THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF BREAKDOWNS

Most car breakdowns are caused by minor issues, and in many instances you could prevent your car from letting you down by doing some regular checks and maintenance. Here, we look at the six most common culprits and how to prevent them. 1. Flat or faulty battery

Battery failure is the number one reason for recovery callouts. It’s more common in the winter, when low temperatures can affect the electrolyte liquid inside a battery, making it less able to hold a charge.

The winter months also involve more driving in dark, cold conditions, and the lights – together with features such as heated seats and heated rear windscreens – putting more strain on the battery.

In addition, cars are often not used over the Christmas break or when it snows. Batteries are more likely to fail then, because they gradually lose charge when they’re not being used – particularly in cold weather.

If your car becomes tricky to start, have the battery checked at a service centre. If you’re not going to drive the car for a week or more, run the engine for 10 minutes at some point during that time to freshen the battery.

2. Damaged or punctured tyres

Driving over a sharp object or hitting a kerb or pothole are the most common reasons for punctures, but worn tyres and faulty valves can cause problems too, so it’s important not to skimp on maintenance in a bid to save money.

Checking your car’s tyres regularly could help you spot a nail or gash early so you can have the tyre repaired, rather than risking a sudden failure when you’re driving.

3. Misfuelling

Putting diesel in a petrol car or vice versa is a common error made by around 150,000 people a year in the UK. It can be expensive to sort out if the fuel gets into your car’s engine, but if you realise straight away and get the fuel removed from the tank before the car has been started, you’ll be faced with a much smaller bill.

4. Low Adblue level

Many newer diesel cars have a Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) system that uses a liquid called Adblue to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions from the exhaust. This fluid, also known as urea or diesel exhaust fluid, needs to be topped up occasionally. If it runs out, the car might refuse to start. The car will warn you when the level is running low, and this should be heeded promptly.

5. Lost keys

Many cars have a start button and keyless entry, and once started, some models can be driven without the key in them. That means there’s a chance you could begin driving, having left the key behind, leaving you stranded later when you turn the engine off and it won’t restart.

Key fobs are complex and often have a microchip inside to protect the car from being stolen, so you’ll need to visit an authorised dealer if you need a duplicate.

6. Other electrical issues

One tell-tale sign that the alternator is worn out is if the headlights are dimmer than usual when the engine isn’t being revved. If you notice this, asking a mechanic to check the car early could prevent a breakdown.

If you try to start the car and nothing happens, or you hear only a clicking noise, it could be a sign that there’s a problem with the starter motor.