Nobody wants their car to break down, but it happens from time to time. To ensure this doesn’t catch you off guard, this post by Alf Marketing in Frederick, MD will share some of the most common causes for car breakdowns to look out for.

Car breakdowns can happen at the most inconvenient times, and they often leave drivers stranded on the side of the road, frustrated and stressed. Knowing the common causes of car breakdowns can help you prevent them, maintain your vehicle more effectively, and recognize early warning signs before a small issue turns into a major problem. Here are some of the most frequent reasons why cars break down that you should look out for.

Help your car work perfectly! Call Alf Marketing in Frederick, MD at (301) 416-0575 or visit AMSOIL's online store to find top-quality products for your vehicle’s maintenance.

Common Causes for Car Breakdowns

1. Battery Failure

One of the most common causes of a car breakdown is a dead or faulty battery. Car batteries generally last between 3 to 5 years, but extreme weather, leaving the lights on, or running the car's electronics without the engine running can drain the battery. Corrosion around the battery terminals or loose cables can also prevent the car from starting.

Regularly testing your battery’s health and keeping the terminals clean can help avoid unexpected breakdowns due to battery failure.

2. Flat or Damaged Tires

Flat tires, punctures, or blowouts are another frequent cause of breakdowns. Driving over sharp objects like nails or glass, poor tire maintenance, and worn-out tires can all lead to a flat tire. In some cases, tires that are underinflated or overinflated are more likely to suffer damage.

Keep your tires properly inflated, rotate them with regularity, and check for signs of wear or damage can reduce the risk of a flat tire.

3. Overheating Engine

An overheating engine is a serious issue that can leave you stranded and cause significant damage to your vehicle if not addressed promptly. Engine overheating can occur for several reasons, including a malfunctioning thermostat, low coolant levels, or a damaged radiator. If your car’s temperature gauge starts rising or steam starts coming from the engine bay, it’s important to stop the vehicle immediately to avoid further damage.

Check your coolant levels often and verify that the cooling system is working properly to prevent overheating.

4. Alternator Problems

The alternator is what charges the battery and powers the electrical systems when the engine is running. If the alternator fails, the battery will quickly lose charge, causing the car to stall and not restart. Common telltale signs of a failing alternator include dimming headlights, flickering dashboard lights, and difficulty starting the car.

Keep your alternator and electrical system in mind so you can catch these issues early.

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5. Starter Motor Issues

The starter motor is what turns the engine over when you start your car. If it malfunctions, your car won’t start, even if the battery is working fine. This can be caused by electrical problems, a worn-out starter motor, or a problem with the ignition switch. If you hear a clicking sound when trying to start the car, it could be a sign of a starter motor issue.

6. Fuel Problems

Running out of fuel might seem like an avoidable issue, but it’s still a common cause of breakdowns. In addition, using contaminated fuel or having a clogged fuel filter can prevent fuel from reaching the engine, leading to stalling or failure to start. Keeping an eye on your fuel gauge and maintaining a clean fuel system will keep you driving smooth.

7. Transmission Failure

Transmission problems can cause your car to lose power, fail to shift gears, or stop moving altogether. Transmission fluid leaks, worn-out gears, or problems with the clutch (in manual cars) can lead to breakdowns.

Don’t forget to check your transmission fluid and to get your transmission serviced can prevent costly breakdowns.

8. Ignition System Failures

Problems with the ignition system, like worn-out spark plugs, ignition coils, or wiring issues, prevent your car from starting or cause it to misfire while driving. Misfiring can also reduce fuel efficiency and increase emissions.

Regular maintenance of the ignition system, including replacing spark plugs and ignition coils at the required intervals, can help prevent these issues.

One way to avoid common causes for car breakdowns is to maintain your vehicle perfectly. Call Alf Marketing in Frederick, MD at (301) 416-0575 or visit AMSOIL's online store to order the best products for your car’s upkeep!