Imagine: you are driving. Suddenly, white smoke comes out of your exhaust pipe, a warning light appears on your dashboard, and you hear a clicking sound in your engine. No doubt about it: your car has broken down. And you may not necessarily know the right steps to take. Here’s how to react in case of a car breakdown.
First, here is a summary of the different types of car breakdowns.
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Engine bearings
Your car may break down due to bearings in the engine. These noises can come from certain parts like the water pump or the alternator. You can quickly detect this noise while driving, as it is quite loud. There are several types of bearings:
- Wheel bearings: they produce a kind of dull rumble that gets louder with speed.
- Transmission bearing noises: among other things, they can cause vibrations in the vehicle.
If the engine won't start
This type of car breakdown is dreaded by all drivers. It can indeed occur without warning, and the reasons can be multiple:
- The battery may be discharged. This is one of the least serious cases. There are several signs to confirm that this is indeed the issue (dim headlights, battery warning light on the dashboard...)
- The starter is no longer working: this electric motor allows you to start your engine.
Your engine starts and then stops
There are several causes for this phenomenon. Here is the most common one: the car’s fuel is untreated, old, or stale. Indeed, fuel begins to break down after more than a month, and the engine can stall, causing the car to break down.
If your engine still stops after checking this point, the problem may then come from the ignition system.
You notice misfires in the ignition
The ignition is what allows the air/fuel mixture to ignite in the combustion chambers. It can happen that the ignition system misfires, and your car will eventually no longer start.
Electronic failures
Electronics are becoming increasingly important in cars, to the point where they have now become indispensable. Cars are now subject to a new kind of breakdown.
If you experience this type of failure, several solutions are available to you. You can first use our multibrand diagnostic tool klavkarr, which helps you identify fault codes related to electronic engine problems.
Be aware that automotive electronics affect several areas of your car: comfort, safety, steering, suspension, opening systems, braking, transmission, engine, and finally the exhaust system.
Some failures will be indicated on the car’s dashboard, such as battery failures, for example.
How to react in case of a breakdown
Car breakdown: the right steps to take
It is important to adopt certain reflexes when your car breaks down. Whatever happens, you must wear a safety vest to ensure you are clearly visible. Position your car as far to the right as possible on the road.
Place your warning triangle at least 30 metres from your vehicle. You will then need to call your insurer to find out the breakdown assistance procedures.
You must follow the same steps in case of a car breakdown on a motorway or dual carriageway. Be aware that on motorways, telephone emergency call boxes are available every two kilometres if you find yourself without a mobile phone. If you are stranded on the motorway, do not stay inside your car while waiting for assistance. Move directly behind the safety barrier to avoid any secondary accidents.
How to recover my car?
First, check if your insurance includes a mileage franchise and if you are within the area covered by this franchise.
Do not call a breakdown service yourself; your insurance may not cover the recovery.
Some tips to avoid car breakdowns:
To avoid ending up with a broken-down car, it is essential to maintain your car regularly and follow the maintenance recommendations: oil change and filter replacement intervals, or the frequency of servicing. Remember to check the essential parts of your car, such as the battery, the engine injection, the alternator, the timing belt...
Sometimes it is better to replace certain car parts too early rather than too late, such as the timing belt or the accessory belt. If these two belts break, it can cause engine damage, which will then need to be replaced.
Regularly check the levels of oil, coolant, and even fuel. A lack of these elements can lead to other problems such as engine overheating, and consequently, damage to the engine.