valuable components from an unnecessary breakdown, be mindful of these steps and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule closely.
If you do experience an oil leak then remember:
1. Make sure to add more oil to the car as soon as possible.
2. Determine where the source of the leak is coming from. Usually, this is either around the filter or drain plug
3. If it is from one of these sources then replace or tighten them accordingly.
4. If not, seek professional help to make sure the issue is sorted by a professional.
Tyre Punctures
Tyre blowouts from punctures can be incredibly dangerous and should be avoided. Uneven or excessive wear, bulges or blisters on the side of the tyre, and a low tyre pressure warning light are all signs that may indicate a tyre is about to puncture.
To prevent blowouts, maintaining your tyres properly is key. Routinely check the tyre pressure and make sure they are inflated to the correct PSI, have them rotated regularly, and inspect the tread for signs of wear. Take care of your tyres and it will take care of you – catch issues before they become disasters!
If you’re noticing any irregularities in your tyres, have them checked by an experienced mechanic as soon as possible to ensure continued safety on the road. Good maintenance habits including regular inspections for wear and tear will go a long way in ensuring safe driving conditions. Additionally, replacing worn wheels will ensure longevity.
Your wheels are responsible for helping you get from point A to point B safely – don’t take that responsibility lightly! Stick with these few tips to help avoid potential disasters caused by tyre-related issues.
If a blowout does occur, remember:
1. It’s important to pull over to a safe location as soon as possible.
2. Turn on the hazard lights and, if you have them, set out warning triangles.
3. Use a jack and lug wrench to remove the flat tyre and replace it with the spare.
4. Check the pressure of the spare tyre and inflate it with a foot pump if you have it and it’s necessary.
5. Lastly, drive to a nearby repair garage or tyre specialist as soon as possible to get repairs or a replacement for the flat tyre.
Starter Problems
Starter problems can be the source of significant engine breakdowns. Typical signs of starter issues include the engine turn over but not starting, clicking solenoid with no engine turnover, and a burning smell coming from the starter. The best way to stay away from these difficulties is regular car servicing and good maintenance of the starter – secure fastening with clean connections. In case your starter stops working, you may be able to get it restarted by means of jumper cables connected to another vehicle. To do this:
1. Connect one end of the positive cable (usually red) to the positive terminal of the dead battery
2. Connect one end of the negative cable (usually black) to the negative terminal of the working vehicle’s battery; then start that vehicle.
3. Try starting your car. If it starts, carefully remove your junction cables in reverse order.
Additional Tips
In addition to the five main causes of car breakdowns in Newport, there are other preventive measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of experiencing a breakdown. Here are some additional tips:
1. Troubleshoot car electronics: if you’re having problems with your car’s electronics, such as the radio or the power windows, it’s important to have them checked by a professional.
2. Avoid roadside breakdowns: if you’re planning a long road trip, it’s important to have your car serviced before you leave. Make sure the oil and fluids are at the right levels and check the tyres and brakes.
3. Check fluid levels: it’s important to check the fluid levels in your car, such as the oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. This can help prevent breakdowns and prolong the life of your vehicle – it’s well worth paying attention to!
4. Performing regular maintenance checks: performing regular maintenance checks, such as oil changes, tyre rotations, and brake inspections, can help prevent breakdowns and prolong the life of your car.
Exercising these steps regularly will greatly reduce your chances of having an unexpected breakdown while driving.
Conclusion
In conclusion, car breakdowns can be a terrible inconvenience and often happen unexpectedly. Being aware of the main causes of car breakdowns in Newport and taking preventative measures can help reduce the likelihood of experiencing a breakdown. This article outlined the five main causes: Car Battery Issues, Engine Overheating, Oil Leaks, Tiye Blowouts, and Starter Problems, and provided tips for prevention. We hope this article was helpful to you and we encourage you to share it with others who may find it useful. For more helpful information, check out our Duggan Recovery Blog.