Take Steps To Avoid A Car Breakdown

We might be on the tail end of the summer holidays but having a day out or holiday ruined by a car breakdown is not what most people want. Some basic car checks can help avoid such a disaster and a free iPhone app can help too.

According to the AA around half the roadside car breakdowns during the summer could have been avoided if drivers had undertaken some basic checks on their car and ensured it was regularly serviced and maintained.

Main causes of breakdown include tyre problems, battery, starter motor, alternator, clutch and engine issues.

If you are stuck in traffic and have a heavily-laden car, keep an eye on the temperature as your car could overheat. As Keith Miller, AA patrol of the year, says : “Cars often overheat if the cooling fan has seized, say through lack of use, so when you get caught in traffic, the fan doesn’t draw air through the radiator.

“If you don’t spot the warning signs and turn off the engine expensive damage can be caused.”

You can check the operation of the fan by running the car up to normal temperature, then allowing the engine to idle for around five minutes – the fan should cut in automatically.

Keys taken for a swim can often be a problem too – inadvertently taking you key fob for a swim can mean the sea water ruining the electric circuits and rendering transponder keys useless. As Keith says “Keep them [the keys] safe and dry but also make sure that you know the alternative method for getting into the car if the key fob fails, which is usually described in the handbook.”

The AA have an acronym to help you remember the essential maintenance checks you need to do. It’s FLOWER – Fuel, Lights, Oil, Water, Electrics and Rubber.

They also have a Free App for your iPhone or Android smartphone. With it, if you breakdown you can use it easily call for breakdown assistance and the app automatically gives your location so help can easily find you. You can get more information on the AA website.

MoneyHighStreet comments: “Most of us have a tendency to think cars ‘just keep running’ and don’t need much attention from their owners – a fill up with petrol or diesel, a wash every now and again and perhaps an annual service, tied in with the MOT if the car is old enough. What more is required?

A fair bit is the answer. As with most things, care and attention is required and in providing this the car has less chance of having a breakdown.

Of course even with the TLC the worst can happen, at which point having breakdown cover may be well worth it.

Key providers of this cover that spring to mind are The AA, RAC and Green Flag. Be aware though that some car insurance policies include a level of this cover so you may not need to buy it separately.

As at the time of writing, costs we found were as follows:

• The AA – from £28 – see The AA website for more
• RAC – from £28 – see RAC website for more. They also have an iPhone and Android app to support your rescue.
• Green Flag – from £20 – see the Green Flag website for more. The only have an iPhone app at the moment.

Of course you need to get your own breakdown cover quote and ensure you get the level of cover you need. For example if travelling into Europe, you are unlikely to be covered with the cheapest cover options.