5 Common Causes of Car Breakdowns

man fixing tire after car breakdown

Summer has arrived. We know you’ll be traveling with the whole family over the next few months and we want to make sure you stay safe. On road trips, motor vehicles have the potential to malfunction for any number of reasons. However, some issues occur more frequently than others. Here are 5 common causes of car breakdowns, what you can do to prevent a breakdown, and where to get vehicle repair you can rely on.

Tire Problems

A flat tire or even a blowout can happen when you least expect it, potentially leaving you stranded on the road to replace your tire with a spare as cars drive past you. Stay aware of any unusual bumps or noises coming from your tires and safely pull off the main road if you must. 

Battery Issues

Have you ever left your headlights on or didn’t close your car door all the way? Chances are your battery was dead the next morning. A dead battery — whether drained by accident or simply corroded over time — is an extremely common cause of car breakdowns.

Overheated Engine

If you have an oil or coolant leak or are low on either, your engine may begin to overheat. It’s important that you don’t drive your car while it’s too hot, or you could permanently damage internal systems.

Brake Trouble

Brake pads need replacing about every 40,000 to 50,000 miles, however, few vehicle owners are on top of this. Often they will wait until they hear their brakes start to grind or squeal to let them know to take their car into an auto shop in Jacksonville, FL. However, by the time you hear anything, it could already be too late, and you could be ground down into your rotors. This is a much more expensive repair than just brake pads. To avoid this, take action to fix your brakes when you first notice a problem.

Transmission Problem

Transmission issues, such as low fluid or even a complete breakdown, can cause a vehicle to become immediately immobile. Often, transmission problems that were preventable become expensive and difficult to repair if they’ve gone on too long. If you notice a leak of transmission fluid, burning smell, or unusual noises, you’ll want to bring your car in for repair.

How to Avoid a Breakdown

Ideally, you never have to deal with a breakdown in the first place. Here are some simple ways to prevent common causes of car breakdowns.

  • Check your tire pressure. If it’s too low, add air until you reach your vehicle’s manufacturer-recommended psi.
  • Test your battery. Don’t wait until you can’t start your car — check your battery every now and again to catch it before it goes out.
  • Request a coolant check. Keep your engine from overheating by making sure you have enough coolant and there aren’t any leaks in the system.
  • Check brake pads, rotors, and fluids. Making sure these components are working properly from time to time can prevent inconvenient breakdowns and even accidents.
  • Regular transmission service. Don’t wait until your gears start grinding to have your transmission checked, cleaned, and the fluids replaced. If you do this regularly, they likely won’t start to grind at all.

Schedule an Appointment With Big Chief Tire to Avoid Future Car Breakdowns

Looking for an auto shop near you that you can trust? Look no further than Big Chief Tire for solutions to any car malfunction. Our auto shop in Jacksonville, FL is a full-service auto maintenance and repair facility with experienced mechanics you can count on. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

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