Tips on avoiding breakdowns
We’ve put together the most common causes of breakdowns and some useful tips to help you avoid them.
However, the single most important thing to remember if you want to minimise the chances of breaking down, is to have your car serviced by your Ford Dealer at the recommended intervals.
Find out more about servicing your Ford
Top 10 breakdown causes
These are the most common problems dealt with by roadside assistance patrols. Many can be fixed at the roadside and, better still, most can be avoided with the right preventive measures.
- Flat or faulty battery
- Lost keys
- Flat/damaged tyres and wheels
- Alternator faults
- Starter motor
- Distributor cap
- Fuel problems
- Clutch cables
- Spark plugs
- HT leads
Top 10 checks
Making these 10 simple checks will make driving both worry-free and safer.
In case you do find yourself in trouble, make sure you know the location of the basic toolkit (you’ll find this information in the owner’s manual) and that it contains a jack and wheel removal tools, including the key for locking wheelnuts. Familiarise yourself with the jacking points used to lift the car safely too.
1. Battery
Check that the fluid’s not low.
2. Tyres
Know the correct tyre pressures for your car and check them at least fortnightly using a good-quality gauge or garage air line.
Look for cuts on sidewalls. If any one tyre needs regular top-ups, it may have a slow puncture.
Check tyres are not below minimum legal tread depth.
3. Engine oil
Check the dipstick at least every fortnight and before any long journey.
Have the oil and filter changed at recommended service intervals.
High oil consumption can indicate engine problems.
4. Water
Check the coolant level regularly and top up as necessary, but only when the engine is cold.
Have the antifreeze concentration checked before winter.
Antifreeze not only prevents the coolant from freezing but also prevents the build-up of corrosion within the cooling system, so it’s important all year round.
5. Wipers
Wiper blades wear down over time and smear the windscreen if they become worn.
Replace them at least once a year for best performance.
6. Screenwash
Check and top up regularly – it’s a legal requirement that the system works.
Check the washers work and use a good screenwash additive through summer and winter – water alone won’t clear oily road grime and freezes more readily in winter.
7. Windscreen
Inspect the screen regularly for stone damage and always replace a cracked or chipped screen as soon as possible.
Any damage may impair vision or distract attention.
Minor chips may grow and crack the glass but many can be repaired by a windscreen specialist.
8. Lights
Check all lights weekly. Don’t forget indicators, brake and fog lights.
Clean lights regularly. In bad weather, wipe them over with a damp cloth during driving breaks.
9. Power steering
Ensure that the fluid reservoir is checked at every service and check it yourself once a month.
Top up only using the correct hydraulic fluid as advised in your owner’s manual.
10. Bodywork
Deal promptly with damage to bodywork to prevent rust setting in.
Many cars have extended bodywork warranty schemes, which may require annual inspection at the dealer. Check that any previous owner has kept records up to date.
Finally…
It’s easy to forget but, if you’re setting out on a long journey, please check there’s enough fuel in your tank!
Please consult your vehicle manual before any maintenance is carried out or consult a qualified professional.