Breakdowns: Common Causes

Breakdowns happen! Eventually every car will break down and will cost you money to fix.  Many of us try to keep up the regular maintenance to minimizes these occurrences but eventually it will happen to everybody.  As cars age and wear out, as a result of both chronological age and mileage, it become an ever greater chance to have a breakdown. The most common problems that can cause breakdowns are: batteries, fuel pumps, clutch/transmissions, breaks, tires, worn wires/hoses and spark plugs.

Batteries. Batteries tend to wear out after about 5 years of use. (Coincidentally usually when the warranty period is over). Make sure your alternator is functioning properly as this has great bearing upon your batteries health.

Fuel Pump. Fuel pumps bring fuel (gas) from the vehicles tank into the carburetor/ignition system of your car and so if it fails your car will not run. Fuel pump replacement can be either expensive or cheap depending upon your car model. Some cars have simple mechanical pumps that can be replaced in 30 minutes even by a lay person and some pumps require the entire fuel tank to be removed from the vehicle. Usually fuel pumps give no warning before they fail but as a tip to those people with 'in tank' fuel pumps: Make sure you don't run your tank completely dry. I have been told that maintaining a little bit of fuel in you tank keeps the pump cooled and lubricated, making it last longer.

Clutch/Transmission. Bad news! Transmissions (automatic transmissions) are expensive to fix! Double check to see if you have warranty coverage. Clutches (manual transmissions) last as long as the skill level of the driver. When clutches go they also tend to be expensive to fix.

Breaks. By breaks i mean break pads of course. Pads/shoes wear our and need to be replaced regularly (depending upon use). Figure every couple of years.. ie 2 or so. More extensive break system work may be required less frequently, say every 6 or so for drums, disks and calipers. Pads are cheap usually about 100 bucks, more extensive break work gets pricey!

Tires. Tires wear out and go flat. Punctures happen and tires will wear out depending how they are used. Tires also dry out due to sun/cold and should be totally replaced at least every 8 years.

Spark Plugs. Spark plugs wear out but are really inexpensive to replace. Always exchange all plugs even if only one stops working!

Hoses. Hoses wear out over time. Usually it it a coolant line or a fuel line that will break and bring your car to a stop. Both are easily diagnosed (look for the puddle) and replaced.