The key to avoiding a breakdown is good and regular maintenance together with an understanding of what's most likely to go wrong. Here's some of the more common problems that happen and how you can prevent them.
Dead Battery
Most common problems are caused by terminals and clamp connections or by a loss of voltage, often caused by constant use on short journeys without regular recharging. Be sure to look at the battery in the battery box regularly to check for corrosion.
Most common problems are caused by terminals and clamp connections or by a loss of voltage, often caused by constant use on short journeys without regular recharging. Be sure to look at the battery in the battery box regularly to check for corrosion.
| Alternator Problems Persistent battery problems and dim headlights when the engine is idling can indicate alternator/generator faults. Belts driving the alternator may also operate the radiator fan and water pump and may be worn or cracked. If you see these symptoms bring your car in for one of our mechanics to take a look at. A red ignition warning light plus a rapid rise in engine temperature could indicate a broken belt. Stop immediately if you notice this problem. Spark plugs The spark plug is a much-neglected part of the ignition system. Spark plugs deliver the electrical current from the ignition system to the engine’s combustion chamber which helps to start the vehicle. If your spark plugs are damaged or bad, your car’s engine will misfire, have a rough engine turn-over, have problems starting up and will have a slow acceleration. Your car’s spark plugs will be checked during your car’s service at our facility. Make sure that you replace plugs at the manufacturer's recommended service intervals. Brake problems Whether your brakes have been damaged by brake wear or corrosion, damaged or badly worn brakes can cause serious problems for a driver. A driver will have to rely on engine braking, which can be dangerous. Our service mechanic will check your brake controls for wear, corrosion and distortion. If you notice your car brakes have problems, for example, If it is taking a long time to brake or there are weird noises when you do brake, it is essential that you get them fixed as soon as possible. A driver who feels his or her brakes go completely should pull over as safely as possible. Clutch problems The common clutch problems are a slipping clutch or a sticking clutch. Your clutch controls should be checked each time you bring you car into our place for service. Don't let a minor clutch problem wait until later. A shifting problem may be tied to the master cylinder which is also used for braking. Stop immediately and give us a call. |  |
Flat Tires
Check your owners handbook and adjust pressures as required to suit different speeds and loads for how you use your car.
Check your owners handbook and adjust pressures as required to suit different speeds and loads for how you use your car.
- Kerb impact can damage sidewalls and wheel rims. Both can result in slow leaks.
- When checking tread depth, look for uneven tire wear – the wheels may be misaligned which can cause uneven wear and a bad spot or even a hole.
- Look at the spare tire. A worn or flat spare won't be of much use in an emergency.
- Check that the jack and wheel-removal tools are in good condition and that the key or removal tool for locking wheel nuts is accessible. Be sure you have taken the jack and tools out of the cars AT LEAST ONCE since you bought to to insure that everything is in working order and that it's all there.
Overheating Engine
Always keep an eye on your car’s temperature gauge, especially in the summer. This little indicator will let you know the status of your cooling system and whether your car is on the brink of overheating. In the event your car does overheat, there are a few steps that can be taken to get back on the road. The most important step is to immediately pull over.
Always keep an eye on your car’s temperature gauge, especially in the summer. This little indicator will let you know the status of your cooling system and whether your car is on the brink of overheating. In the event your car does overheat, there are a few steps that can be taken to get back on the road. The most important step is to immediately pull over.
- Turn off the AC and blast the heat. The heater pulls hot air away from the engine so the vehicle has a better chance of cooling off. If there is steam coming from under the hood, turn the car off, pop the hood and wait at least 30 minutes before you touch anything.
- Once the engine has had a chance to cool down, check the radiator for coolant. The coolant tank is typically a clear plastic container near the radiator. If this tank is empty, you may have a leak somewhere in the system.
- Check under the car for any leaking fluid. If you see leaking fluid, or if the coolant levels are not where they should be, you might have a more serious issue. Call for a tow truck and get it into our shop so one of our mechanics can do a proper diagnosis.
In Summary
With other problems, you may be able to operate the vehicle seemingly normally for some time, but the vehicle will need an eventual repair. These include grinding brakes, rough idle (often caused by the need for a tune-up), or poor shock absorption. Many vehicle owners with a busy schedule tend to wait longer than they should to get necessary repairs made to their vehicles. This results in increasing damage and expense for repairs. If you are seeing any warning signs bring your car in for a Prognostic analysis.
With other problems, you may be able to operate the vehicle seemingly normally for some time, but the vehicle will need an eventual repair. These include grinding brakes, rough idle (often caused by the need for a tune-up), or poor shock absorption. Many vehicle owners with a busy schedule tend to wait longer than they should to get necessary repairs made to their vehicles. This results in increasing damage and expense for repairs. If you are seeing any warning signs bring your car in for a Prognostic analysis.
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