Car Breakdown Recovery

Thu, 09/Nov/2023

DIY Car Breakdown Recovery Fixes: What You Can Do Before Calling for Help

A car breakdown can be a stressful and frustrating experience, but knowing a few DIY car breakdown recovery fixes can save you time, money, and hassle. While not all car problems can be resolved by the side of the road, there are several steps you can take to address common issues before calling for professional assistance. Here, we will explore various do-it-yourself solutions for common car breakdown scenarios to help you get back on the road safely.

Flat Tyre

A flat tyre is a common issue that can happen to anyone, and knowing how to change it is essential. Here are the steps to fix a flat tyre:

a. Pull over to a safe location and engage your hazard lights.
b. Retrieve your spare tyre, jack, and lug wrench from your trunk.
c. Loosen the lug nuts, but do not remove them completely.
d. Use the jack to lift the car off the ground.
e. Remove the lug nuts and the flat tyre.
f. Install the spare tyre and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
g. Lower the car, then use the lug wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern.

Dead Battery

A dead battery can leave you stranded, but you may be able to jumpstart your car with another vehicle's assistance. Here's what you can do before you call a car breakdown recovery:

a. Find a functioning vehicle with a good battery.
b. Position the two cars so they are facing each other.
c. Connect the jumper cables: red to the positive terminal on the dead battery, red to the positive terminal on the working battery, black to the negative terminal on the working battery, and black to an unpainted metal part of the car with the dead battery.
d. Start the working vehicle and let it run for a few minutes.
e. Attempt to start your car. If successful, disconnect the cables in reverse order.

Overheating Engine

An overheating engine can lead to significant damage if not addressed promptly. Here's what to do:

a. Turn off the engine and allow it to cool down.
b. Carefully open the hood, avoiding steam or hot surfaces.
c. Check the coolant level in the reservoir and top it off if necessary.
d. Inspect for visible coolant leaks and address them if possible.
e. Restart the engine and see if the temperature gauge returns to a normal level. If not, seek professional assistance.

Engine Stalling

If your engine stalls while driving, it could be due to various reasons, such as a sensor malfunction or fuel delivery issues. Though a car breakdown recovery, but it is advisable you thy these hacks. Here's what to do:

a. Safely pull over to the side of the road.
b. Attempt to restart the engine.
c. If the engine starts, drive to the nearest service station for a diagnostic check.
d. If the engine doesn't start, turn on your hazard lights, and wait for professional assistance.

Check Engine Light

The check engine light can be triggered by various issues, ranging from minor to more severe. Here's how to address it:

a. If the check engine light is steady, it indicates a potential issue that may not be an emergency. Continue driving but schedule a diagnostic check as soon as possible.
b. If the check engine light is flashing, it suggests a more critical problem. Reduce speed, avoid heavy acceleration, and seek professional assistance promptly.

Conclusion

Knowing how to handle common car breakdown recovery issues can make a significant difference in your safety and peace of mind while on the road. While these DIY fixes can resolve some problems, it's important to exercise caution and prioritize safety. If you're unsure about the issue or don't feel comfortable attempting a fix, it's always best to call for professional assistance. Additionally, regular vehicle maintenance and check-ups can help prevent breakdowns in the first place, so consider scheduling routine servicing to keep your car in good condition. By following these guidelines and being prepared, you can navigate car breakdowns more effectively and minimize the disruptions they cause.