We all hate those inconvenient glitches that can arise from time to time and get in your way. One of these set-backs that can be most annoying and definitely stops you from getting on is when your car breaks down in the middle of a journey. It can catch you off guard and leave you feeling unsettled if you don’t know what to do.

However, you can avoid ever finding yourself in this unfortunate situation, by taking regular care of your car, taking it for annual MOT tests and services when they’re due and seeing to any necessary car repairs as and when they are required.

Here at Universal Tyres, we’re going to reveal the top 10 causes that are likely to result in a breakdown so you can be prepared for the things to look out for, and be aware of, to help keep your car running smoothly.

1)    Flat tyres

Accidentally mounting the kerb can damage your tyres and lead to slow punctures that will need repairing by a mechanic. You should also check the cars handbook to make sure your tyres contain the right air pressure for the specific model and car load.

Make sure your spare tyre is in good condition, should you need it in the case of an emergency.

2)    Flat or faulty battery

Regular short journeys can cause problems with terminals, clamp connections and voltage which can ultimately lead to a faulty battery.

To avoid your battery running flat and catching you off guard, with every service your car should have the terminals cleaned and protected against corrosion by covering them in a layer of grease and any clamps and connections should be securely in place.

If you do use your car mainly for shorter journeys then it’s worth taking it out for a longer drive every now and again.

3)    Fuel problems

This may sound an obvious one, but filling up your car with the wrong fuel is a very common mistake many car owners make. If this does happen to you then DO NOT turn the ignition on as this can incur major damage to your engine. Fuel assistant technicians can drain and flush your fuel tank cleaning the unwanted liquid out of your car’s system.

You should also make sure you have a sufficient amount of fuel to last you the length of your journey, and re-fill the tank before the low-fuel warning sign alerts you – so keep an eye on the gage.

4)    HT leads

Water and dirt can enter the cracks of HT (high tension) leads causing a reduction in ignition voltage, besides this, the leads can generally deteriorate over time so it’s important that your local garage checks the condition of these and replaces them as and when it is required.

5)    Spark plugs

Within the ignition system, spark plugs tend to get neglected. However, a damaged spark plug can cause your car to not start, so they must be changed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

6)    Alternator faults

If you’re experiencing recurring problems with the battery or dim headlights, this could point to an alternator fault.

7)    Clutch cables

Clutch cables come under a lot of pressure due to their regular use (every time you change gear or brake) and any scraping or scratching can weaken the wire strands until they eventually break. At the first sign of any wear or tear, it’s best to get it booked into your local garage for a repair.

8)    Starter motors

Despite being designed to be durable and robust, starter motors cans still fail like any other component of your car. Taking your car for regular maintenance checks such as MOTs and services will help bring to light any potential faults.

9)    Lost keys

Again, although it may sound a simple thing, many car owners lose their keys.

Even an authorised dealership can take up to a week to replace your lost keys so it’s always worth carrying a spare set.

10)    Distributor cap

If the cap is cracked or damaged and damp gets in, this could lead to a high-voltage short-circuit that prevents the actual spark from reaching the spark plug

So now we’ve shared with you our top 10 causes for a breakdown, but if you make sure you service your car and take it for an annual MOT test, then you can avoid any of these problems and get on with enjoying your car!

If you’re looking for a trustworthy auto centre to perform either a rigorous MOT test, thorough service or reliable car repairs, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with Universal Tyres today.