Why Has My Car Broken Down?

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 Fitch Autos 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.

Does your car suddenly not start? Or is there is a strange noise coming from the engine? The last thing you need is your car breaking down. In today’s fast-paced world, everyone needs a vehicle to get around, whether it’s to go to the shops or to get to work on time. So, the last thing you need is to discover your car won’t start or isn’t safe to drive.

But the good news is that often there are signs of vehicle breakdown before they happen. This is often spotted by a garage or dealt with during services.

Let’s look at the reasons why your vehicle may have broken down and how Fitch Autos can help.

Filling Up with the Wrong Fuel

Have you ever accidentally filled up with normal petrol when you’ve got a diesel car? You’re definitely not alone. But the problem is, this kind of mistake can damage your engine. The best course of action is to seek immediate attention from a technician to fix the problem. Your system has to be flushed before damage to your engine occurs. Whatever you do, do not start your engine.

Bald or Damaged Tyres

Is the tread thin on your tyres? When was the last time you checked them? A lot of drivers neglect their tyres and this can lead to problems. It’s important to always check the tread so that they’re the legal depth and safe enough for the road.

In addition, you should also check the tyre pressure regularly. It may be the case that your tyres need to be replaced.

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.

A Dead Battery

When you’re in a hurry to get places, the worst thing that can happen is that your engine doesn’t start. Well this could be because your battery is flat and all the energy has been drained. In this case, you’ll need some jump cables to help you get started. Alternatively, you may need to replace your battery.

Once you’ve got your vehicle started, give Fitch Autos a call to ensure you don’t have an ongoing fault that’ll leave you stranded again.

An Alternator Fault

The alternator has the responsibility of charging the battery in your car. So, this means that when there’s a fault your battery could go flat and you won’t be able to start your engine. How can you prevent this from happening? Well, if you notice your headlights are dimmer than they usually are this could be a sign that something’s not right. If this is the case, give us a call and one of our mechanics can take a look.

A Problem with the Starter Motor

Just as the name suggests the starter motor helps turn over the engine to get your car started. This means that when there’s a problem, your vehicle won’t start. You’ll need to have a diagnostic evaluation completed by a mechanic to find out what the root of the fault is.

Usually, you can avoid problems by having your car serviced regularly as we check the starting and charging system on even the smallest service.

Clutch Cable Issues

If your gears have started to grind all of a sudden, you could have a problem with the clutch linkage on your car. Using your gears all the time while you’re driving means wear and tear is possible. If you notice changes, then it’s be prudent to ensure this is nothing serious. Prevention is always preferable to cure and normally more cost effective as well.

Brake Troubles

If there’s one thing you need to always ensure is working in your car, it’s your brakes. If you suddenly discover that your brakes are acting up, it’s essential that your car is inspected by a technician.

Your brake pads might be worn or you may just need your brake fluid changed.

Overheating Engine

It’s not safe to drive a car with an overheating engine. This can be caused by a leak or perhaps something wrong with the water pump. Either way you don’t want to be driving your car. If you see the signals on the temperature gauge move into the read, call us immediately.

It could be something as simple as filling up the coolant. But if not, our skilled technician can find out what is going on.

Issue with the Ignition System

Did you know that faulty ignition coils are often the cause of misfires? The ignition system is essential for your vehicle but this coil can wear down over time. This means that the ignition spark won’t be able to ignite the mixture in the cylinder. The best thing that you can do is take your car to the garage and have it looked at by one of the diagnostic technicians. We’ll be able to tell you exactly what’s going on.

Trouble Free Motoring

At Fitch Autos, our aim is to keep you on the road in a car you can trust without breaking down. This is why we have a maintenance plan that offers 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.

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