10 Common Causes of Car Breakdowns and How to Prevent Them

A car breakdown can be stressful and scary, especially when it occurs in the middle of the desert or on a main road. After all, the last thing you want is to stand at the side of the road waiting for roadside assistance. Unfortunately, vehicle breakdowns are sometimes unavoidable and tend to occur when you least expect them, usually when you have places to go or something really important to do.

That said, there are proactive steps you can take to avoid those vehicle fault warning lights and strange noises. Here are the ten most common causes of car breakdowns and how to prevent them.

Dead or faulty battery

A dead or faulty battery is one of the most common causes of a car breakdown. It makes it hard for you to start the engine, and you might find yourself stuck in the same place where you had parked your car. Generally, a standard car battery lasts between 3 and 5 years. However, your battery lifespan may reduce if you live in an extremely hot or cold area.

Check the battery terminal regularly, ensure they are tightly secured, and keep them free from corrosion. If you make a lot of short trips, start the car frequently and take it for a long drive once in a while to allow the alternator to charge the battery fully. In addition, avoid draining power unnecessarily by leaving car lights on while not in use.

Car overheating

Overheating usually occurs when coolant and water levels are low or if there is a leak in the cooling system. This can be aggravated by hot weather, which is quite common in the northern and southern regions of the United States, especially in the summer. In the case of such incidences, it's always good to have a bottle of coolant and water in your car.

Don't ignore it if your car is overheating, as this could damage the engine. Instead, promptly pull over in a safe spot and wait for the engine to cool before opening the hood. After that, reach out to your breakdown assistance provider.

Flat or damaged tires

Getting a puncture or flat tire is a common cause of vehicle breakdowns. The main culprit for a flat tire is under-inflation, which causes the tire to overheat. A valve problem or a slow puncture can also cause your car's tires to frequently require air.

Tire maintenance goes beyond proper inflation. It's essential to maintain appropriate tread depth, as worn-out treads make handling difficult and potentially lead to an accident. The legal minimum limit for tread depth is 1.6mm, but it's recommended to consider replacing your tires when the thread is 3mm or less.

Check your tire pressure and condition regularly to avoid potential risks while driving. Moreover, keep a spare tire and the necessary tools in your car to change it in case of a flat tire.

Running out of gas or using the wrong fuel

Running out of gas on the road can literally stop you on your trail. Therefore, ensure you fill your car fuel tank to the brim before a long journey and never let your fuel tank run too low. Driving when low on gas could also feed dirty fuel back into your engine, causing even more serious issues.

Another common issue is filling your car's fuel tank with the wrong fuel. Pay close attention when fueling your vehicle, and always double-check the fuel grade or type on the pump before filling up. It's advisable not to drive even an inch if you have poured the wrong fuel into your car's fuel tank, as this can damage your engine. Bad fuel can also damage other parts of the vehicle, including the fuel system and catalytic converter.

Faulty alternator

The work of the alternator is to recharge your car's battery with the power it takes from the engine. It also provides power to other electrical components of the entire vehicle. When the alternator fails, it causes issues with the battery and other electrical components of the car, including lights, AC, and power windows.

If you see a red ignition warning light on the dashboard and the engine temperature has suddenly risen, know you have a faulty alternator. Stop driving immediately and book a car safety check to identify the cause of your vehicle's problem. Get the alternator checked during regular servicing to identify any signs of wear and potential issues.

Damaged spark plugs

Spark plugs are some of the most neglected parts of the car's ignition system. However, due to wear, they can break and stop working. Spark plugs supply the electrical current from the ignition system to the engine's combustion chamber, which helps start the car.

Unfortunately, when your car's spark plugs are bad or damaged, the engine might misfire, have a rough engine turn-over, have difficulty starting up, or have a slow acceleration. Getting your car serviced regularly can help prevent this issue, but get in touch with your mechanic in case of a faulty spark plug. In addition, ensure you replace plugs at the manufacturer's recommended service intervals.

Brake problems

Damaged or badly worn-out brakes can cause serious issues for the driver. The driver has to rely on engine braking, which can be dangerous.

Typically, if the brake pedal doesn't respond the way it normally does, that clearly shows an issue with your car's brake system. Furthermore, if it takes a lot of effort to get the brakes to engage when you press on the vehicle, you should immediately call for help or get your car towed to the nearest gas station. Other brake issues include the steering wheel wobbling when you press the brake pedals or the car pulling to one side when you apply the brakes.

Lost car keys

Another common cause of a breakdown is losing your car keys. Though it's harder to lock your keys in the car, thanks to central locking, it's still possible, and you can even drop them off on the streets.

Unfortunately, most modern cars have a microchip, making it even more difficult for you to replace the lost key. The microchip is included in your car keys to prevent your vehicle from being stolen. Most of the time, you have to call for help when you lose your car keys, so keep a spare key somewhere safe in case you lose yours.

Broken clutch cables

This only applies to manual cars or those with a hydraulic clutch that does not use a cable. When the clutch cable breaks, you cannot disengage the clutch, though you can nudge the shifter into neutral without damage and safely come to a stop.

A clutch can fail without warning, but the signs occur gradually in most instances. Ensure the clutch is checked and lubricated during regular oil change and tire rotation to avoid clutch failure. Additionally, to prevent breakdown, get your car checked as soon as possible if you experience any of the following signs:

• Gears are hard or not possible to engage.
• The pedal seems higher or lower than normal while in its resting position.
• The gears clunk or crunch when shifting gears
• The clutch feels unusual when you press the clutch pedal

Fuel system problems

Fuel system issues can also be a common cause of a vehicle breakdown. The car's fuel system is responsible for delivering the needed fuel to the engine for combustion. Nevertheless, several factors can result in malfunctions within the fuel system, leading to a car breakdown. A clogged fuel filter is one common problem that can hinder fuel flow and lead to engine performance issues.

Another possible issue is a faulty fuel pump. The pump might fail to deliver an adequate amount of fuel to the engine, causing stalling or difficulty starting the car. Dirty or malfunctioning fuel injectors can also disrupt the fuel-air mixture, affecting engine performance and potentially leading to a car breakdown. Routine maintenance, like fuel system inspections and cleanings, can help identify and address any issues before they cause a breakdown, ensuring the smooth functioning of your car's fuel system.

Summing it up

Vehicle breakdowns can be frustrating and inconvenient, but knowing the common causes can help you prevent them or reduce the chances of them occurring. By taking proactive measures and being aware of potential problems, you can keep your car running smoothly and avoid unexpected breakdowns.

As a good driver, it's crucial to prioritize regular car maintenance and servicing to ensure the reliability of your car and the safety of both yourself and your passengers. While auto insurance is mandatory for nearly every driver, consider getting a breakdown cover to mitigate the impacts in case these common problems occur.