How to Prevent a Car Breakdown
Your vehicle breaking down is one of the most frustrating situations any motorist can find themselves in.
And breaking down in winter in Northern Ireland brings with it cold, rain, ice and darkness.
At CRASH Services, we’ve helped thousands of customers in the last twelve years.
Here are the 12 things we’ve noticed in 12 years on how to avoid a breakdown.
1. Prevent Flat Batteries: Start Your Car Regularly
Most of us have been in an unprecedented COVID-19 lockdown since March 2020.
And most of our cars have been lying idle outside our house.
To avoid a flat battery, start your car daily.
2. Check Your Oil Levels Regularly
Thankfully, most new(ish) cars have a digital dashboard that will alert you to low oil levels but don’t just rely on technology; manually check your oil levels at least once a month to make sure there’s enough.
3. Monitor Engine Coolant Levels
The coolant in your vehicle helps to keep the engine cool.
And if there’s not enough coolant, you risk causing significant engine damage due to overheating.
Always remember only to refill the coolant after your engine has cooled.
It is recommended that you check the levels every 30,000 miles.
4. Don’t Forget About Windscreen Wiper Water
The thing about water levels for your windscreen wipers is that often you only realize you’ve run out when you need it most.
In Northern Ireland our weather is interchangeable.
A July day could have sunshine, rain, fog and more rain all in the space of one hour.
And with that kind of weather, mud and dirt quickly land on your windscreen.
If you have no water for your wipers, driving will become dangerous, if not impossible.
Avoid this by regularly topping up – at least once a month – your windscreen wiper tank and always check levels before long journeys.
5. Regularly Check Your Tyre Pressure
One of the most common issues we come across on the roads are customers with tyre issues.
Tyre issues usually result in blow-outs and flats, and one of the simplest ways of avoiding being stranded at the side of the road is to check your tyre pressure regularly.
We recommend checking tyre pressure every three weeks and always before a planned long journey.
6. Make Sure You Have a Spare Tyre
Another issue we come across while on the phone to CRASH Services customers is about spare tyres.
A lot of customers don’t know if they have a spare tyre, where it is located and if it’s an identical match to their other tyres or a smaller, ‘space-saver’ tyre.
To avoid this, locate your spare tyre when you buy your vehicle.
Assess what type of spare tyre it is and remember; a lot of space saver tyres are only to be used temporarily (around 30-50 miles).
7. Keep Up with Regular Car Servicing
One of the best ways of avoiding a breakdown is to look after your car.
Most manufacturers recommend getting your car serviced either every year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
8. Ensure Your Lights Are in Good Working Order
Those tiny little bulbs at the front, back and sides of your cars are vital.
In Northern Ireland, we experience more darkness than light weather-wise.
And driving at night with no lights is dangerous and illegal.
Check them regularly at home: headlights, fog lights, brake lights and indicators.
9. Watch for Alternator Issues
While there’s nothing most of us can do to be proactive with our alternators, vigilance to warning signs is a must.
Usual warning signs of an alternator that has gone awry include a pattern of battery problems, dim headlights as well as strange sounds and smells.
10. Pay Attention to Clutch Problems
Every time you drive a manual car and change gears, your clutch comes under pressure.
And unsurprisingly, over time, your clutch experiences wear and tear.
Warning signs of a clutch problem include a sticking, loose or vibrating clutch, an odd squeaking noise when pressing and poor acceleration.
You might also find difficulty when trying to shift gears.
Being vigilant to the warning signs and replacing a clutch before it fails can help you avoid a breakdown.
11. Keep Your Brakes in Top Condition
Your brakes are one of the most critical parts of your car.
Defective brakes can affect your brake time and cause dangerous situations.
If you notice any changes to your brakes, stop immediately and call Granite Breakdown; it’s not safe to drive any further.
To avoid brake problems, you should get your brake pads checked at least twice a year by your mechanic, or during your regular full-car service.
12. Watch Out for Electrical Problems
As technology has advanced, the motoring industry is more advanced than ever.
But like any technology, issues with car electrics are common.
To avoid these, keep an eye on your car’s dashboard for any warning signals and alerts.
Common signs of electrical problems in cars include battery problems, fuses blowing or if you smell burning plastic.
Ask the mechanic servicing your car to check for faults too.
It might come with an added cost, but what price can you put on peace of mind?
How CRASH Services Can Help You After A Car Crash or Accident
At CRASH Services, we specialise in helping drivers in Belfast, Newry, Derry~Londonderry and across Northern Ireland get back on the road quickly.
After an accident, our expert team will take care of:
- vehicle recovery,
- collision investigation,
- organising repairs,
- providing a replacement vehicle,
- liaising with insurance companies and
- legal and medical
And we do it all, at no cost to the not-at-fault driver.
Our service is free as we recover the costs from the third-party insurers.
Why Choose CRASH Services?
- Established in 1996
- Trusted by Hundreds of Thousands Local Northern Ireland Motorists
- No Cost to You, Costs Recovered from Insurers
- Complete Accident Management from Recovery to Repairs
- 99% Customer Recommendation Rate
Our Mission is Simple:
“To act with care for those involved in road traffic accidents.”
Need Help After an Accident in Belfast, Newry, Derry~Londonderry or anywhere across Northern Ireland?
Call us today on 028 9066 0244 or Request a Callback Today
CRASH Services, take care of everything, at no cost to you!
Get breakdown cover today
Over 20,000 Northern Ireland members trust Granite Breakdown. You can get an annual membership today for only £80.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most common cause of a car breakdown?
Battery problems are one of the most common causes of vehicle breakdowns. Flat batteries can occur when a vehicle is left unused for long periods, during extreme weather conditions, or when the battery is nearing the end of its lifespan.
- How can I reduce the risk of my car breaking down?
Regular maintenance is the best way to prevent breakdowns. Check your battery, oil, coolant, tyre pressures, lights, brakes, and fluid levels regularly, and follow your manufacturer’s servicing schedule.
- How often should I check my tyre pressure?
Tyre pressure should be checked at least every three weeks and before any long journey. Correct tyre pressures can improve safety, fuel efficiency, and tyre lifespan.
- How do I know if my battery is failing?
Common warning signs include difficulty starting the vehicle, dim headlights, electrical issues, dashboard battery warnings, and slower-than-normal engine cranking when turning the key.
- What happens if my oil level gets too low?
Low oil levels can cause excessive engine wear, overheating, and potentially serious engine damage. Checking your oil regularly can help identify problems before they become costly repairs.
- Why is engine coolant important?
Coolant helps regulate engine temperature and prevents overheating. Driving with low coolant levels can lead to significant engine damage and expensive repair bills.
- What are the warning signs of clutch failure?
Signs of clutch problems can include difficulty changing gears, a slipping clutch, poor acceleration, unusual noises when pressing the clutch pedal, or a clutch pedal that feels loose, stiff, or vibrates.
