Top 5 Common Car Faults and Ways to Avoid Them

There’s nothing more depressing than stepping out in the morning to find that your engine won’t muster so much as a cough. And nine times out of 10, it happens when you are rushing to work, an important appointment or your child’s school play.

Every year thousands of motorists are caught out by vehicle failures that can interfere with everyday life or worse, lead to an accident on the roads.

It’s not just a problem that affects very old cars, either. Without routine maintenance and regular servicing, even the latest models can suffer from problems if the oil hasn’t been changed, water levels topped up and tyre pressures and tread checked.

With roughly 10% of car accidents on motorways caused by faults and defects that could be avoided through regular servicing and checks, it is a driver’s responsibility to look after their vehicle.

Here are the top five common faults and a little reminder on how you can avoid them:

1. The flat tyre

There is nothing more frustrating in your motoring life when you discover a flat tyre as you're about to embark on a much looked forward to trip with the family. It can be a nightmare changing the wheel on your own by the side of the road and you’ll inevitably get filthy in the process. Of course, there’s nothing that can be done about a nail or stray piece of glass in the rubber, but one of the most common causes of punctures is actually a drop in tyre pressure. Check your tyres are pumped up correctly and watch for the tread becoming shallow: bald tyres can significantly affect handling and a car’s reaction under breaking.

2. The flat battery

We've all woken up on a Monday morning to find a flat battery on our way to work. Often this comes from leaving lights on, but it can also be due to driving short journeys with the stereo, heating and headlamps on.

Thankfully, many vehicles now feature an alarm to warn against a battery losing charge. Your best bet is still to carry a pair of jump leads though, just in case.

3. Lost/locked keys inside the vehicle

Okay, this isn't a car fault exactly, but something that has plagued drivers for the best part of a century - to hear the car door close behind you as it snaps into its auto lock only for you to realise your keys are sitting on the passenger seat. Our advice would be to always have a spare handy and if you don't have one, save up and get one. You have been warned!

4. Broken cables

It may sound odd, but the cables that operate the trusty clutch and your breaks are put under a lot of stress every time you get behind the wheel. They have been known to weaken over time and break. As cars become more advanced the threat has been reduced, but always be mindful that car services can dramatically reduce the chances of this happening and being involved in a dangerous car accident.

5. Fuel faults

From running out to putting the wrong kind in your vehicle, fuel issues are a common occurrence and a regular cause of car faults. Remain focussed when filling your vehicle to ensure that you always use the correct fuel and keep a keen eye on the gauge to prevent yourself from running out. It sounds simple, but both incidents are extremely common. Travelling abroad? Then be twice as careful. Countries such as Germany prosecute drivers who run out of petrol on the Autobahn.

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