20 Oct 2015
Posted by Orla O'Callaghan 
The key to avoiding a breakdown is good and regular maintenance together with an understanding of what’s most likely to go wrong.
The number of models and complexity of modern cars mean that AA patrols are called on to deal with thousands of different faults. These are the most common though, and have been for many years.
Our mobile garages fix eight out of ten cars on the roadside, but most breakdowns can be avoided with the correct preventative care.
Flat or faulty battery
Most common problems are caused by terminals and clamp connections or by a loss of voltage, often caused by constant use on short journeys without regular recharging.
At every service, check that terminals have been cleaned and protected from corrosion with a layer of petroleum jelly or grease. Clamps and connections must be secure. If you seldom make a long journey, a fortnightly overnight charge prolongs battery life. Modern maintenance-free batteries need no top-up.
Lost keys
Most modern cars have a ‘transponder’ key combining a conventional mechanical key with an encrypted electronic chip to prevent theft. If you lose the key, recovery to an authorized dealer may be the only answer. Even a dealer may take several days to obtain a replacement, so always carry a spare set of keys.
Find out about AA Keycare Cover
Flat/damaged tyres and wheels
Check the handbook and adjust pressures as required to suit different speeds and loads. Kerb impact can damage sidewalls and, possibly wheel rims. Both can result in slow leaks. Consult a specialist tyre dealer if any damage is visible.
When checking tread depth, look for uneven tyre wear – the wheels may be misaligned. Look at the spare tyre. A worn or flat spare won’t be of use in an emergency. Check that the jack and wheel-removal tools are in good condition and that the key or removal tool for locking wheel nuts is accessible.
Fuel problems
Empty fuel tanks cost a lot of time and inconvenience. Fill up at the start of your journey and well before the low-fuel warning light comes on.
Every year thousands of motorists put the wrong fuel in their car – petrol in diesel is most common but determined drivers put diesel in petrol cars, too. The AA’s dedicated Fuel Assist technicians can drain and flush the fuel out of the system and ensure that contaminated fuel is recycled through an environment-friendly disposal process.
