It’s common to get busy and put off car maintenance (we’ve all been there)—but preventing minor issues from becoming major car trouble is easier and less expensive than you think. In fact, proper car care can save you up to $1,200 a year in emergency repairs, says automotive expert Lauren Fix. Here are her tips for bypassing the most common warm weather car and engine breakdown issues without breaking a sweat so you won’t be left asking, ‘why did my car breakdown’ after an incident this summer.
Engine Breakdowns: Check Engine Light
The sight of a “service engine soon” light can mean many different things—some simple enough to fix yourself (like a cracked or loose gas cap, the second most common culprit) and others requiring a trip to the mechanic.
Common Reasons For A Check Engine Light:
Some of the most common reasons that your check engine light might be on are:
- Faulty oxygen sensor.
- Spark plug or coil issues.
- Mass airflow sensor fault.
- Catalytic converter problems. Image via Wikimedia Commons/The RedBurn.
- Loose petrol cap.
Prevent It: Read the service schedule and stick to it to keep things running in tip-top shape (find out which maintenance moves you can easily take care of yourself here). Following these guidelines should help minimize engine breakdowns.
What To Do If Your Car Breaks Down:
Because the check engine light can point to a variety of issues that may or may not be serious, it is always important to pull over immediately and get your car checked out by a professional. Don’t take the risk; pull off the road, turn off the car, and have it towed to an auto repair shop for diagnosis. Failure to do so could lead to severe damage to your vehicle or yourself.
Car Breakdowns: Flat Tires
Between a major uptick in construction and more people on the road, flats are a very common reason for car breakdowns during the summer. It’s a good know how to fix a flat yourself, but it’s even better to give tires regular TLC to reduce the chances of a blowout in the first place.
Prevent It: Set a reminder in your phone to check your tire pressure once a month. Look for a sticker on the inside panel of the driver side door for the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch). To add or release air, use an air compressor or a gas station air machine. While you’re down there, check the treads, too, to make sure they’re not worn out. (Here are 5 signs you need new tires.) Don’t forget to check the air pressure in your spare tire as well.
What To Do If You Have A Flat Tire:
If you experience a flat tire, the first step is to pull over and make sure you are in a safe place. If you know how to replace a tire and have a spare, your next step will be to replace the flat tire. Should you not have a spare or not know how to change your tire, call for assistance to get towed to the nearest auto repair shop.
Car Engine Breakdowns Due To Overheating
Keep your eyes on the temperature gauge and look out for an “engine overheating” message or lit radiator icon on your dashboard. You may also notice steam coming from the hood. If you smell gas, that’s a different problem—most likely a fuel leak.
Prevent It: Check your coolant levels at the beginning of every season. If the liquid doesn’t reach the FULL line on the reservoir, add a 50/50 mix of water and coolant until it does.
What To Do If Your Car Is Overheating:
If you are driving and your engine is overheating, there are some steps you can take until you are in safety or at an auto repair shop:
- Crank the heat in your car to move heat away from the engine.
- Find a safe place to pull over.
- Check your coolant and add it (if you have it available in your car).
- Re-start your car if possible. Unless you have to call a tow truck, the next step is to restart your engine carefully.
Car Breakdowns Due To Dead Car Battery
Although most people associate a dead car battery with winter, just like with the cooling system in your car, soaring temps can put extra stress on the battery and cause battery fluid to evaporate.
Prevent It: Head to any major chain auto store to have a professional check your battery, starter and alternator (it’s usually free). And while it’s OK to leave your devices charging for a few hours with your car off, leaving them plugged in overnight will most likely require a jump start the next morning.
What To Do If Your Car Battery Is Dead:
The most common way to deal with a dead battery is by trying to jump-start the battery. All you need to jump-start a car is a set of jumper cables and another car with a functional battery. If you cannot find a fellow driver to help you jump-start your vehicle, you can always call for backup from GEICO’s Emergency Road Service or get towed to a mechanic.
Other Reasons Your Car Might Be Broken Down:
- Alternator Issues
- Fluid Leaks
- Tire Damage
- Worn Shock Absorbers
If you’re ever stranded on the road, having Emergency Road Service with GEICO can get you the help you need in a hurry—and at your fingertips through the GEICO Mobile app. Add this coverage to your policy for just pennies a day per vehicle for peace of mind wherever the summer takes you.
By Nicole Cherie Jones
Mora Balido Eller says,
I lease, and do the require maintenance.
Is so easy and never a problem!
Robert R Smith says,
I wasn’t born yesterday day. I have a 11 year old truck, in Perfic condition. My Mama taught me better, lol. There are still some of us, who have it! Robert R Smith
Barbara Wells says,
Excellent advice. I try to follow this as much as possible.
Laura Morency says,
thank you to let me know that
Erika S. says,
Good advice!
Ayleen Roberson says,
Very Helpful Hints. Thank you?
Karen Palmer says,
Very useful information! Thank you.
Andria Payne says,
Always good reminders, lets hope people read them and stick with them, I am not the best with my tires, I do try!!! I am good with the radiator, coolant and keeping windows clean, thankfully my mechanic is not far away, so if any of the idiot lights come on, I read my handbook, and then go to the mechanic. :o)…..
Paul says,
I bought an inexpensive device that I use to diagnose engine codes. I plug it in to the computer port under the dash on the drivers side. It uses Bluetooth to pass messages to my iPhone. My iPhone app then looks up the repair code for a database of millions of suggested repairs. It gives me a list of possibities for the cause.
Most of the time, I can then fix it myself. Saves a ton of money. Has already paid for itself many time over.
There are many of these types of devices available. Read up on their features and select the one best meeting your needs and budget.
Look up automotive diagnostic scan tools.
Joe Sparacio says,
Good tips thankyou!
Claudia says,
Hey guys! Thanks for the pointers 🙂
gary says,
Nice to have some helpful tips.
Delma Valdez says,
I have a 2000 chev van I get it done yearly if I can, but I don’t have air now and its Hot!! cant afford 400.00 who can do it cheaper.?? it runs good its just the air.
ChrisR says,
Delma – Get a can of A/C Pro from Walmart or Home Depot and recharge your system yourself for $20. Go to YouTube for a video on how to do it.
Twin says,
What about a 95 grand Cherokee loredo ; what brand do I need?
thomas m. hitchings says,
If you don’t understand these warnings then possibly you shouldn’t be driving a vehicle
in the first place.
charles says,
LOL, wow what a post. I guess you would be the only one on the road if everyone followed your suggestion, except the over the road haulers.
Benton says,
Great advice. Thanks
Betty G. Mason says,
Thank you for this reminder.