WhoCanFixMyCar explains how to identify the signs that a breakdown is imminent.
Most breakdowns are preceded by warning signs and can sometimes be prevented by knowing which red flags to look for. That's where this guide comes in.
Contents
Battery damage or corrosion
Lumps of thick oil on the dipstick
Metal flakes in the oil
Green or blue puddles under the car
Unevenly worn tyre tread
Dashboard warning lights
Sounds
Smoke
Battery damage or corrosion
If you can see green powder around the battery or signs of corrosion around the terminals,follow the advice in this guide to change itbefore it causes a breakdown.
When yourbattery is on its way out, you should be able to notice the signs beforehand. For example, your car may:
Struggle to start
Stall
Experience electrical issues
Learn how to test whether your battery is in good working order.
Compare battery replacement quotes
Lumps of thick oil on the dipstick
Engine oil is normally light yellow and free from lumps. You can test this by removing your dipstick - if it is coated in dark brown or sludgy oil, it's time for an oil and filter change.
Oil loses its lubricating properties over time, which can cause engine damage. Similarly, when the filter is old, it allows dirt to circulate around the engine, causing corrosion.
It's possible to do an oil change at home with the right tools and know-how, but this isn't something you should attempt unless you feel confident. Find out how to do it in this guide. Alternatively, book an oil change at a local garage.
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Metal flakes in the oil
As oil circulates around the engine, it can pick up metal shavings or flakes from components as they wear down, especially in older cars. The oil filter is designed to catch these flakes. However, if you've noticed a significant number of them in your oil, it's probably time to replace the filter.
Book an oil and filter change
Green or blue puddles under the car
Colourful puddles under your car indicate a coolant leak. Topping up coolant is easy enough - make sure that if you buy concentrated coolant, you dilute it as per the instructions on the bottle - but this is only a short-term fix and isn't advisable if the leak is major.
If the coolant reservoir is empty and the leak seems severe, it's best to avoid driving your car (even if you top it up) until the problem has been fixed. Driving a vehicle with low or no coolant can cause severe damage to the engine due to overheating. In this instance, search for amobile mechanic.
This guide provides more information about identifying and fixing various fluid leaks.
Get your leak fixed
Unevenly worn tyre tread
When your tyres wear unevenly, this is often a sign of suspension issues or misaligned wheels. A good way to test the tread depth of your tyres is to use the 20p test, which we explain here.
Other symptoms of misaligned wheels include:
The car pulls to one side
The steering wheel shakes or vibrates
Noisy steering
Find out more about wheel alignment here.
Book a wheel alignment
Dashboard warning lights
Dashboard warning lights can indicate a range of issues, from standard maintenance (i.e. when you need to get your car serviced) to more serious problems with the engine or other components.
A yellow light is less urgent than a red light. However, ignoring any warning light is not a good idea, regardless of its colour, and could lead to a breakdown.
Find out what different dashboard warning lights mean in this guide.
Sounds
Unusual noises often suggest there is an underlying problem. For example, you might hear:
Grinding
Squealing when you brake
Squeaking
Hissing
Use this guide to diagnose strange noises and find the right fix.
Smoke
A smoking bonnet means the car is overheating.
The exhaust emitting blue smoke means that oil has entered the fuel supply, affecting your car’s capability to run cleanly.
White smoke from the exhaust suggests that water or antifreeze has entered the fuel supply.
Dark or smelly smoke from the exhaust indicates an incorrect air-fuel ratio.
Think your car is on the brink of a breakdown? Whatever the problem, use the UK's most trusted garage network to find an affordable repair.
Compare prices on WhoCanFixMyCar
If you found this guide helpful, you might also like:
What to do if your car breaks down
The most common causes of car breakdowns
What car warning lights mean
Top tips for avoiding a breakdown
Five brake problems you shouldn't ignore
