How to Prevent a Vehicle Breakdown
A vehicle breakdown can be a nightmare for road users and not an uncommon one, with over 800,000 motorists experiencing vehicle breakdowns annually. Whether you’re stuck on the side of the road, freezing, waiting for rescue or fretting about how much the various repairs will cost, let’s face it – breakdowns are a real pain. This doesn’t mean they can’t be avoided, though. There are a number of precautionary measures that you can take in order to keep your wheels firmly on the road, and in this article, we’ll make sure they’re covered.
Get your brakes checked regularly
When it comes to vehicle safety, there is perhaps nothing more important than fully functioning brakes. An emergency stop can be required at a moment’s notice, and can save lives when done correctly. In light of this, it is of the utmost importance that your brakes are checked regularly by a professional, ideally every ten thousand miles or so.
Don’t be fooled by fuel
Although it’s a silly mistake to make, it happens every year. Perhaps late for work, an unfortunate motorist will reach for the diesel pump and, without thinking, put it in his petrol car. This is a sure-fire way to find your car grinding to a halt, and it’s easily avoided.
On the subject of fuel, it’s important to keep that needle on your fuel gauge as far away from zero as possible. Running your car into reserve will shorten its life significantly and, again, is an extremely easy breakdown hazard to avoid!
Tyre maintenance
Your tyres deserve a great deal of attention, largely because they are the only part of your car that makes contact with the road.
Flat tyres are so common they are almost synonymous with breakdowns. With that in mind, make sure that you check your tyre pressure frequently. The correct tyre pressure depends on the size and weight of your vehicle and, consequently, is likely to vary rather a lot. It’s important to check the exact specifications in your vehicle’s handbook.
Moreover, worn-out tyre treads can be a serious risk to you and other road users. Make sure you check this regularly, ensuring it never falls below 1.6mm – the legal minimum.
Plenty of fluids
There are a great deal of fluids that your vehicle will consume and it’s important to, firstly, know what they are and, secondly, replace them! Here are some of the key fluids that you should check:
- Engine oil – You can check this by opening the bonnet, finding the dipstick and checking the reading at the bottom. As your car gets older, it’s likely to consume engine oil at a faster rate.
- Coolant – this fluid guards against overheating and, as such, should be checked diligently. Check it by opening the reservoir in which it is kept and finding the reading.
- Battery fluid – this is one that motorists often forget. Your car battery must be filled with distilled water and should just cover the plates.
If you want to avoid vehicle breakdowns at all costs, Munster Tyres can help. Our experienced and highly trained team can perform first-rate replacements, repairs, servicing and MOTs, offering their services throughout North London. For some professional advice or to book in your vehicle, come to our garage in Fulham or contact us today!