How to avoid a car breakdown this summer

A woman looking her bonnet on the phone

Nobody wants a breakdown

One of the best things about summer is the fact that we all have holidays booked – you’ve put your out of office email on, you’ve packed your suitcase and you’re about to drive off into total relaxation, what could go wrong? Not much, aside from maybe a car breakdown. Sorry to burst your bubble but nobody can anticipate when their car is going to breakdown. However, there are things you can do to prevent a breakdown. So, if you’ve got a road trip planned this summer follow these hints and tips to keep your vehicle in good condition.

Overheating engine

As temperatures get warmer so does your vehicle and it’s one of the most common reasons for car breakdowns. The engine’s coolant system must work in higher temperatures and this makes car engines more vulnerable to exposing problems in the car’s system. To avoid this you should check your car’s coolant level regularly – you can locate the reservoir by referring to your car’s handbook. If it’s running low you should take your car to your local garage to have the system checked over.

Flat battery

Our car batteries are one of the most important parts of our vehicles because they power a lot of things. From your air conditioning to your sat nav and sound systems – all of these things can drain car batteries after a while. To avoid getting a flat battery, we recommend driving your vehicle regularly for at least 30 minutes once a week. Doing this will regenerate the battery and if your battery is over five years old we recommend getting it changed.

Punctured tyre

Tyres are another important part of our cars, so, why do we neglect them? If your tyres aren’t very well looked after all it takes is a piece of glass or a sharp stone to leave you on the side of the road with a flat tyre. We recommend checking your tyres regularly by checking their air pressure, their tread depth and the general condition of all four tyres. We also suggest checking the spare tyre too!

Clutch

Hot weather and rows of traffic are definitely threats to your clutch and they’re prone to wear and tear over the years. As you can imagine a burning clutch is an unpleasant smell, so, how can you avoid it? There are a couple of symptoms you can look out for to avoid breaking down because of a dodgy clutch. The biggest give away is if your vehicle judders when you lift the clutch pedal to pull away. Another key thing to look out for is if you accelerate with some strength and then see the engine revs rising but the car isn’t moving forwards. If you suspect something, get your clutch checked sooner rather than later.

Alternator

This part of your car charges your car battery and it’s important that it works at all times. You should keep an eye on the battery warning light on the dashboard. Alternators should have a suggested timescale when they have to get changed, any reputable garage can adhere to this schedule for you.

The last thing you want this summer is a breakdown. Be sure to know how to prevent one to ensure you stay safe on the road! To find out more information, contact us at One Stop Service Centre or book online today.