The most common causes of breakdowns and how to avoid them

Unfortunately, there are often more breakdowns in the winter than in the warmer months. This is often due to harsh weather conditions damaging the roads or drivers being unprepared for colder months, with cars not receiving the right level of maintenance.

Apparently, there are a few common causes of breakdowns. Take a look at these common causes and keep your car on the road this winter.

Car Engine Parts

The engine and its parts are the souls of a car to ensure its smooth running on the road. When engine parts are not serviced, dirt and debris can build up in the engine which can cause it to become clogged, leading to decreased performance and eventually the engine breaking down.

A situation like this is literally a nightmare for any car owner. To avoid this, it is best to get the car serviced on a regular basis. A mechanic will be able to properly assess the condition of the car and if required, carry out any necessary replacement with suitable engine rebuild parts to ensure that the car stays in its top condition.

Battery

Battery failure is another leading cause of vehicle breakdowns. The battery is essential to keep the car running, so getting it checked regularly is important.

New batteries are easy to find and super affordable, so if it is looking a bit worse for wear, it is worth purchasing a new one to avoid this common breakdown issue.

Alternator

If your battery is relatively new or is still in good condition, then your alternator could be the issue. The alternator charges the battery, so when this goes, your battery will begin start to fail regardless of how new it is.

Unfortunately, there is no real way to maintain an alternator and if it is failing it will need to be replaced as soon as possible. Common indications of a failing alternator that you can look out for include your battery warning light coming on, a loss of brightness in headlights, slower wipers and in some cases, trouble starting the car.

Tyres

With worsened road conditions and cold weather impacting their wear, tyres always take a big hit during winter.

A common cause of tyre failure is under inflated tyres, so drivers should always check tyre tread and pressure before leaving and keep a pump in their car. You should always keep a spare wheel in your car and a temporary puncture repair kit just in case.

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