6 Ways To Avoid a Surprise Vehicle Breakdown

image of car being towed by Mundie's Tow Truck

These days, it seems like there are more cars than people in the world. Because of that, car breakdowns are becoming all the more prevalent, especially throughout British Columbia. So, chances are you will encounter a vehicle breakdown at one point or another. Trust us, our towing truck company deals with a lot of them. However, while not completely avoidable, there are ways you can prevent a surprise vehicle breakdown. Here’s how…

1.    Inspect Before You Drive

Before you jump in your car and take off, take a minute to conduct a little pre-drive inspection. Doing so can help you identify a problem before speeding off and will also prevent it from growing into a massive issue. For example, a tire low on air isn’t too problematic until the tire deflates completely. So, before you go, our towing company recommends you make a habit of checking the brakes, battery, and tires on your car.

2.    Drive with Caution

We understand the frustrations that come with driving as much as the next person. However, to avoid car troubles, road rage and risky driving (e.g., excessive swerving, lane changing, speeding, etc.) are a big no-go. While it may be tempting to teach a reckless driver a lesson by tailgating them, it could quickly backfire when they suddenly brake, and you get stuck facing the consequences. Choices like this are never worth the risk for a moment’s satisfaction.

Additionally, rough driving practices can wear down your car parts quicker. Actions like sudden braking can negatively affect the brakes, tires, and other components, causing them to deteriorate prematurely. This increases your chances of an unexpected car breakdown and could compromise not just your wallet, but the safety of you and other drivers.

3.    Don’t Neglect Your Tires and Car Battery

We touched on this when discussing pre-trip inspections, however, it’s worth noting again. Since issues with car batteries and tires are the number one culprit for auto issues, they require a little more TLC. While regular maintenance can go a long way in preventing issues, we recommend checking your car’s battery and tires every few weeks as well. This could save you from a frustrating breakdown on the side of the road.

4.    Act on the Warning Signs

When your vehicle tells you something is wrong, listen. Better yet, act. If the brakes make strange noises when you come to a stop, the drive feels bumpier than usual, or the check engine light comes on, do not ignore them. Prioritize your safety above all else and either take your car into the shop or investigate the issue yourself if you feel confident doing so. These seemingly small indicators can quickly escalate into abrupt, life-threatening breakdowns.

5.    Don’t Tempt Fate

Other than the mechanical issues that come with time and use, some people are begging for trouble with the way they use their cars. At the end of the day, your car is just a mechanical device like any other and has limitations that should not be pushed. If you put too much stress on your car, you’re just asking for things to go wrong. Know and abide by the limitations of your vehicle. For example, if your Chevy pickup truck has a towing capacity of 13,000 pounds, don’t exceed this amount. Call our tow truck company instead to save yourself stress, money, and damages.

6.    Add Our Tow Truck Company to Your Contacts

Breakdowns are unpredictable. They can happen anywhere, at any time. While you can use the above tips to prevent your car from breaking down unexpectedly, circumstances make it unavoidable sometimes. Therefore, it is always wise to have the number for a tow truck company handy should you need roadside assistance. We recommend adding this directly into your contact list just in case you get stuck somewhere without internet access. This way you know help is just a click away, no matter the time of night or day. Add our 24-hour dispatch into your phone today, be grateful you did tomorrow.