5 tips for avoiding vehicle breakdown

Tuesday 29th March 2022

A car breakdown is very inconvenient – hearing those dreaded clunking sounds to signal a breakdown is a sure contender as one of the most annoying experiences in life. If this is a feeling you know too well, or one you want to actively avoid while you’re out and about on the road, our helpful guide can help. Learn some of the top tips on how to make car breakdowns a thing of the past.

1. Keep your engine oil filled

Your engine oil stops heat and friction building up in your engine and allows your vehicle to work properly, therefore it is vital that you keep on top of it. It is important that you consistently check and top-up your oil so that you are not leaving your engine parts exposed to heat damage. In a scenario where your engine oil light comes on, pull over in a safe space and check the underneath your car immediately. You could be experiencing an oil leak which could eventually cause a breakdown, or you may be in need of topping up your oil. If you’re not sure, the best thing to do is contact your nearest centre to get the issue fixed immediately.

2. Improve your driving habits

Your driving habits can have a direct impact on your car’s health and will put strain on your engine, which could eventually lead to breakdown. Driving habits such as:

• Harsh braking - try to avoid harsh braking as this will put added pressure on your brake pads and rotors.
• Clutch control - prevent riding your clutch when there is no need to.
•  Applying your brakes when you drive downhill – this is known as ‘dragging’ and can cause significant damage to your braking system.

Read more about the correct driving habits in our blog today.

3. Remove unnecessary weight from your car

When your car is overloaded with unnecessary pressure and weight, this puts a strain on your car’s suspension and braking system. Not only does this cause your car to work harder, but it also negatively impacts your fuel consumption – causing you to spend more money in the long run. In short, overloading your car with unnecessary weight is a big no-no!

4. Don’t ignore your dashboard lights

Your dashboard lights will usually give you warning of anything going wrong before it happens. Ignoring your dashboard light won’t mean it will eventually go away, but it will mean that you’ll most probably break down. When you see a dashboard warning light flash up, remember to action it immediately. If you’re not sure what to do, it’s best to consult your driver’s manual to find out what these flashing engine lights mean.

5. Never miss a service

Having your car regularly serviced means that you can prevent little issues from turning into big ones – so, if you miss a servicing, you could be putting your car, and yourself, in danger. Here at Formula One Autocentres, you opt for either a full service or an interim service. We also have servicing options for hybrid and electric cars as well as fuel-powered ones. We are of the opinion that getting a small check-up is better than no check-up at all.

Alternatively, why not time it with an MOT test to get a reduction in price? If you are looking to improve your fuel economy, check out our fuel-saver service and AdBlue products.

For more information, do not hesitate to get in touch with our helpful team today! Or you could pop into a local centre near you.