10 Common Reasons for Car Breakdowns

Nothing can put a damper on a summer road trip faster than a breakdown! Who wants to spend their vacation in a service station lounge while a greasy-handed mechanic makes potentially costly repairs? Nobody. But what causes most car breakdowns to occur, anyway? And can a little foresight prevent them?

Well, there are no guarantees, but staying on top of car maintenance certainly reduces your chances of experiencing a breakdown. Here are the 10 most common breakdown issues, and ways you can fix them.

Bad Battery
A faulty battery is one of the most common causes of breakdowns. If you don’t take long trips very often, your battery won’t have much of a chance to charge. You can remedy this by charging it yourself every couple of weeks, either manually or by driving around. Also, when you have your car serviced, ask the technician to check that the connections are secure and the terminals are free from corrosion. Any signs of corrosion could indicate that you need a new car battery.

Flat Tire
Checking the pressure in your tires is a good way to avoid a potential flat, but even that won’t help if your tires are worn out. Unfortunately, some older cars and SUVs don’t come with a spare—which is something you’ll need to have if you’d rather not be left high and dry on the highway with a flat. Also, check your tire tread depth using the Quarter Test; should the tread be worn down, visit our San Antonio tire center to order and install a new set.

Running Out of Gas
Incredible as it may seem given the low fuel warnings on today’s cars, running out of gas is still one big cause of stranded motorists. Technically, it’s not really a “breakdown,” but if your car has no fuel, it’s not going to take you anywhere! Be smart and pay attention to your gas gauge, and carry a gas container in the trunk if you’re going on a road trip outside of San Antonio.

Alternator Problems
Your vehicle’s alternator works by continually converting mechanical energy into electrical energy to keep your car’s battery charged. If it fails, your battery’s power will drain very quickly, and you’ll be stuck! Keep an eye out for dim cabin lights or blinking gauges while your car is idling, sluggish windshield wipers, or flickering headlights—all of which are issues that indicate your alternator may be about to go. Take preemptive action and bring your car for a visit to your trusted mechanic or our Ford dealership’s service department. Don’t let it go or you will end up curbside, kicking pebbles in the Texan sand!

Spark Plugs That Have Lost Their Spark!
One of the most important components of your car’s ignition system is its spark plugs. They’re what ignite the fuel and start the combustion process that gets and keeps your engine running. One word to avoid a breakdown due to faulty spark plugs: TUNE-UP! Get a tune-up every few months, or as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.

Broken Starter
Car won’t start, yet the battery seems fine? It could be your starter, and a broken starter is just the start of much bigger problems. Ask your mechanic to include a starter inspection during your next vehicle checkup. Our Ford repair shop can install new OEM starters before the problem does get out of hand.

Coolant Leaks
A broken hose leaking coolant can lead to an overheated engine—and a car that’s not going anywhere without a billow of smoke trailing behind. Check hoses for softening or cracks, and keep tabs on fluid levels to prevent this from happening to you. Newer cars and Ford models usually don’t require complete coolant flushes very regularly—about every 50,000 to 70,000 miles—but a leak will speed that up significantly.

Lockouts
Without your keys, you’re obviously not driving anywhere. People consistently lock their keys in their cars, and most of us don’t carry around another key. Keeping a spare set inside the house or at the office will at least get you off the hook if you’re in one of those two places. Otherwise, it’s a call to roadside service or your local auto dealership!

Engine Trouble
Of course, engine trouble can mean a number of things, but one of the most obvious causes is owning a car with high mileage. There are only three solutions to that problem:

Replace it with a new or used car
Have frequent checkups and repairs written into your budget
Drive it into the dirt, and then buy a new one
Which will it be? Either way, Northside Ford can help you out by finding you a great service special or Ford deal.

Transmission Woes
A problem with your transmission may not be a breakdown in the classic sense, but driving a car with an obvious transmission problem, such as rough shifting, gears slipping, or delayed engagement is a risk no one should take. If you notice any such transmission “symptoms,” the best thing to do is to get your car into your mechanic or service department and have it looked at before you end up needing a costly new transmission.

Visit Our San Antonio Auto Maintenance & Repair Center

If you’re in New Braunfels or San Antonio, Texas, the service pros at Northside Ford can handle all of your car’s maintenance and repair needs, right down to ordering an extra set or two of electronic keys! (The only thing we can’t do is remind you to keep gas in your tank!) Contact us today at (210) 525-9800 and schedule a service appointment to ensure that you won’t be the next victim of a breakdown.