Top Ten causes of Breakdown
When you look past the spoilers, sun-roofs
and CD players, most cars are there for one reason - to get you from
A-B. We would all be lost without them which is why this section has
been designed to provide you with some practical tips and advice to
put you in the driving seat and ensure your car stays where it belongs
- on the road.
These
are the most common problems of breakdown. Many can be fixed, however,
most would never have happened with the corrective preventative
care.
Flat or faulty battery
Batteries have a life of around five years. Most common problems
are with terminals and clamp connections and loss of voltage, caused
by constant use on short journeys without regular recharging.
- At every service, check that terminals have been cleaned and
protected from corrosion by a layer of petroleum jelly or grease.
Clamps and connections must be secure
- If you seldom make a long journey, a fortnightly overnight
charge prolongs battery life
- Modern maintenance-free batteries need no top-up
Lost Keys
Many modern cars have a transponder key to prevent theft
- If you lose the key, recovery to an authorised dealer is usually
the only answer
- Even a dealer may take several days to obtain a replacement,
so always carry a spare set of keys
Flat/damaged tyres and wheels
- Know the correct pressures for different speeds and loads,
and adjust accordingly
- Kerb impact can damage sidewalls and, possibly wheel rims.
Both can result in slow leaks. Consult a specialist tyre dealer
if any damage is visible
- When checking tread depth, look for uneven tyre wear –
the wheels may be misaligned
- Look at the spare tyre. A worn or flat spare won’t be
of use in an emergency
- Check that the jack and wheel-removal tools are in good condition
and that they key or removal tool for locking wheel nuts are accessible
Alternator faults
- Persistent battery problems and dim headlights when the engine
is ticking over can indicate alternator/generator faults
- Belts driving the alternator may also operate the radiator
fan and water pump. A red ignition warning light plus a rapid
rise in engine temperature could indicate a broken belt. STOP
IMMEDIATELY
Starter motor
- Though usually robust, starter motors can fail
- Good, regular garage maintenance should highlight potential
faults
Distributor cap
- Moisture and dirt and the chief enemies of this vital ignition
system component
- A crack in the cap’s insulation may be almost invisible
but can be sufficient to allow high ignition voltage to leak away,
especially in damp weather, so there may be no ignition spark
- Replace the cap at the car manufacturer’s recommended
intervals
- If the weather protection covering the cap splits, replace
it
Fuel problems
- Empty fuel tanks cost you significant time and unnecessary
inconvenience
- Fill up at the start of your journey
- Every year more than 1,000 motorists put the wrong fuel in
their car – petrol in diesel engines or vice-versa. In these
cases the car will have to be recovered to a garage and draining
the tank and disposing of contaminated fuel is expensive
Clutch cables
- The clutch cable is under high stress. Abrasion can weaken
the cable’s wire strands until they break
- Temporary repairs can often be made at the roadside, but replacement
at the first signs of wear is the best answer
Spark plugs
- The spark plug is a much-neglected part of the ignition system
- Make sure that you replace plugs at the manufacturer’s
recommended service intervals
HT Leads
- High-tension (HT) leads and their connections can deteriorate
with age. Water and dirt enter cracks in the insulation, reducing
the ignition voltage
- Damp-repellent sprays are only a temporary solution
- Ask your garage to check the condition of the leads and replace
as necessary
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