Although people are quick to classify a vehicle breakdown as an “unforeseen circumstance”, this shouldn’t come as such a surprise, if you maintain your car according to your vehicle’s service plan. However, if you do find yourself in the unfortunate position of having your car break down on you, you’re going to want an extended motor warranty plan to see you through financially. In this article, we look at what signs could suggest that a mechanical breakdown is imminent and what to do if your car breaks down on the road.
Signs Of A Potential Car Breakdown
- Green powder around the car battery means that it is damaged or corroding.
- Lumps of thick oil that stick to the dipstick during an oil check indicates that your engine needs an oil change.
- Metal flakes floating in the oil signifies that something in the engine has corroded.
- Green or blue puddles under the car suggests that coolant is leaking.
- An uneven tyre tread is typically a sign of suspension issues or misaligned wheels.
- Smoke from the bonnet means your car is overheating.
- Blue smoke from the exhaust indicates that oil has entered the fuel supply.
- White smoke from the exhaust indicates that water or antifreeze may have entered into the fuel supply.
- Dark or smelly smoke from the exhaust means your filter needs changing.
Other things to look out for are suspicious chugging or squealing noises as well as any icons that light up (or fail to) on your dashboard.
Many of these signs should tip you off that you must book your car in for a motor vehicle service ASAP. Do not ignore any of these! Mechanical breakdowns can easily be avoided by conducting regular vehicle checks of your own.
What Should You Do In The Case Of A Mechanical Breakdown?
- Switch on hazards. Pull over into emergency lane/shoulder of the road as soon as possible. Get out of the way as much as possible, but make sure you’re still visible to other road users.
- If you cannot get your car out of the road, get out when it’s safe to do so, and get yourself to a safe place. However, the safest place should be the inside of your car. Ideally, you ought to stay in your vehicle with all the doors locked and your windows closed.
- Do not try to flag down other motorists! Rather call for professional emergency assistance. Some manufacturers’ motor warranty or car insurers offer this as part of their policies or as an add-on. Provide full details of your location with these emergency services, so they can find you more easily.
- Don’t accept help from anyone other than the police or the aforementioned emergency personnel. Vehicle breakdowns can be more than a mere inconvenience if you find yourself in the wrong part of town.
- You are not a mechanic, so don’t try to “fix it” yourself. Do not go to check under the hood, since you won’t be able to see anyone approaching you. Just stay inside and wait for help.
- Be prepared. Have all emergency numbers saved to your phone. Furthermore, never leave the house without your phone being at full (or near-full) charge and make buying a car charger your next priority. There is a good chance you will need it.
As mentioned above, you can avoid a motor breakdown, if you stick to your manufacturer’s service plan. If that service plan has expired, you should consider extending it to prevent this sort of thing. However, when things fall apart, it’s important to have an extended motor warranty on hand to see you through the ordeal. Apply for a quote today!