Top 10 reasons for a car breakdown

• 1. Flat or faulty battery – 30%

  You could eventually drain the battery by driving a lot of short journeys with a fair amount of stopping and starting. To avoid getting a flat battery, take the car for a decent long run in the daylight – preferably without using lights, wipers and heating. The longer drive will allow the battery to recharge.

• 2. Lost keys – 10%

  Your car keys will likely have a microchip designed to help prevent the car from being stolen. Keep two sets of car keys and leave one in a different place. You’ll need to visit an authorised dealer if you lose your keys.

• 3. Flat tyre or damaged wheel – 5%

  Don’t forget to check your tyre pressures and look for any damage to the tyre’s walls. Checking regularly may prevent a puncture.

• 4. Distributor cap – 3%

  The distributor cap covers the distributor that routes high voltage to the spark plugs. If the cap is damaged, then in damp conditions, it may have a short circuit, stopping the spark from reaching the spark plug.

• 5. Alternator faults – 3%

  The alternator recharges the battery using the engine’s power and provides power to the car’s electrical components. The alternator could become faulty or have a bad connection.

• 6. Fuel issues – 3%

  Running out of petrol is avoidable, as is putting the wrong fuel in the car. Don’t start the engine if the incorrect fuel goes into the tank! The error need not escalate to pandemic engine damage.

• 7. Clutch cables – 3%

  The clutch cable operates each time you change gear. Eventually, the cable will fail.

• 8. Spark plugs – 3%

  Spark plugs produce an electrical spark that ignites the fuel and air in the engine, causing the pistons to move up and down. They wear out and need changing when your car has regular servicing.

• 9. HT (high tension) leads – 3%

  HT leads carry the spark from the ignition system to the spark plugs; they will eventually wear out and fail without warning.

• 10. Starter motor – 3%

  The starter motor uses electricity from the battery to turn and start the engine when the car ignition is switched on. If it fails, the car won’t start, and you will be stranded.

Winter is the worst time for your car to break down