Whether you’re headed to work or a fun night out, car breakdowns can throw a considerable wrench in your plans. In most cases, the best choice is to pull over and call a towing service to take you to an auto repair shop. However, by knowing what scenarios are most common, you can work to prevent car breakdowns altogether. Here are the most common reasons for roadside assistance.

The Top 3 Causes of Car Breakdowns

1. Flat Tire

As you move along the highway at high speeds, your wheel come in contact with a barrage of debris—from nails and mulch to gravel and food packaging. If your tires are wearing thin, it becomes even easier for stray objects to puncture the rapidly spinning rubber. A significant wound will cause air to leak out of your tire, making it hard to drive and maneuver around obstacles safely. If you experience a flat tire, don’t keep driving—pull over and call a towing service for help.

2. Dead Battery

Your car’s battery is in charge of supplying power to the various electrical fixtures in your car—from the radio to the headlights—but it also powers the engine. These components will age and eventually die over time, but they can lose their charge faster from excessive use and overheating. If your car breaks down from a dead battery, you’ll need a jumpstart from another vehicle or a battery replacement.

3. Alternator Faults

The battery is to the engine as the alternator is to the battery—this component charges the battery so it can power the engine. If the alternator stops works, the battery will have to charge the car all on its own, and it will quickly run out of power. You might hear a squealing noise coming from under your hood or notice your headlights dim when this problem occurs. If a charging warning light appears on your dashboard, pull over before your alternator fails.

If you fall victim to any of these car breakdown scenarios, Twin Creeks Towing will be happy to help. They help drivers around Lincoln, Pell City, and Oxford, AL, when they’re stranded on the side of the road, whether they need a quick tire change or towing to a local auto repair shop. This trusted towing serving is accredited by the Better Business Bureau®, so you can rest assured you’ll be in good hands when an emergency arises. For more information on their work, visit the website or call (855) 562-0663 today.