According to government reports, there are 33.8 million drivers in the UK and over a million of them break down on the motorway every year. If you don’t have breakdown cover for your motor, this can mean a tiresome couple of hours waiting by the roadside for the tow truck to arrive. The good news is that many breakdowns are avoidable by spending just 30 minutes a month maintaining your car.
Top tips include:
A flat or faulty battery is one of the main causes of breakdown. So, when your car is serviced or goes in for its MOT, make sure the battery terminals have been cleaned and protected from corrosion. Smearing terminals with petroleum jelly can also help protect them, while a fortnightly overnight recharge can help prevent a flat.
Maintain tyre safety; prevent tyre damage by keeping the tyre tread within legal specifications – this is 1.6mm to 8mm, with at least 3mm during the winter months. Plus remember, your spare tyre needs to be in good repair, as do your jack and wheel removal tools.
Listen for strange sounds from your fan belt; a continuous squeal after the engine has started may indicate that the water pump has frozen. Persistent battery problems and dim headlights may also indicate alternator/generator faults. If the alternator belt breaks you need to stop immediately.
Moisture and dirt can be major irritants for your engine if allowed to build up. So, have spark plugs, distributor caps, starter motors, clutch cables and high tension leads checked and replaced, if necessary, at regular services.
It may sound obvious but ensure your fuel tank is sufficiently full for your journey and is the correct type. Also maintain levels of water and anti-freeze in the coolant tank, and screen wash in the windscreen wiper tanks; wipers should also be checked for wear.
Check lights for blown bulbs and cracks, and clean off any dirt on headlights to give maximum brightness in fog, mist and on dark nights.
Ensure your engine is running before you turn on lights, heaters or other electrical systems to prevent the battery draining; and of course, turning them all off when you leave the car.
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