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Did you know that 85% of car breakdowns are the result of negligent maintenance? Every year, millions of drivers find themselves stranded at the side of the road with avoidable car problems.
Understanding the most common car breakdowns is essential to avoid costly and stressful inconveniences. Regular servicing and knowing the warning signs can help you prevent breakdowns and stay safe on the road.
I. The most common car breakdowns
| Category | Description | Warning signs | Risks |
| Battery failure | Battery failure is often due to natural wear and tear, forgetting to keep the headlights on or corroded connections. | – Difficulty starting the car – Weak headlights – Battery indicator light on the dashboard | Immobilisation of the vehicle, requiring a costly and unpleasant breakdown service. |
| Start-up problems | Starting problems can be caused by a malfunctioning starter motor, a faulty alternator or loose electrical connections. | – Strange starting noises – Intermittent or difficult starting – Coughing engine without starting | You may be stranded, requiring a quick repair to get the car back in working order. |
| Defective tyres | Defective tyres are often caused by wear, under-pressure, punctures or misalignment of the wheels. | – Steering wheel vibrations – Loss of traction – Uneven tyre wear | Risk of serious accidents due to loss of vehicle control. |
| Braking problems | Braking problems can result from worn brake pads, brake fluid leaks or damaged brake discs. | – Squealing noise when braking – Soft brake pedal – Longer braking distance | Increases the risk of serious accidents, endangering your safety and that of others. |
| Transmission problems | Transmission problems can be caused by wear, a lack of transmission fluid or damaged gears. | – Difficulty changing gear – Abnormal gearbox noise – Gears slipping | High repair costs and vehicle immobilisation. |
II. Risks associated with breakdowns
Road safety
Accidents
Car breakdowns increase the risk of accidents, especially if they occur in the middle of traffic. For example, a brake failure or a tyre blow-out can lead to a collision.
Breakdowns on motorways
Breakdowns on motorways are particularly dangerous because of the high speeds of other vehicles. Stopping at the side of the road exposes drivers to the risk of serious accidents.
Financial costs
Emergency repairs
Unplanned breakdowns and repairs can be expensive, especially if the breakdown requires emergency roadside assistance or towing.
Regular maintenance vs. major repairs
Regular maintenance is generally less expensive than major repairs caused by negligence. Investing in preventive maintenance can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Personal disadvantages
Loss of time
Car breakdowns often mean a considerable loss of time, whether waiting for a breakdown mechanic or carrying out unexpected repairs.
Stress and frustration
Frequent breakdowns can cause stress and frustration, disrupting your plans and affecting your peace of mind.
III. Solutions to prevent breakdowns
Regular maintenance
Maintenance programmes
Following a regular maintenance programme is crucial to preventing car breakdowns. Regular visits to the mechanic enable problems to be detected and resolved before they become serious.
Basic do-it-yourself checks
Carrying out basic checks yourself can help prevent breakdowns. Regularly check tyre pressure, fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid) and the condition of batteries.
Preventing common faults
Battery
To avoid battery failure, make sure you regularly check the condition of your battery and its connections. If your battery is more than three years old, consider having it professionally tested.
Brakes
Look out for signs of brake wear and have the braking system regularly checked by a qualified mechanic. Replace the brake pads as soon as they show signs of wear.
Tyres
To prolong the life of your tyres, keep them properly inflated and align and rotate them regularly. Inspect them for uneven wear or damage.
Using diagnostic tools
OBD-II tools
OBD-II diagnostic tools allow you to check the condition of your car and detect potential problems before they become serious. These tools can read fault codes and provide valuable information about the health of your vehicle.
Mobile applications
There are mobile applications that connect to your car and monitor the status of various systems in real time. These applications can alert you to problems and provide repair advice.
Training and awareness
Defensive driving
Preventive driving can reduce wear and tear on your vehicle. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking, respect speed limits and take good care of your car.
Personal training
Understanding the basics of car mechanics can help you diagnose and solve minor problems yourself. Consider taking courses or consulting guides to improve your knowledge.
By understanding the most common car breakdowns and adopting regular maintenance practices, you can prevent many car problems. Battery failure, starting problems, faulty tyres, braking and transmission problems are common faults that can be prevented with proper maintenance and careful monitoring for warning signs.
We encourage you to adopt regular maintenance practices to ensure the longevity and reliability of your vehicle. Don’t wait for a breakdown to take care of your car.
Prevention is the key to safe driving. By taking good care of your vehicle, you’ll avoid the inconvenience of breakdowns and get the most out of your journeys.
