Top Reasons for Car Towing
At one time or another, most drivers have experienced a car breakdown. There’s never a good time for this to happen, but on a busy day or a hectic road, problems with your vehicle can become a serious inconvenience.
Thankfully, with roadside assistance and towing services available, breakdowns can be dealt with in next to no time. Prevention is better than cure, though, so let’s take a look at the most common reasons cars break down – and how you can avoid them …
Electrical Problems
Electrical faults are behind more and more breakdowns as cars rely on increasingly complex systems. However, there isn’t much you can do should this happen to you aside from seek expert help.
To avoid electrical problems in the first place, be sure to have your car checked at the first sign of any issue, no matter how small it might seem. Even a series of tiny glitches might suggest bigger difficlties on the horizon.
Overheating Engine
Overheating engines are a major cause of car breakdowns, but why does this happen? One of the main reasons is the thermostat becoming stuck, blocking the coolant’s flow before it can reach the engine. You can assess this yourself by checking the upper radiator hose, which should start to feel warm when the engine gets going; if it doesn’t heat up, this is your cue to get it checked.
Another reason behind overheating engines is leaks in the cooling system: these are fairly easy to detect, as the radiator will appear to be low on fluid, or you might spot pooling on the ground underneath your car. If so, get it examined as soon as you can.
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Transmission Neglect
When your transmission and clutch fails, this is typically down to neglect. Without having your transmission serviced on a regular basis, it will experience enhanced strain, causing failure and eventual high-cost repair.
Make sure you have your transmission examined and serviced regularly, with the fluids changed and the components tweaked (if needed).
Flat Tires or Blowouts
As most drivers know, a flat tire or blowout is a real frustration, so it’s best to avoid them however possible. You should check your tires regularly to make sure they’re not underinflated, as the less pressure in them, the more strain will be placed on the tire wall.
If you collide with debris or junk while driving, make sure you check your tires as soon as possible – sharp objects can cause small tears or punctures that get worse over time. Inspect your tires every week to be sure they’re in best condition.
Batteries with Low Power
What causes dead batteries? Typically, driving for only short journeys on a regular basis is to blame, so try to take your car out for a longer drive during the week, or at least leave it on charge overnight (provided you own a battery charger). Unstable clamp connections may also be at the root of dead or low-powered batteries.
This is responsible for many towing calls, and the battery is one part of your car you shouldn’t neglect.
Staying on top of your car’s performance and condition, both on the inside and outside, is essential to avoid breakdowns. Always keep a reliable towing company‘s number on your mobile phone. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Author: Shan Ge
