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
Marcus says,
You get a lot more dust/dirt getting to your air filter in the summer, Dirty air filter will lower your miles per gallon, the lower oxygen getting into the engine makes for a rich mix. That can cause the plugs to get a black soot fouling and, if not dealt with, can mean expensive repairs or a car that won’t start.
Michael Stone says,
If you are having troubles with starting your vehicles starting or charging or you hvac system a local auto parts store will hook up a roll about machine and tell you once a year what your problem or code your car is having free of charge. AND will put in a new battery if you buy it after the check. Keep an eye on your gauges and keep a gallon of anifreeze and jumper cables and a spare tire in your trunk..A cell phone and a flashlight and a blanket are always handy.
And remember Geico has a towing service if your paid up and ya get stranded.
Review your policy and good luck and, changing brake fluid is usually a non issue if its not going low or leaking.
Charles Gatson says,
Do you have an automobile warranty for cars over 20 years old and under 175000 miles
Varkey Varghese says,
I regularly follow up the advices you have given, however it’s really a good idea to advise ur customers, as some of them are too buzzy to check them out on a timely manner.
Capt.Brad says,
Brake fluid requires flushing annually..High altitude and heat causes boiling…Failure to service…off the road…splat
The_Dude says,
Well, I guess if you’re putting 60,000 miles on every year then yeah, it should be changed annually. Otherwise just keep the brake fluid flushing to once every 60,000 miles….
SANDRA a anderson says,
THEse are very helpful i will do all required thank you
walter venne says,
thank u I already take care of all of the items mention
Crystal says,
Thanks! Helpful information. 🙂
Prisanarat Buasumran says,
Thank you for good tips.. I’m a single woman and I need every bit of your tips,,, Geico you rock my world.
Bridgitte Draper says,
Thank you for the basic tips.
Chi Chu says,
Dead battery in hot summer times suddenly or cold winder times too.Not that much possible anymore.Modern cars today have battery’s sensors low certain voltages dash board battery icon will come on.If you paying attention to it this will never be an issue.
Chi Chu says,
99% over heating by radiator sundenly,never happen anymore for modern cars.Only can happened people don’t paying attention to the warning light in the dashboard and fixes the problems before hand.
Rick says,
Of course it can. Engine cooling has not evolved past the point of failure. If a house rupture happens at 70 mph over heating will happen in a matter of minutes even faster during hot months. Just as the article states “keep an eye on your gauges and warning lights” that’s what they are there for
Allen Sumpter says,
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for the advice and tips. Greatly appreciated them. Geico Rocks!!!!!!!!!!
suzanne jones says,
thank you for very good information. i already do this but goo to know.
Tiffany R. Hardwell says,
Thanks for the information. Very helpful and accurate.