How to Handle Common Car Breakdowns

How to handle common car breakdowns? Learn quick fixes, safety tips, and when to call for roadside assistance to keep your journey safe.

Introduction

Car failures often occur unexpectedly, leaving drivers stuck and stressed. Understanding how to address common automotive problems can help decrease hazards, lower repair costs, and assure safety. This article describes the most common car breakdowns and how to handle them successfully.

Dead battery

Battery failure is one of the least common causes of vehicle breakdowns. It is commonly caused by leaving lights on, a malfunctioning charging system, or extreme weather conditions.

How to Handle It:

Try jumpstarting the automobile with jumper wires and another vehicle’s battery.
Connect the red (+) cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery and the other end to the positive terminal of the working battery.
Connect the black (negative) cable to the good battery’s negative terminal and the opposite end to a metal surface that has not been painted on the dead car.
Start the assisting automobile and allow it to run for a few minutes before attempting to start the dead car.
If the car fails to start, the battery may need to be replaced.

Flat Tire

Punctures, wear, or insufficient air pressure can all cause a flat tire.

How to Handle It:

Pull over in a safe spot and turn on your hazard lights.
Use the parking brake and use wheel studs to restrict movement.
Use a jack to elevate the car and replace the flat tire.
Put it with a spare tire and firmly tighten the lug nuts.
If a spare tire is not available, contact roadside assistance or utilize a tire repair kit.

Overheating Engine

Coolant leaks, a defective radiator, or a broken pump for water are common causes of engine overheating.

How to Handle It:

Pull over and promptly turn off the engine.
Wait for the engine to cool before removing the hood.
Examine the coolant level in the tank; if it’s low, add coolant or water as needed.
Check for leaks under the car.
If the temperature increases quickly again, get professional assistance because driving further may cause serious engine damage.

Alternator Failure

The alternator recharges the battery and powers the vehicle’s electrical system. Dimmer lights, battery warning lights on the dashboard, and an engine that stalls are all signs of failure.

How to Handle It:

Turn off accessories such as the air conditioner and radio to reduce the electrical load.
If the car is still running, try driving to a repair facility nearby before the battery dies completely.
If the vehicle’s engine stalls, a towing service will be necessary.

Brake Failure

Wearing brake pads, a lack of brake fluid, or a faulty braking system can all contribute to brake failure.

How to Handle It:

Try pressing the brake pedal to increase pressure.
To gradually slow down, downshift into a lower gear.
To stop the car, carefully apply the emergency brake.
If brakes fully fail, steer into a safe area and use warning signals to inform other drivers.

Transmission Failure

Transmission issues might result in trouble shifting gears, unusual noises, or loss of power.

How to Handle It:

If the vehicle struggles to change gears, examine the transmission fluid levels.
If the fluid level is low, fill it up according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
If severe transmission problems are detected, do not drive the automobile any further as this may result in costly repairs.

Conclusion

When a car breaks down, it’s best to seek professional assistance if the problem persists. Maintaining the vehicle regularly can prevent many common problems and make driving safer. It’s also a good idea to keep essential tools, a spare wheel, jumper wires, and an emergency kit on hand.