Having issues with your car or truck? Discover possible reasons for that future breakdown!
As a driver, you know the dread of breaking down on the side of the road. Being aware of common causes will help you stay ahead of any problems your automobile may face. Let’s take a look at some of the issues that may be standing in the way of an upcoming journey. (Reasons for car or truck breakdown)
Battery failure
One of the most common reasons for car or truck (vehicular) breakdown is faulty or dead batteries, particularly in extreme climates such as Arizona. If you’re leaving your vehicle stationary for an extended period, then be sure to charge your battery overnight every two weeks. This will help stop your battery from running flat while not moving.
A poor connection could also be behind power issues. Keep battery terminals clean, free of any dirt and grime, and look for any signs of corrosion. If you’re unsure of where to look, then mention it to your mechanic; a few quick steps will keep your vehicle powered without the need for a battery jumpstart or roadside assistance.
Tire and wheel damage
As the only part of your vehicle to make physical contact with the road, your tires are vulnerable to a variety of hazards. Whether pothole or puncture, you never know when you’ll run into a flat. Inspecting your tires regularly, particularly before long journeys, is essential to any safe driving experience. Be sure a spare tire and jack are accessible just in case you run into trouble.
Underinflated tires can cause overheating and irreparable damage. Checking your tire pressure helps you identify issues such as slow punctures before it leads to a problem. If you hit a pothole or notice your tire pressure dropping fast, seek professional service as soon as possible. Be sure your tire’s pressure matches the exact recommendations found in your vehicle’s manual.
Faulty spark plugs
Your car or truck’s spark plug produces the initial spared required time to ignite the combustible mixture within each of your engine’s cylinders. This gets the pistons moving to provide the correct compressed air to fuel mixture that powers your vehicle. Spark plug issues can be caused by dirty air filters, a rich gas/air mixture, idling for extended periods, and dirty fuel injectors.
Unexpected issues can occur and breakdown assistance from auXcar may be necessary if you don’t keep a keen eye on the details. An unusually rough idle, trouble starting, and engine misfires are all signs your spark plugs may require attention. Spark plugs should be checked during your regular service and changed when necessary.
Alternator issues
Alternators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy to provide your vehicle electricity and charge your battery. If the alternator’s drive belt snaps while you are driving, then your battery will no longer be recharging, and your water pumping system will fail. This is bad news considering the complexity and cost of these issues.
If you notice your engine temperature rapidly rising and your battery light on your dashboard lit, then pull over and call a towing truck if necessary. Be sure not to restart the vehicle until your alternator has been fixed as this will cause more damage.
Does the above sound familiar? These are some of the common issues your vehicle may face and situations that could leave you broken down. If you are uncertain about any problems your car is facing then get it checked out by a mechanic at the earliest opportunity, for your safety and convenience.
