Home Breakdown? Follow These Simple Steps
There are around 7,000 breakdowns in the UK every day, and while there are worse places to break down than at your home, we’re here to guide you through it.
You jump into your car, turn the ignition and nothing happens.
It’s a scene played out every day in Northern Ireland, regardless of whether it’s Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter.
And it can happen whether you’re in a 1990 run-around car or a brand new £70,000 car.
So what should you do immediately when your car has a home breakdown?
Follow these three simple steps.
1. Try and understand what the problem is.
Unless you’re a mechanic, you won’t necessarily know how to diagnose a car issue.
But using your eyes, ears, and smell might uncover the problem.
If any warning lights appear on the dashboard, write down the warning signs and text and also take a picture of them on your smartphone.
When you turn the ignition, what happens? Is there a grinding noise? A rattling noise?
Listen to the sounds your car makes; a lot of car issues give away telltale signs by the sounds they make.
Your sense of smell can also narrow down the issues. For example, if you smell petrol or diesel, it might indicate fuel tank issues.
If you smell rotten eggs, it could be a failed catalytic converter.
And even the smell of burnt paper can be a clue that your clutch is on its way out.
The most important thing to do is to look, smell and listen for any signs as this might help resolve the issues quickly and allows Granite Breakdown to send the correct recovery team to your home.
2. Prepare for breakdown recovery.
If you’re confident you’re going to need breakdown recovery, then start preparing.
Do you have a mechanic you use all the time?
If so, Google their name and address and contact details.
That means when our recovery team come to the rescue, we’ll know where to take your car.
If it’s out of hours, it’s polite to try and call your mechanic to let them know about the situation and to expect the arrival of your car.
Do your car keys also have your house keys attached?
Remove all keys except your car key so that you still have access to everything else you need.
Remove any valuables from your car that you might need, for example, your phone, wallet/handbag; you’re not going to want to go without those for too long if your car is locked in a garage for a couple of days.
3. Call Granite Breakdown on 028 9002 9457.
Granite Breakdown is a division of CRASH Services.
When you call Granite Breakdown, they will ask you what you think or know is wrong with the car.
They’ll ask you if you can open your car (if the key isn’t working), and if any lights are coming on.
The Granite Breakdown team will ask you to check if there is fuel in the car and lastly; where your preferred garage is.
Thankfully, you’ll have completed step one and two already to help them determine the best type of recovery to send to you.
After you’ve made the call go back into your warm house and wait: they’ll be out as quickly as possible (usually within one hour).
Over 20,000 Northern Ireland members trust Granite Breakdown. You can get an annual membership today for only £80!
Visit Granite Breakdown today.
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do first if my car won’t start at home?
Stay calm and try to identify any obvious signs of the problem. Look for dashboard warning lights, listen for unusual noises when turning the key, and note any unusual smells that may help diagnose the fault.
- What are the most common reasons a car won’t start?
Common causes include:
- A flat or failing battery
- Starter motor issues
- Fuel system problems
- Faulty alternator
- Key or immobiliser faults
- Electrical issues
- What if I hear a clicking noise when I turn the key?
A rapid clicking sound is often associated with a weak or discharged battery, although other electrical faults can sometimes produce similar symptoms.
- What warning lights should I look out for?
Make a note of any warning lights displayed on the dashboard and, if possible, take a photograph. This information can be useful for a recovery technician or garage.
