Car breakdowns can happen at any time, and can be an annoying, stressful, and expensive experience. So what should you do to protect your car from breakdowns?
Common causes of car breakdowns
Flat tire – Most drivers have probably had a flat tire at least once. If you have experienced it, you know that it is not only frustrating but it can also be dangerous. Why do flat tires happen? There are many reasons why tires go flat. They can occur because of a puncture from a nail, screw, glass, or other sharp object on the road. They can also be a result of terrible road conditions, such as potholes, bumps, and uneven ground. They can be due to normal wear and tear too, which is normal as tires wear down over time.
Faulty battery – Another car issue that drivers would not want to encounter on the road is a faulty battery. To know if your car battery is worn-out or flat, the symptoms to watch out for include taking longer for it to start, failing to start when your turn the car key, and the red battery warning alert light on the dashboard as you are driving.
Electrical system issues – Your car contains various circuit networks that power the headlights, signal lights, car infotainment system, and others. If there are blown fuses, burned-out light bulbs, or faulty wiring, problems can occur.
Ways to care for your car and avoid a breakdown
Now that you know some of the most common causes of car breakdowns, learning the proper ways to care for your car to avoid such inconveniences is next. Below are some key tips to prevent a car breakdown:
Oil change – Your car needs engine oil to function properly. With it, your engine is protected against friction and heat buildup. Ideally, you should change your oil every three to six months or 3,000 to 6,000 miles to minimize the risk of a breakdown.
Regular maintenance – Cars are very much like the human body. They also need to go in for check-ups and exams regularly to determine if they are well and to detect problems and fix them before things get worse. Let us say you drive a 1996 Lincoln Town Car. To keep it in good running condition for a long time, you have to take it to an auto shop for maintenance every 6 to 12 months or 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Your mechanic might identify a problem in your 1996 Lincoln Town Car air suspension compressor and recommend getting a new Lincoln Town Car air suspension conversion kit or other parts if necessary. If an issue is spotted, they can do the work themselves — in this case they would take out the old 1996 Lincoln Town Car air suspension compressor or some other part and install the new Lincoln Town car Air suspension conversion kit or a different component so that you can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.
Good driving habits – How you drive and handle your car affects its health and condition. Braking too hard can wear down the brake pads and rotors. Neglecting to rev up the engine during the cold season can cause damage to certain car parts. Riding the clutch can wear it out faster and force you to replace it sooner.
Source: Brake Rotors
