Prevent Towing in Newcastle: Signs of an Imminent Car Breakdown
Car breakdowns sometimes seem to come out of the blue. There are often warning signs, however, which if you notice early enough can prevent towing and breaking down altogether. NCM Towing & Transport provides both towing and roadside assistance services across Newcastle and surrounding areas. Here are some tips on how to prevent car breakdowns.
Unusual Noises and Movements
If you start noticing strange and unfamiliar noises, vibrations, or erratic movements while driving, it can be a signal of an underlying mechanical issue. Examples include squealing when braking, grinding, hissing, thumping, knocking, rattling, whistling and squeaking sounds. These can indicate a range of problems, from transmission issues to overheating and can be a precursor to an imminent breakdown.
If your car is shaking or vibrating a lot more than usual, it’s another sign of a severe issue. Pay attention to these warning signs and take your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as it’s practical.
Warning Lights and Dashboard Alerts
It’s a bad idea to ignore any dashboard warning lights, so make sure you keep an eye on them. Warning lights can indicate anything from a regular service reminder to a serious engine problem. Warning slight up for a variety of systems in your vehicle from fuel and oil pressure to brakes, filters, batteries and airbags. Red lights are more urgent than yellow lights, but ensuring you take notice of any of these alerts is an important first step in knowing how to prevent car breakdowns or needing towing services.
Strange Odours
Unusual odours, such as burning smells or rotten egg odours from the vehicle can indicate a range of issues. Depending on where it’s coming from it may indicate an issue with the engine, brakes, transmission or another component. When paired with blue, white or dark smoke, it’s an especially significant warning sign that something is wrong and requires immediate attention.
Leaking Fluid
An untreated oil leak will lead to early wear and tear of your engine while coolant leaks can cause overheating issues which severely damage your engine. If you notice any fluid pooling underneath your vehicle after parking it, take it as an urgent car breakdown sign and head to the mechanics.
Changes in Performance or Handling
Pay attention to any noticeable changes in your vehicle’s performance, such as decreased acceleration, pulling to one side, rough idling, or difficulty steering. These could signal mechanical or electrical problems in the engine that may lead to breakdowns if left unaddressed, leaving you needing roadside assistance or towing services.
Low Tyre Tread and Battery Health
Check tyre tread depth and battery health regularly to avoid tyre blowouts and battery-related breakdowns. Checking your tyres can also help you identify uneven tread, another car breakdown sign which may indicate misaligned wheels or poor suspension.
When it comes to batteries, look for green powder or signs of corrosion around the terminals. If your battery is on the way out, you may also notice signs like stalling, electrical issues and difficulty starting the car.
Get 24/7Towing and Roadside Assistance in Newcastle
If you’ve had a breakdown, NCM Towing & Transport are here to help 24/7 across Newcastle and surrounding regions. We can provide towing services as well as roadside assistance, including jump starts, fuel delivery and help replacing flat tyres. Call us on 0482 774 429 or contact us online.
