Top Reasons for Breakdowns and How to Avoid Them
It’s that time of the year again, the clocks have gone forward, lighter nights are here and we’re all looking forward to getting out on the open road and enjoying what spring has to offer.
At EAC Telford we’re keen to keep you on the road and free from motoring hassle, which is why we thought it’d be a good idea to let you know the common breakdowns we see, and what you can do to avoid them.
Unfortunately, everyone is going to experience a breakdown at some point on the road. But there are some instances when you can prevent this from happening. You can look out for the warning signs that something is wrong with your vehicle and visit an experienced mechanic as soon as possible. Or you can detect problems before they become a big issue by arranging to take your vehicle to a local garage for regular maintenance or a vehicle health check.
Let’s have a look at the top causes of breakdowns and how EAC Telford can help.
Damaged Tyres
Tyres can be damaged by sharp objects. But they can also be worn down over time with constant use of your vehicle. That is why it’s important to check the pressure and tread of your tyres on a regular basis. Unfortunately, not all drivers do this.
The best way you can avoid flat tyres is to book your vehicle in for a vehicle health check. We’ll be able to advise you when you need to replace your tyres as well as spot any other immediate issue that might cause a breakdown.
Using the Wrong Fuel
One of the reasons why your car breaks down is because you fill up with the wrong fuel. While you might not think that this is a big deal, it can actually be very damaging to your engine. If you put the wrong fuel into your car, don’t start the engine. The best course of action is to seek immediate attention from a technician to fix the problem. Your system has to be flushed before damage to your engine occurs.
A Dead Battery
If you accidentally leave your headlights on overnight or an interior light on, you may wake up the next morning to discover that your car battery is flat. This means that your engine probably won’t start.
It’s a good idea to keep jump cables in case this happens and you need a helping hand getting the engine started. Once you’ve got your vehicle started give EAC Telford a call to ensure you don’t have an ongoing fault that’ll leave you stranded again.
A Fault with the Alternator
The alternator has the job of charging the battery on your car. If there’s a problem with it this may mean you can’t start your engine because the battery has gone flat. So, the best way you can stop this from happening is watching out for signs of a flat battery. This can include dim headlights when the engine is on or other electrical systems misbehaving.
An Issue with the Starter Motor
Just as the name suggests, a starter motor is what gets your car going. This has the function of turning over the engine, but if there’s some type of fault, you might not get your car started. The best thing you can do at this stage is to take your car to the local garage. At EAC Telford, we can run a diagnostic evaluation to see what is causing this problem and avoid unnecessary repair costs.
Ignition System Issue
One of the main problems that can affect the ignition system is a faulty ignition coil. This part can become damaged over time and means that it’s difficult to ignite the mixture in your car’s cylinder. Often, this can cause misfires. One of our skilled diagnostic technicians will be able to help you in this case by identifying the problem efficiently.
Brake Trouble
You can’t drive when there’s a problem with your brakes. It’s simply not safe. If you notice that your brakes have changed, it’s time to visit an experienced mechanic to see what is wrong.
Bring your vehicle to EAC Telford, and we’ll inspect your car and see whether it’s the brake pads or simply the brake fluid that needs changing. We’ll ensure you get back on the road in a vehicle you can trust.
Broken Clutch Cables
Have your gears started to grind or are they making a strange noise? This could be a sign that your clutch linkage has suffered from wear and tear. The last thing you want is to break down when you’re least expecting it. So, if you notice these signs, it’s best to get your car serviced as soon as possible. This can save you money later down the line.
An Overheated Engine
There are lots of reasons why your engine may overheat. It could be due to a leak or it may be that your car has run out of coolant. But the most important thing to realise is that driving with an overheating engine can be dangerous and it’s not recommended.
An experienced and skilled technician will be able to inspect your engine and find the source of the problem and the best way to fix it.
Trouble Free Motoring
At EAC Telford, our aim is to keep you on the road in a car you can trust without breaking down. This is why we have a range of services that offer great value and peace of mind. So whether you need a quick vehicle health check, a service or major overhaul, give us a call as we’re here to help on 01952 980566