What steps should you take if your vehicle breaks down?

There’s nothing worse than having your vehicle break down on the side of the highway. It leaves you feeling lost and stranded, and if you aren’t sure what’s going on, it can be quite stressful. So to help make your next breakdown a little less stressful, we’ll go through the steps that you need to troubleshoot a broken-down vehicle!

Troubleshooting Your Broken Down Vehicle!

Flat or Dead Battery

More and more, we’re putting additional pressure on our vehicle’s battery. Cramming all of those electronics into a vehicle and then having the same size battery adds a lot of pressure. In the past, you may have gotten 3-5 years of life out of a car battery. Now, many people are struggling to get 1-2 years. Getting your battery regularly checked will let you know if it’s going to fail on you. Ultimately, it could save you a lot of time and money.

Tire and Wheel Damage

Your vehicle is driving on a lot of rough and uneven surfaces, and even the smallest pothole can cause extensive damage at high speeds. Underinflated tires can cause additional heat and strain and cause them to blow out prematurely. Regularly inspect your tires for signs of wear and tear, and also make sure that you check the tire pressure regularly.

Faulty Spark Plugs

Faulty or damaged spark plugs will cause your car to miss fire or even not start at all. If you have your vehicle regularly serviced should help you to avoid any issues with your spark plugs.

Faulty Alternator

If your alternator isn’t working correctly, it means that your engine won’t be keeping your battery charged. Your alternator could be faulty, or the belt that drives your alternator from your engine could be broken or damaged.

Overheating Engine

Overheating engines are commonly caused by split hoses, cracked radiators, or issues with your cooling fans. If your temperature light comes on and your engine temperature suddenly rises, stop immediately. Pullover and allow your engine to cool before opening your radiator cap. If your engine overheats and you keep driving, it could be disastrous. You could cause your engine to lock up, and it could cost thousands of dollars to repair your engine.

Need Help With Broken down Vehicle

When your vehicle breaks down on the side of the highway, it can leave you feeling upset, stressed, and vulnerable. Of course, no one likes to feel as if they are stranded. However, if you have a clearer idea of what steps to follow, you’ll be less likely to panic.

If you are looking for a safe and secure way to tow your vehicle after it breaks down, then Mountain Recovery is here to help! We offer various services, including flatbed towing, recovery, heavy-duty towing, and affordable roadside assistance.

When you need vehicle towing in Eagle County or Summit County, Colorado, Mountain Recovery is only a phone call away on 970-476-1124. We operate 24/7, 365-days a year, to help get your vehicle back on the road.