Vehicle breakdowns can be scary, especially if it happens in the middle of the desert. By understanding the most common causes of car failure and being proactive with your vehicle, you can prevent the need for a tow truck.
The Most Common Reasons for Breakdowns
As you might imagine, many issues can cause a vehicle to break down; here are three of the most common reasons many people find themselves on the side of the road:
The check engine light
If your check engine light is on, you may not notice any problems with your vehicle, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. There are hundreds of reasons why the check engine light can turn on—from simple things like a loose gas cap to more severe issues, like a faulty mass airflow sensor. Also, even a minor issue can progress into a serious one if it’s ignored for too long, so make sure to address the issue as soon as possible. And if your check engine light is blinking, don’t wait! This indicates a serious problem that could cause engine damage. Avoid driving your car and schedule an appointment immediately.
Drivability issues
If your vehicle is misfiring, stalling, vibrating, or simply not running as well as it used to, these can be symptoms of an underlying problem that could cause you to break down—especially if you ignore them for too long.
Issues with the cooling system
When your cooling system isn’t working properly, it can cause your engine to overheat. Again, this isn’t something that should be ignored! If your car is overhearing, avoid driving and make an appointment. Driving an overheating vehicle can cause breakdowns or irreversible engine damage.
Tips to Keep Your Vehicle from Breaking Down
The good news is that the majority of car issues that cause breakdowns can be avoided by staying on top of your routine maintenance and repairing issues in a timely manner. Here are a few tips to keep your car on the road:
- Have your repairs and maintenance performed at an ASE certified shop
- Follow your manufacturer’s recommended service intervals
- Have your vehicle inspected regularly
- Listen to your car. Don’t ignore drivability issues, dashboard warning lights, signs of overheating, or odd sounds or vibrations—make an appointment as soon as possible
- Keep your fluids (oil, brake fluid, coolant) topped off to ensure your vehicle has optimal fluid intake
- Avoid driving recklessly, which (beyond being unsafe) can add unnecessary wear and tear to your vehicle
- Avoid overloading your car with unnecessary weight, which can lead to excessive strain on the suspension, tires, and braking system.
From maintenance and tune-ups to repairs, our ASE-certified technicians and Service Advisors can help you with all your auto care needs! Give Express Auto/RV Care Center a call at (928) 305-0767 or request an appointment online.
