It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but unfortunately, winter’s the peak time for car breakdowns.
Many cars suffer similar issues, which means we know what to expect and can help you do something about it.
Here we look at the top reasons why cars break down and some tips you can follow to keep yours on the road.
Flat or faulty battery
Batteries are the number one reason why cars break down. Nearly one third (32%) of Green Flag’s callouts are down to battery issues.
Your car battery can get drained by short trips, cold weather, or leaving your lights on – things that happen regularly during winter!
What to do about it.
The good news is, you can take a few simple steps to help keep your battery ticking over:
- Turn off all your lights and electrics when you get out of your car
- Take a longer drive (20-30 minutes) once a week
- Regularly clean the battery terminals and check the connections (if you feel comfortable doing so)
- Consider replacing your car battery every 3-5 years
Another way to keep your battery in check is to get a trickle charger. It can help stop your battery going flat, even if you haven’t driven your car for a while.
Tyres
If your tyres aren’t in good condition, your chances of a break down increase at this time of year.
Low pressure and worn tread can be really dangerous when the roads are wet or icy because your tyres can’t grip the road surface properly.
In fact, worn tyres can increase your stopping distance by almost 50% in wet conditions.
What to do about it.
Making sure your tyres are up to the job is important all year round, not just in winter. Here’s what you can do:
- Do the 20p test to check your tyre tread – insert the coin into one of the tyre’s grooves, and if you can see any of the outer band of the coin, your tyres may need replacing.
- Check your car’s handbook to find out the correct pressure for your tyres and make sure they’re inflated to that level.
- Make sure you’ve got a spare tyre and the tools you need to fit it, in case you get a puncture when you’re on the road.
Alternator and electrical failures
If your car’s alternator is faulty, it can stop the battery from recharging. This can lead to problems with the electrical systems affecting your lights, sound system, and heated seats (if you’re lucky enough to have them).
If you don’t have a functioning alternator, you could break down and end up stranded with a dead battery.
What to do about it.
Keep an eye out for these signs that your alternator isn’t working properly (so you can get it sorted before it becomes a problem):
- Look for flickering lights, slow window wipers, or dashboard warning symbols.
- You might have trouble starting your car, including clicking or cranking noises when you turn the ignition.
- The electric windows might become sluggish when you open and close them.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s worth getting your car checked over to see if your alternator needs replacing.
Overheating engine
An overheating engine can be dangerous, and if you think it’s happening to your car, you should pull over straight away.
The most common causes of car engines overheating are low coolant levels, a fault with the cooling system, or low engine oil caused by a leak.
It’s always a good idea to get your car checked over if you suspect the engine is overheating because it could be a sign that there’s a more serious problem.
What to do about it.
Although overheating engines can sometimes be down to things out of your control, there are some steps you can take to lower the chances of it happening:
- Keep your coolant levels filled up and carry extra with you in case you need it
- Check your oil levels regularly and top them up before long journeys
- Get your cooling system flushed out and cleaned every 40,000 miles
Remember, continuing to drive with an overheating engine can cause lasting damage. Don’t risk it.
Misfuelling
Misfuelling, or putting the wrong kind of fuel in your car, sounds like something you’d never do, but it’s surprisingly common.
In fact, around 150,000 people in the UK fill up with the wrong fuel every year.
It’s an easy mistake to make, but it can not only lead to a break down, it can cause a some serious damage to your engine.
What to do about it.
OK, the obvious answer is don’t put the wrong fuel in your car. But, there are some practical steps you can take to make sure you don’t get caught out:
- If you’ve got a new car, be mindful of the type of fuel it uses in case it’s different to your last set of wheels.
- Avoid distractions when you’re filling up – focus on the job at hand.
- If you’ve got a diesel car, you can get a special fuel cap that stops petrol nozzles fitting the tank – they cost around £30, much less than a new engine!
If the worst happens and you do misfuel, don’t start your engine, just get in touch with Green Flag.