Now that you know what to do if your car breaks down, you must be curious to find ways to prevent such situations. While these are mostly sudden and accidental, you can do your part to reduce the frequency of such issues on the road. The following tips will help you avoid car breakdowns.
1. Carry an Emergency Kit
If you wish to take precautions to prevent such incidents, it is advisable to carry an emergency kit in the trunk of your vehicle. It is up to you to decide the stuff that goes inside this kit. In general, it should contain a first aid box, non-perishable food, water and basic tools for the car, such as the jumper cables. You can also include the contact details of your car-care services and car insurance provider.
2. Maintain the Condition of Car Battery
If your car is struggling to take a start, it means your car’s battery is weak. It is better to get professional checkup done immediately. Even though the battery is receiving charge from the alternator, there is no guarantee that it will not break down in the middle of nowhere.
Apart from that, you can also take initiatives for increasing your car’s battery life. Simply turn the ignition off when you are not driving and turn the lights off after parking. Do not waste any time in getting a professional checkup if you experience a flat car battery.
3. Top up Your Car’s Engine Oil
It is essential to keep your car hydrated to maintain its health and longevity. In this regard, engine oil is essential for maintaining the functions of your vehicle. It helps avoid excessive heating in the engine and build-up of friction, allowing the vehicle to move and operate efficiently.
Thus, periodic fluid top-ups are essential for your vehicle. You will receive an alert if the level of engine oil starts dropping. The engine oil light starts showing up. If it comes to your notice, pull over and check if the engine oil is dripping underneath your vehicle. Do not continue driving, as it will end up in a breakdown.
4. Consider Regular Car Servicing
Regular car servicing can enhance your car’s health and longevity. If you particularly tend to drive regularly under poor road conditions, you must consider comprehensive servicing at least once in six months. Moreover, avoid missing your MOTs at the right time to keep the car parts under check.
Even though the regular car servicing and replacing of car parts might seem an expensive affair, it will benefit you in the long run. People who suggest these replacements are experts and can help you avoid car breakdowns.
5. Avoid Driving under Bad Road Conditions
Smooth driving can help you avoid frequent breakdowns of your vehicle. In most cases, avoiding driving in extremely cold weather or snow is advisable, as it can create rapid temperature changes and damage car components. Moreover, rash driving can affect your car conditions. Hard brake applications can result in worn-out brake pads.
On the other hand, riding your clutch frequently can wear down the raring essential for keeping the clutch components under proper functioning. Worn-out and damaged car parts can easily cause accidental breakdowns at any time. Therefore, practise smooth driving to avoid these issues.
6. Maintain the Water Level and Temperature
Maintaining the proper water level and temperature can help you avoid a car breakdown. Before starting a trip, remove the radiator cap from the engine and fill it with water to the max level. The temperature should ideally be about 90 degree celsius. If it starts rising, you will notice a rising needle or red warning lights on the car dashboard.
7. Clean the Air Filter
The air filter in your vehicle is usually responsible for keeping it clean, and removing the sand and dust particles that enter the car through the vents. It is therefore advisable to clean it regularly to avoid extreme dust accumulation in the filters. If it is too dirty, then it will cease to perform well, thereby reducing road safety.
8. Avoid Overloading the Vehicle
It is essential to understand the load index of your vehicle and the tyres. If you overload the vehicle with heavy items like books, spare car parts, clothing, food and so on, you might be causing damage to your vehicle. Turning a corner and braking with an overload indicates putting too much pressure on it.
Overloading your car will put excessive pressure on the brake and suspension, while the fuel economy will reduce largely. Such a condition naturally damages your car's parts and can ultimately cause a breakdown. Therefore, it is essential to maintain proper load based on the car's capacity.
9. Take the Warning Signs Seriously
If you ignore warning signs and worry about expenses or time consumption, it is better to get rid of such an attitude. Ignoring these signs can cost much more than a simple repair or replacement. For instance, it can cause a car breakdown in a difficult situation.
If you observe strong noise, smell or fumes from your car, it might indicate that some parts are not working properly. The alert lights on the dashboard might also start flickering. Do not waste time visiting a car workshop if you notice such issues. Take advice from experts to avoid a car breakdown.
Therefore, as you can see, a car breakdown can happen in any situation without warning. It will help if you follow the tips mentioned here while staying calm and composed. While there is no guarantee that you can control it, the tips mentioned in this article can help you reduce the possibilities.