It’s that time of the year again, the clocks have gone forward, lighter nights are here and we’re all looking forward to getting out on the open road and enjoying what spring has to offer.
At Ox-In-Flames we’re keen to keep you on the road and free from motoring hassle, which is why we thought it’d be a good idea to let you know the common breakdowns we see, and what you can do to avoid them.
When your vehicle suddenly breaks down, it can be the worst thing in the world. This is especially true when you’ve made plans or you’ve got to get to work on time. Unfortunately, breakdowns don’t just happen to older vehicles; they can happen to new cars too. This is due to not knowing the warning signs and failing to keep up with regular maintenance or a vehicle health check.
Let’s take a look at the reasons why your vehicle can break down and how Ox-In-Flames can help.
An Issue with the Starter Motor
One cause for your engine failing to start is a problem occurring with the starter motor. This is an important part of your vehicle that turns the engine over until it starts up. This is normally a problem that can be avoided with regular services. But if this happens to you, make an appointment for a diagnostic evaluation to ensure the root cause of the fault is identified. This will avoid unnecessary costs, and is something we can happily help with.
Dead Car Battery
One of the main reasons why your car engine won’t start is because of a dead battery. This can happen if you leave your headlights on overnight or use the radio a lot when the engine isn’t running. These drain the battery of its power.
It’s always recommended to store jump cables in your boot.
This can help you get the engine started if you need to go somewhere. In some cases, your car battery might need replaced. Once you’ve got your vehicle started give Ox-In-Flames a call to ensure you don’t have an ongoing fault that’ll leave you stranded again.
Problems with the Tyres
Tyre punctures are common when you drive around; there’s often items and debris on the road that can puncture them and leave you with a flat tyre. But problems with your tyres can also happen if you don’t maintain your vehicle. Something that you should do regularly is check your tyre pressure and check the tread.
The best way you can avoid flat tyres is to book your vehicle in for a vehicle health check. We’ll be able to advise you when you need to replace your tyres as well as spot any other immediate issue that might cause a breakdown.
Filling up With the Wrong Fuel
Have you ever used the wrong fuel in your car? Don’t worry, this is more common than you think. But when this happens, it can damage your engine. So, the best thing you can do is don’t start the engine. The best course of action is to seek immediate attention from a mechanic to fix the problem. Your system has to be flushed before damage to your engine occurs.
Fault with the Alternator
The purpose of the alternator in your car is to charge the battery. This means that when there’s a malfunction, your car battery could die. So, if you notice that your headlights are dim at night, this could be a sign that your battery is going flat. If you think this is the case, give us a call and one of our skilled diagnostic technicians will be sure to identify this problem efficiently.
An Overheated Engine
Your engine can overheat and this can be dangerous. It’s recommended that you don’t drive if your engine is overheating, whether it’s due to a leak or water pump issue. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge in your car.
If it goes into the red, call us immediately. It maybe nothing serious and could just be that your coolant needs topping up, but it could also be a problem that requires the attention of a skilled technician. It’s always best to get it checked out just in case.
Broken Clutch Cables
Have you noticed that your gears are grinding or the clutch doesn’t feel like it used to? You could have a problem with your clutch linkage. These are used every time you change gear so it’s expected that they will eventually suffer from wear and tear. Having your car serviced is going to notice this problem before it leads to a breakdown or jeopardises you and your family’s safety.
Brake Troubles
You can’t afford to have problems with your brakes. Simply, this is going to make your car not safe enough for being on the road. You will need to take your vehicle to a mechanic to see what the problem is. Issues with the brakes can be caused for a number of reasons, such as the brake fluid needs to be changed or the brake pads are worn.
This is something that an experienced mechanic will be able to inspect and ensure you’re on the road in a vehicle you can trust.
Ignition System Issue
Our skilled and experienced diagnostic technicians are going to be able to help you if you’ve got an ignition system problem. Misfires can happen for many reasons but one of them is due to the ignition coils being worn. Our team is going to be able to identify the cause and find a solution at the same time.
Trouble Free Motoring
At Ox-In-Flames, our aim is to keep you on the road in a car you can trust without breaking down. This is why we have a range of services that offer great value and peace of mind. So whether you need a quick vehicle health check, a service or major overhaul, give us a call as we’re here to help.
