A Guide to Handling Common Car Breakdowns
Despite routine maintenance, unexpected car issues occasionally leave drivers stranded at inopportune times. Waiting for tow trucks proves inconvenient and costly. Nevertheless, armed with basic knowledge about common malfunctions, owners can temporarily nurse vehicles home or to repair shops while avoiding full-scale breakdowns.
Addressing Overheating Issues
Modern vehicles run hot, especially in stop-and-go traffic during summer months. Overheating presents engine-damaging possibilities requiring immediate attention. Safely pull over, shut off the car and open the hood, but never remove the radiator cap until it cools down. Visually inspect hoses, belts, water pumps and fans for leaks or broken parts, which indicate more significant problems. Low coolant resembles bubbling inside reservoirs. Carefully add water or antifreeze once temperatures drop below their boiling point. If no leaks exist, cooling systems may contain trapped air pockets blocking fluid circulation. Carefully “burp” systems once cool by squeezing hoses to discharge bubbles. If the temperature rises again, get your car to a service center immediately. Ignoring the problem could lead to rapid and extensive engine damage.
Jump Starting Dead Batteries
Despite improvements in battery life and charging systems, dead batteries from leaving headlights on or doors ajar constitute the number one breakdown experienced. Assuming cables are handy, connect the positive cable to the dead battery’s positive terminal first, then connect the negative cable to the dead battery’s negative grounding point. Complete the final connection on the working battery’s negative terminal last to avoid sparks around battery gases. Let vehicles charge approximately 5-10 minutes before disconnecting cables in reverse order. Driving immediately after jump starts allows alternators to fully recharge depleted batteries. The people at Clore Automotive recommend a battery charger for cars, which will ensure cells hold their charge. If problems persist, testing reveals whether batteries require replacement or electrical problems drain power.
Identifying and Handling Flat Tires
A flat tire needs immediate attention to minimize further damage to the wheels and suspension system, particularly at highway speeds. If vehicles start vibrating excessively or pulling to the side, safely pull over immediately and check for obvious punctures or bubbles signaling pressure loss. Seal small punctures temporarily using built-in tire inflator kits or aerosol plug sprays, allowing you to drive to service centers for permanent patches or plugs. Seek professional assistance as soon as possible since temporary fixes and spare tires supply only short-term, limited-distance fixes. Handling flats quickly limits additional problems until undergoing proper repairs.
Adding Emergency Fuel Supply
Inconsistent fuel gauges, distraction or running vehicles until empty causes unexpected sputtering alongside roads. Always maintain at least a quarter tank of gas to avoid completely depleting supplies. Carrying extra emergency gasoline proves essential for refueling miles from stations. Use only approved containers to safely store fuel reserves away from passengers and ignition sources. When stranded, add a gallon directly into fuel tanks, taking care to avoid spills. Emergency fuel extends your driving range, allowing you to find a gas station to fill up and diagnose any issues causing your gas gauge to malfunction or your car to underperform.
Conclusion
Even with preventative measures, car owners still occasionally experience headaches that disrupt their commutes and travel. Learning a few quick fixes helps mitigate breakdowns through supplemental cooling fluids, battery jumps, plugged tires and emergency gas to limp home or to repair facilities. However, once problems emerge, schedule follow-up professional diagnoses and repairs immediately regardless of temporary remedies employed. Technicians troubleshoot underlying issues and inspect additional components impacted by initial failures. Minor fixes are possible DIY projects, but a post-repair check by a qualified mechanic is essential for preventing future issues. Quick action and good judgment can help drivers avoid the cost and hassle of common car troubles.
