What Are The Most Common Reasons For A Vehicle Breakdown?

Unexpected breakdowns can be a major inconvenience, leaving you stranded on the road and potentially disrupting your plans. Understanding the most common reasons for vehicle breakdowns can help you be better prepared and potentially avoid such situations. In this blog, we’ll explore the common causes of breakdowns and discuss the importance of breakdown towing services .

What Is The Meaning Of Breakdown Assistance?

Breakdown assistance, also known as breakdown recovery or roadside assistance, refers to the services provided during a vehicle breakdown. These services are designed to help you get your vehicle back on the road or transport it to a repair facility if immediate repairs are not possible at the breakdown site.

Common Breakdown Issues

Let's check out the most common reasons for vehicle breakdowns:

Flat or Faulty Battery

Over time, batteries lose their charge or become worn out, making it difficult to start the engine. Factors such as extreme weather conditions, frequent short journeys or leaving vehicle lights on can accelerate battery depletion.

Flat Tyres

Flat tyres are another common issue that can leave you stranded. Punctures from sharp objects or improper tyre pressure can cause a loss of air, rendering the tyre ineffective. Insufficient tread depth or sidewall damage can also lead to tyre failure.

Alternator Faults

The alternator plays an important role in charging the battery while the engine is running. If the alternator fails, the battery will not receive sufficient charge, leading to a breakdown. Signs of an alternator problem include dimming headlights and difficulty starting the vehicle.

Misfuelling Or Running Out Of Gas

Accidentally filling up a petrol vehicle with diesel or vice versa can cause significant damage to the engine, resulting in a breakdown. Additionally, running out of fuel due to negligence or misjudgement can leave you stranded.

Overheating

Engine overheating can occur due to various reasons, such as coolant leaks, malfunctioning thermostats or problems with the radiator or water pump. Overheating can cause severe damage to the engine and result in a breakdown.

Starter Motor Troubles

The starter motor is responsible for initiating the engine's combustion process. If the starter motor fails, you won't be able to start your vehicle. Common signs of a faulty starter motor include a clicking noise when turning the ignition key or non-responsiveness of the engine.

Lost, Damaged or Stolen Keys

Unable to access your vehicle due to lost, damaged or stolen keys can lead to an unexpected breakdown situation. Keeping spare keys in a secure location, being cautious with key handling and promptly addressing any key-related issues can help prevent such breakdowns.

Broken Clutch Cables

For vehicles with manual transmissions, the clutch cable is responsible for transmitting power from the engine to the wheels. If the clutch cable breaks, you won't be able to change gears or drive your vehicle.

Diesel Particulate Filter Needs Cleaning

Diesel vehicles are equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to reduce harmful emissions. Over time, the DPF can become clogged with soot and require cleaning. If the DPF is not cleaned, it can decrease the engine’s performance and lead to a breakdown.

Ignition Wiring Or Coil Faults

Ignition system faults, such as faulty wiring or coil issues, can prevent your vehicle from starting. Signs of ignition system problems include engine misfires, difficulty starting the vehicle or a loss of power while driving.

Types Of Tow Trucks

When a breakdown occurs, and your vehicle cannot be repaired on-site, a tow truck may be dispatched to transport your vehicle to a suitable location for repairs. Different types of tow trucks can be used based on the specific requirements of your vehicle:

Flatbed Tow Truck: This type of tow truck has a flat platform bed that can be inclined or lowered to load and transport vehicles. It provides a secure and stable transportation method suitable for various types of vehicles.
Hook and Chain Tow Truck: This traditional type of tow truck uses chains or cables to tow vehicles. However, it may cause damage to the towed vehicle, particularly to the bumpers and frames, and is primarily used for non-running or severely damaged vehicles.
Wheel Lift Tow Truck: This type of tow truck uses a hydraulic lift system to raise the front or rear wheels of the vehicle off the ground and tow it. It offers a more secure and damage-free towing option compared to the hook-and-chain method.
Integrated Tow Truck: These tow trucks are designed to combine both towing and recovery capabilities. They often feature specialised equipment, such as winches, to handle complex recovery situations, including off-road recoveries.

A breakdown towing service that offers a variety of tow trucks ensures your vehicle can be transported safely and appropriately.

Get Back On The Road With Reliable Breakdown Towing Services

At Trade & General Towing , our professional team provides quick and efficient breakdown towing services in Newcastle. With a modern fleet of tow trucks, we ensure the safe transportation of your car. We also transport 4WDs, light commercial vehicles and motorbikes. Call us anytime for towing assistance; our team is available 24/7 to help you.