Practicing preventative maintenance and safe driving can keep a vehicle in optimal condition for many years. However, even trucks or cars that are well cared for can sometimes experience breakdowns. Fortunately, a towing service can come to the rescue if you experience a malfunction and get you back on the road in no time. To help you care for your vehicle and avoid trouble, here’s a guide to a few common auto issues and how to prevent them. 

Auto Components That Cause Breakdowns

1. Battery

If your vehicle refuses to start, a dead battery may be to blame. Even new, high-quality units can die if they’re used while the engine is off. This often happens when drivers leave their lights or radios on overnight. Batteries should also be replaced every four years or according to the truck’s manual.

2. Fuel

One of the most common reasons vehicles require towing is lack of gas. This can easily be avoided by ensuring your tank is always at least half full, which can also benefit the engine. You might also keep a spare canister of fuel in your car or truck to have an emergency supply. 

3. Tires

A tire blowout can be caused by wear and tear that thins the material, or driving over a sharp object or pothole that creates a puncture. Replacing tires every 50,000 miles and checking the pressure each month can reduce your risk of a breakdown. Make sure your truck always has a spare tire so you can fix an issue if you’re in a pinch. 

4. Alternator 

The alternator is responsible for charging the battery as you drive. If it is faulty, electrical components like the lights, windshield wipers, and sound system won’t work. More importantly, the battery won’t be charged when you start the truck, so it won’t turn on. If the lights appear dim or the windshield wipers are moving slowly, have the alternator inspected to avoid a breakdown. 

5. Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are small but crucial components that ignite the fuel to power the engine. When they malfunction, you may have trouble starting and accelerating or notice engine misfires. Spark plugs typically should be replaced every 20,000 to 40,000 miles to prevent issues. 

C.L. Chase 24 Hour Towing & Recovery in Juneau County, WI, is the community’s go-to service for reliable towing, truck repairs, and emergency recovery. Whether you drive a car, semi-truck, or big rig, turn to them for all your maintenance needs. They also offer 24-hour roadside assistance to help you when you need it most. Visit their website to learn more about what they do or call (608) 427-6734 for towing.