A flat or faulty battery is the most common cause of a breakdown. The main symptom of a flat or faulty battery is there being silence when you attempt to start the car, or the starter motor sounding like it’s grinding to a halt. These symptoms are usually caused by a lack of sufficient current from your battery to turn the engine over.
Signs you need to get your battery checked: Your engine will start to take longer to turn over than usual. The ‘check battery’ warning light will also be on, or it will take longer than usual to go off once you’ve started your car.
The alternator is powered by your engine’s energy which in turn charges your battery. If your battery is going flat it could be because your alternator is faulty.
Signs you need to get your alternator checked: Your battery warning light will be flickering, your headlamps and dashboard lights will be dimmed, and your windscreen wipers will be slower than usual.
If your engine is failing to start it might be because your starter motor is faulty.
A common cause of tyre related issues is due to under-inflation which causes tyres to overheat.
Signs you need to get your Tyres checked: If one or more of your tyres regularly needs to be reinflated it might have a slight puncture or a faulty valve.
As cars get more complex, electrical problems are becoming more common.
Signs you need to get your battery checked: Parts on your car that require an electrical current to work normally will begin behaving abnormally.
