Breaking down is a real pain in the backside (and/or tyres, battery, engine, etc.) Travelling on your way to work or play, then being stopped in your tracks by some sort of mechanical or engineering fault is enough to test even the most patient mind. With over 12.5 million members of the workforce driving to their place of work every day, you can only imagine how many hundreds of thousands of people are late for work year on year because of a car breakdown.
But what are the most common causes of car breakdowns?
Even with a good breakdown cover company on your side, it’s important to be aware of the things most likely to cause a breakdown on the road. Having awareness of these issues makes it easier to prepare for and prevent them, along with sharing more with the cover company once you call them out.
Most common breakdown causes
Here are the most common causes for callouts for car breakdown recovery in the UK, which you should be mindful of whenever you hit the road.
Battery faults
Ever leave the radio on too long without the engine running? You’ve probably experienced a battery fault. Flat or faulty batteries can be caused by all manner of things, such as:
- Overly short journeys
- Leaving lights/radios on
- Cold weather
- Lifespan completion (3 to 5 years)
Make sure to consider the age of your batteries and be mindful of your electronics usage.
Tyre problems
Punctures, blowouts and worn-out tyres can often result in the need for car breakdown recovery or roadside assistance. These can be caused by hitting potholes, running over sharp objects, low tyre tread depth and plenty of other things. Regular checks for pressure and tread are essential for proper prevention.
Engine & electrical faults
There are plenty of issues that can impact your engine and your car’s electrical components. Some of the most common causes of engine failure include:
- Lack of maintenance
- Low oil levels
- Dirty or degraded oil which collects contaminants and becomes sludge
- Engine overheating
- Low coolant levels
- Timing belt/chain failures
- Fuel issues, like faulty pumps (more on this later)
- Water in the engine
- Aggressive/excessive driving
When it comes to electrical faults, these are generally related to the alternator or starter motor, but could be something to do with any number of complex electrical systems in the car. Check for dashboard warning lights as signs of electrical issues.
Fuel issues
Fuel issues generally fall into two instances. The first is misfueling, as in putting petrol in a diesel car or vice versa. The other is running out of fuel, which can easily result in a call out if you’re not in a safe/convenient place to refuel on foot.
Clutch damage
The clutch can easily become damaged over time, especially in stop-start traffic. Check for issues changing gears, slipping clutch or a spongy pedal to detect clutch damage.
These are the most common causes of car breakdowns that every driver should be mindful of. Whatever the cause of your next breakdown (and it happens to all of us), you should make sure you have a good breakdown cover policy on hand. At Motoring Assistance, we offer a range of policy features to ensure all drivers can get back on the road with ease and at a fair price. Get in touch with us to learn more about what we can offer you today!