How to avoid the 4 most common car problems
There are four car problems that you, or at least someone you know, have most likely had the unfortunate luck of experiencing. Here is a guide to avoid experiencing one of these common car problems so you are not forced to find alternate transport on a day when you need your car the most.
1. Flat battery
Running a flat battery usually happens in the most inconvenient places at the worst time imaginable. To avoid getting into this situation there are maintenance measures you can take to help avoid a flat battery. If your battery has removable caps, check the water level to make sure it is touching the bottom of the refill hole. Inspect your battery and make sure it is secured correctly and there are no cracks.
You also can clean the battery terminals with a wire brush to remove any obstacles that would ruin the connection. Finally, remember to turn your lights and radio off once your car is parked, as these are the main killers of battery life.
2. Running out of fuel
It is always important to keep an eye on your fuel gauge – yet somehow that petrol light catches us off guard when daily errands take our mind off how much petrol is left in the car. It is always best to fill up on fuel when your petrol is down to a quarter left in the tank, just so the task isn’t procrastinated until the last minute. If you are already at the point when you are desperately search for the next petrol station then, turn your air conditioning off to reduce engine stress and save fuel.
Driving smoothly, at a constant speed and not breaking unnecessarily will also conserve your petrol. Roll up your windows, turn off your music and unplug any technology that is charging in your car, although these precautions only save a small amount of petrol, desperate times call for desperate measures.
3. Flat tyre
It is recommended that you check your tyre pressure once a fortnight or minimum, once a month. Most petrol stations provide the facilities you need to check your tyre pressure but also make sure it is a local station so that your tyres are cold when you check the pressure. Inside your car there will be the manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressure for you to copy. On the odd occasion it may be helpful to check your spare to guarantee that if you ever need to use it, it is road worthy and ready to go. Avoid streets near construction sites and dangerous items that have been left on the road such as glass bottles or screws.
Also check your brakes regularly as brakes that are not adjusted correctly or worn out can wear out your wheels more quickly.
4. Locking your keys inside
This is probably the worst car problem you can ever encounter. So you don’t make this mistake, get into the habit of only locking your car with the key fob outside the vehicle. Make a conscious effort to always keep your keys in your pocket or in your hand once you take them out of the ignition. Never leave them on the seat or put them in a wallet or bag as one day you may leave that item in the car for some reason.
Worst case scenario, if you do lock your keys inside a car, there is always a way to get out of car problems so if you are covered by Roadside Assistance, they will come and help you out.
Make sure you keep safe and sound while on the road with Over60 Roadside Assistance. And because your safety is important to us all of the time, we will be there to help all day everyday, should you need it. For just $79.95 per year, with Over60 Roadside Assistance you’ll enjoy peace of mind when you’re out on the wide-open road to ensure you can enjoy life with less hassle. Click here for more information.