Top Reasons for Vehicle Breakdown and How to Avoid Them
Have you thought of why did my car breakdowns? Or you did not until the vehicle breakdowns sign made itself clear? Well, Car breakdowns are common if you do not frequently take your car for servicing. Breakdowns are usually a sign that your vehicle is reaching its limits. Regular servicing prevents costly repairs and keeps your car in great shape.
A car breakdown is a motor vehicle’s electrical or mechanical failure. It happens so that it stops the car from operating under conditions dangerous for a car to move.
There can be various car breakdown reasons, keep reading to look out for them and prevent them!
Reasons for a Vehicle Breakdowns.
1. Dead or Faulty Battery
A dead car battery makes it difficult for you to start your car’s engine.
An average car’s battery lasts up to 3 to 5 years. But extreme temperatures might shorten this lifespan.
Also, leaving lights on, using electronic devices without running the engine can lead to a dead or weak battery. Or simply an old battery nearing its end could be the reason for breakdown. Thus you need to take the car to a mechanic every 3 years so that they can check it.
A few warning signs of a car battery failing include: difficulty starting the engine, warning light on the dashboard, dim cabin lights, headlights, and power windows reacting slowly.
How to Avoid: Replace your battery every 3-5 years and regularly check your battery’s charge.
2. Engine Issues
Engine issues lead a car engine to get overheated while driving, causing car to break down in the middle of the road.
Signs of Overheating to look out for include:
Temperature gauge in the red zone, or you see steam coming from the hood or there are unusual smells inside the car
car engine failure is caused by:
Failing oil pump, Debris and oil deposits, Poor lubrication, Inadequate fuel and air compression, Blocked engine radiators or a malfunctioning radiator, Leaking engine coolant & low coolant levels, Damaged oxygen sensors, Prolonged engine detonation, Aged spark plugs, a faulty thermostat.
How to Avoid: Regularly check coolant levels and top them up as needed. Check the radiator and thermostat for leaks or damage and make sure the cooling fan is functioning correctly.
3. Faulty Alternator
An alternator recharges a car’s battery from the power that it takes from its engine. it also provides power to the entire car’s other electrical components. So if the alternator becomes faulty, it will cause issues for the battery and the car’s other electrical components.
How to Avoid: Pay attention to dashboard warning lights, be attentive to unusual noises, such as grinding or whining. Test your alternator regularly, especially if you notice dim lights or electrical issues.
4. Damaged Tyre & Wheels
Punctures, under-inflated tires, and wear and tear cause sudden tire failures. Poor road conditions can also lead to flats. If you observe that the car tyres frequently require air, it has a valve problem or a slow puncture.
How to Avoid: Carry a spare tire and know how to change it. Inspect tires for uneven wear, cracks, or bulges.
Check tire pressure regularly. Try to keep a tire inflator and pressure gauge in your car for emergencies.
5. Electrical Issues
The more advanced and loaded a car’s features, the more electrical problems start happening in such cars. Faulty wiring, blown fuses, or malfunctioning sensors can lead to breakdowns. Electrical short circuits can drain the car battery’s life.
How to Avoid: Regularly inspect electrical connections and fuses and address warning lights on your dashboard promptly.
6. Starter Motor Problem
The starter motor engages the engine when you turn the key. A failing starter can cause car breakdown. If you notice a screeching sound while turning on the engine or a simple click, then it is a sign of starter motor problems. A click sound can also be a sign of faulty batteries.
How to Avoid: Listen for clicking sounds when you start the car. Ensure the battery and alternator are in good condition, as electrical problems can affect the starter.
7. Damaged Clutch Wire
Manual cars depend on a clutch for running and transmission, so if any damage is caused to the clutch, it will affect a vehicle’s overall performance, and if the wire is broken, the car will stop running.
Transmission problems are often caused due to low fluid levels, worn-out components, or poor maintenance.
Signs that points clutch damage are: When changing gears, you feel a grind between each gear. You can visibly notice the clutch pedal at a higher spot when in a resting position.
How to Avoid: Check transmission fluid levels regularly and change them as recommended. Avoid rash driving and abrupt gear shifts. Listen for unusual noises or slipping gears.
8. Brake Problems
If your brake pedal does not respond to you the way it normally does, it means there’s a problem with the car’s brake system. Also, if it takes a lot of effort to get the brakes to engage when the you press on the vehicle, you should immediately call for help or get the car towed to the nearest service station.
9. Fuel Problems
It is always safe to fill your car fuel tank to the brim while travelling via a road over a long distance. Your car can break down if it is low on fuel, and without fuel, your vehicle will not move because it is the fuel that powers the engine. Also, filling the car fuel tank with the wrong fuel. Or wrong engine oil into your car can cause engine damage. Poor performance may be caused by clogged fuel filters, failing fuel pumps, or contaminated fuel.
How to Avoid: Always use high-quality fuel from reputable stations. Avoid running the tank low as it can damage the fuel pump.
Replace fuel filters as recommended.
If you get your car regularly serviced, you will not have to go through any of the causes mentioned above that lead to a car breaking down. However, if the car owner delays or misses out on services, he or she only puts the car in danger.
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