11 June 2024 , 15:16
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Motorists gearing up for summer road trips have been issued a stark warning by The AA about the common causes of car breakdowns and how to prevent them.
As the warmer months beckon, many are planning getaways or visits to loved ones across the UK. But before hitting the road, The AA urges drivers to ensure their vehicle's engine parts are in tip-top shape, highlighting that a simple check of the timing belt can avert major mishaps.
An AA spokesperson cautioned: "Timing belts (or chains) are critical components in an engine, and a failure can cause catastrophic damage. Regular servicing, including timely replacement based on manufacturer recommendations, can prevent these issues." Often known as the cambelt, these timing belts play a crucial role in numerous popular engines, maintaining the precise timing between the crankshaft and camshaft.
Typically, vehicles require a timing belt change every 10 years or after 60,000 miles, with the service costing around £350. Neglecting this can lead to the belt turning brittle and breaking, resulting in significant damage to vital engine parts like cylinders and valves, reports the Express.
Additionally, The AA flagged that flat or faulty batteries are another frequent culprit for breakdowns during extended trips, with over 630,000 drivers stranded by this issue alone in 2023. Battery issues are often caused by drivers who primarily use their vehicle for short journeys, resulting in ineffective charging.
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However, if the car is showing other unusual signs, such as dimmed headlights, it could indicate a problem with the alternator, which is responsible for charging the battery. The AA has advised drivers to always keep their car keys in a sensible location when embarking on long journeys to avoid being locked out of their vehicle.
Despite many drivers believing they'll never misplace their keys, vehicle supply professional OSV discovered that 47 per cent of drivers regularly lose their keys. As a general rule, it's wise to have a spare set of car keys at home. These can be used until the primary key is located and can be crucial if a new key needs to be cut.