Most Common Breakdowns and How to Spot them

In conjunction with the first term school holiday, long road trips become more frequent.

That’s why, today’s blog will focus on the most common car breakdowns, their signs, and how to prevent them.

Remember that if you suffer any kind of car breakdown, please contact your local Tayaria dealer and our team will be happy to help you.

1. Problems with the Battery

Battery trouble is one of the most common causes of breakdown.

One of the parts that takes the brunt of the heat is the alternator, and given that this is the part that recharges the battery while it is moving, it is essential to take good care of it, because if it stops working your battery will eventually go flat.

Also, the excessive stress to which the battery is subjected, especially during the summer, due to the A/C or by a malfunction of the cooling system, may cause the
battery to wear out and not recharge as it should.

Some of the common signs of a worn-out or flat battery include difficulties to turn the engine over, taking longer to start or not starting at all when you turn the
key.

For that reason, it is a good idea to charge the battery overnight every so often, since it might help extend its life. However, remember that batteries should be replaced every now and then, since they usually last around five years.

2. Starter Motor 

With the stop/start technology, starter motors have to work harder than ever.

This system overstresses some parts of the car such as the battery, alternator, starter motor or engine, and if the control unit perceives that the car is not ready for this pause, Start/Stop will not operate so as not to compromise the vehicle’s performance.

3. Flat Tyre or Unaligned Wheels

Punctures or blowouts in the middle of a drive are also common. Heat is one of the main causes of a drop in the tyre pressure, which can lead to many risks.

For instance, if a tyre is underinflated its performance and braking efficiency are compromised.

Check your tyres regularly, making sure they have the recommended depth and are inflated to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer.

Also, an uneven wearing of the tyres could indicate that your wheels aren’t aligned properly.

Remember you can always talk to your local Tayaria workshop if you are in need of expert tyre advice. Our dealer locator tool will give you all the information you need to contact them.

4. Overheating 

Overheating is also a common problem, especially in hot weather. Breakdowns in the car’s cooling system are fatal to engine performance and can lead to vehicle stalling.

For that reason, you should not overlook these three checks for your vehicle.

First of all, check the coolant levels. In hot weather, coolant levels drop more rapidly, either due to evaporation or engine performance in the summer.

Secondly, if the temperature gauge exceeds 70 degrees Celsius, it is a sign that the cooling system is not working properly.

If it exceeds 90 degrees, stop the car and let it “rest” until it returns to normal temperature.

The thermostat may be another faulty part. If it fails, overheating can significantly damage the engine. This can be observed by continuous temperature fluctuations or because your vehicle consumes more fuel.

5. Braking System

Brake pads are constantly exposed to the heat caused by friction on the brake discs or drum, which can in turn be damaged or deformed by the heat of the pressure, and this can affect the operation of the brake whips.

It is important to check the condition of these elements before setting off on any long journey to avoid problems on the road.

Regular maintenance is vital in order to avoid possible breakdowns. So here are some tips to prevent common breakdowns and fix any issues before it’s too late.

a. If your car is making strange noises, take it to the repair shop as soon as possible.

b. Don’t overload your car: excessive weight has a direct impact on your suspension and brakes, which will be put under even more stress.

c. The way you drive can make a difference and significantly reduce your visits to the mechanic.

For further tips and information, visit tayaria.com or contact your nearest Tayaria dealer.